About the role#
Wildlife Care Interns work under the supervision of Wildlife Care Associates, Specialists, and Supervisors. You will gain experience caring for a variety of species and engage with guests to share the mission of the organization. The program includes scheduled learning activities, Lunch and Learn lectures with subject matter experts, and specialized tours at the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park.
What you'll do#
- Provide for the general care and welfare of habitat wildlife.
- Clean and maintain habitat areas.
- Observe animal behavior and report any abnormal activity.
- Assist in feeding wildlife under supervision.
- Educate guests about the animals and our conservation mission.
- Participate in scheduled learning sessions and program evaluations.
What you'll need#
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be currently pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate degree. Students who will have finished a bachelor degree before the internship ends are not eligible.
- A strong desire to pursue a career in the zoological field.
- Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to learn proper methods for hygienic care, feeding, and handling of wildlife.
- Ability to interact with the public in a courteous and tactful manner.
- Training or experience that demonstrates the skills needed for these tasks.
- A cover letter is required for your application to be considered.
Location & details#
- This is a 10-week, full-time, paid internship.
- Dates: June 14, 2027, to August 20, 2027.
- Locations: San Diego and Escondido, California.
- Work modality: On-site.
- Sponsorship: We are not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit organization founded in 1916. Based in San Diego, California, it operates the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The organization focuses on conservation, zoology, and research to support wildlife. It employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people and maintains conservation projects across 150 countries.
How to get in at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Securing an internship at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance requires timing your application to ensure you are among the first candidates reviewed. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first, as early applicants get seen before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting materials to a role that has already been filled. You can also improve your chances by connecting with the people actually hiring for these conservation positions. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. A direct message often cuts through the noise better than a standard application.
