About the role#
The Mammal Department internship offers students a chance to work alongside Life Science staff to learn the professional duties of zookeeping. This program lasts approximately 14 weeks and requires students to earn college credit. You will work both indoors and outdoors, which involves exposure to various weather conditions and animals.
What you'll do#
- Shadow zookeepers during daily tasks like feeding, habitat maintenance, and cleaning.
- Perform behavioral observations to support animal welfare.
- Assist with habitat modifications and specific projects that benefit the animals.
- Interact with zoo guests to help provide positive experiences.
- Submit a written paper summarizing your internship experience before the program concludes.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a junior or senior at an accredited college or university.
- A letter of recommendation from a professor confirming you will receive college credit.
- Completed coursework in biology, zoology, animal behavior, or a related field.
- Proof of a negative TB test taken within the last 12 months.
- Ability to perform physical tasks like lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, and standing for long periods.
Location & details#
- Location: Detroit, Michigan.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is an unpaid internship.
- Requirements: A background check is conducted before the start date.
About Detroit Zoological Society
The Detroit Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1928. It manages the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and the Belle Isle Nature Center in Detroit. The society employs between 201 and 500 people. Its primary focus is wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
How to get in at Detroit Zoological Society
Applying early to the Detroit Zoological Society gives you a distinct advantage, as hiring managers often review the first wave of applicants before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, ensuring you can submit your materials among the first. Reaching out to the right person is often more effective than submitting an application into a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral, which often improves your response rate.
