About the role#
The Primate Canyon internship offers college students and recent graduates hands-on experience in animal husbandry. You will work directly with staff to care for species including gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, lemurs, and otters. This program provides pre-professional training through daily animal care tasks and project work.
What you'll do#
- Assist staff with diet preparation, exhibit cleaning, and maintenance.
- Participate in animal training, enrichment activities, and record keeping.
- Observe animal behavior and complete a special research or observation project.
- Lead formal and informal presentations to engage zoo guests.
- Support the production of special events, animal celebrations, and awareness days.
- Keep work areas and resources organized.
What you'll need#
- Current college student or recent graduate with an interest in biology, zoology, environmental science, education, or zoo management.
- Ability to work 24-40 hours per week for a 10-12 week term.
- Capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to follow instructions.
- Enthusiasm for interacting with zoo guests of all ages.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Completion of college coursework in biology, animal behavior, or related fields.
- Successful completion of a background check and TB test.
Location & details#
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
- Terms available: Winter 2026, Summer 2026, and Fall 2026.
- Modality: On-site.
- Note: This is an unpaid internship.
About Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is a nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1906, it operates as an entertainment provider with a focus on research, conservation, and animal welfare. The facility hosts over a million visitors annually and maintains a staff of 267 employees. Its work includes partnerships dedicated to the protection of endangered species such as Sumatran tigers and African elephants.
How to get in at Memphis Zoo
Securing an internship at the Memphis Zoo requires a proactive approach to the application process. 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 timing is critical for competitive roles where volume is high. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Connecting with the right person often provides the clarity needed to tailor your application effectively.
