Animal Care Internship Elephant/Rhino Fall 2026

Animal Care Internship-Elephant/Rhino Fall 2026 Internship Period: August 25, 2026-November 27, 2026 Deadline to Apply: SPOTS ARE LIMITED-Apply today to join our Summer 2026 Elephant/Rhino Team Internship and Launch your future in wildlife care. Step into the Wild Side of Conservation! Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside African Elephants, White Rhinos and more? The Elephant/Rhino Internship at ZooTampa offers hands on experience in large mammal care, behavioral training, and real-time conservation education. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with professional animal care staff, gaining behind-the-scenes insight while building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management. From collecting behavioral data to creating enrichment and engaging with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced mission-driven environment. If passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you! Please note: If you are seeking an Animal Care internship, do NOT apply for more than two internships per term; applying to more than two will result in disqualification. Description: ZooTampa at Lowry Park is currently seeking enthusiastic and motivated individuals interested in learning about the Animal Care field. The Elephant/Rhino Internship at ZooTampa is designed for college students or recent college graduates who are interested in a career in large mammal management and operant conditioning based animal training. Our interns work side-by-side with experienced animal care staff every day in order to create enrichment, educate zoo guests on conservation efforts & observe husbandry training for the African Elephants & Southern White Rhinos. While this internship focuses on Elephants & Rhinos, interns will have the ability to work around & care for the other animals in the Africa Department; including African Painted Dogs, Okapi, Bongo, Red River Hog, Giraffe, Pygmy Hippo plus other Hoofstock & Avian species. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship. Internship functions include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in diet preparation, feeding, exhibit maintenance, cleaning, record keeping, and other area responsibilities.
• Assist animal care staff in implementing enrichment for various species.
• Participate in trainer lecture series given by the animal care staff.
• Participate in behavioral observations and data collection/entry (as required).
• Develop fundamental understanding of operant conditioning.
• Assist animal care staff in training sessions

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.
• Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
• Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.
• Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
• Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
• Must be able to multi-task.
• Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
• Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
• Must be 18 years of age.

Required Availability:

• Must be able to commit to a 14 week internship.
• Must be able to commit to a schedule of 40 hours per week.
• Schedule is ten hour days (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with one weekend day of availability required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Must have physical endurance for long, high volume days and be able to stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and move heavy objects.

Additional Requirements: If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on:

• Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
• All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
• Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25, but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
• Contingent upon receipt of documentation of negative TB test within the last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years.
• Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers compensation program).

Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume in order to be considered for a position. Benefits: Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements. Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts. Who is eligible? High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume in order to be considered for a position. International Internship Eligibility Requirements: Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position. Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered. Please Note: Interns must make their own housing accommodations and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship. Please visit for more information.