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Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Amazonia Animal Care Internship
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) animal care internship aims to provide interns with the opportunity to gain experience in the zoo keeping field by working alongside professional animal care staff that support the care and management of a diverse collection of species. Throughout the internship, participants will gain exposure to the complex nature of our operations - integrating animal care, research, conservation science, and public education.
The Amazonia animal care internship will provide the intern with activities, which include, but are not limited to, husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, training and visitor education. Interns also complete assigned readings, as well as a core project based on their interests and the needs of the unit. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced animal care professionals and may have opportunities to present project findings or recommendations to staff.
Amazonia
A diverse collection of fish, stingray and freshwater turtles from the Amazon River Basin area as well as several species of birds (Ibis, roseate spoonbills, yellow-rumped caciques and aracaris). Amazonia also houses a dynamic collection of amphibians, corals and guinea pigs.
Learning Objectives:
Learn basic principles of zoological animal husbandry, including diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, and routine animal care.
Observe and identify animal behaviors.
Assist with the design, preparation, and evaluation of environmental enrichment that promotes species-specific behaviors and animal welfare.
Gain an understanding of basic animal training terminology and methodology.
Learn and follow animal care safety procedures, operational protocols, and institutional policies.
Develop an understanding of how animal management decisions support conservation, research, and animal welfare goals.
Participate in discussions with animal care staff about husbandry practices, enrichment strategies, and behavioral observations.
Develop communication skills by sharing observations or project outcomes with staff and, where appropriate, participate in educational or interpretive activities for visitors.
Experience Required
Qualifications: Must be at least a Junior in college and currently pursuing a degree in a life science or related field. Be available 24 hours per week, including weekend and holidays. Have strong communication skills (written and verbal) Be able to work in a team environment with staff, other interns and a variety of volunteers. Be willing to work indoors, outdoors and in all weather conditions. Must be in good physical condition, able to stand, stoop, climb, and lift at least 50 pounds. All interns must be fingerprinted and pass a background check Have a negative TB test Preference will be given to candidates with direct animal experience and a desire to work in the zookeeping profession.
Further Comments
Stipend: This is a paid, part-time internship ($350/week for 16 weeks). Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. Location: Washington, DC Housing: The intern will make their own housing arrangements in the Washington, DC area. Parking: The Smithsonian''s National Zoo does not provide free parking to interns. Public transportation is suggested. Term of appointment: Internship runs for 16 weeks between August-December 2026. Exact start and end dates to be determined upon selection. Interns must be able to devote 24 hours per week. Reasonable exceptions may be made to coordinate with university or work schedules. Please note: The deadline to apply for this fall internship is Sunday, July 26, 2026. Application deadline(s): July 26, 2026
How to Apply
To apply, go to: https://solaa.si.edu. Select "Don''t have an Account? Create An Account." Complete the information to create an account.
Information that will be requested (in SOLAA) includes:
Cover sheet including name, address, phone number, email address, and which internship(s) you are applying for.
Resume or CV summarizing education (including current academic status) and employment experience.
A one-page statement of your interest in pursuing this position. The statement should mention relevant experience, career goals, your reasons for wanting this internship, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Your statement is very important during application evaluations.
Transcripts from your current and/or previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Two letters of reference, including at least one academic reference. If referrers prefer to send letters of reference directly to the intern coordinator, they may do so to the email address below. However, applicants must notify the coordinators if their references will be arriving separately, or the application may be considered incomplete.
Schedule of availability (typical schedule is 3 days per week, 7am-3pm, reasonable exceptions may be made to coordinate with job or university schedules).
Once you create your account and provide the requested information, you will be prompted to select the type of appointment you are interested in. You will select:
Type of appointment: "Internship"
Unit of interest: "National Zoological Park"
Program: "National Zoological Park Internship Program"
Project: "Rock Creek - Amazonia"
Your application is considered complete when you hit "Submit." Your SOLAA-submitted application with references must be received by the deadlines as noted above.
Smithsonian''s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: 2026333504
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