Aviculture Intern - Fall 2026
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Ornithology
Duration: Fall 2026- September- December; approximately 12 weeks
Schedule: 2-3 days per weeks (at least one weekend day)
Stipend: $800- $1200 total stipend (depending on length of internship) to be paid as one lump sum upon completion of the position, less applicable taxes.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by August 14, 2026. The position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Internship Summary:
The Bronx Zoo's Ornithology Department is seeking an intern with a desire to learn aviculture and the care of a variety of birds within the zoo's avian collection. Interns will gain hands-on experience with the professional and technical skills involved in daily animal care-primarily birds, with some exposure to mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Learning directly under Ornithology Department keepers, interns will be introduced to a comprehensive range of zoo operations, including animal husbandry, diet and nutrition, exhibit maintenance, animal transfers, and record keeping. Interns will report to a supervisor or manager, with opportunities to shadow and learn from Senior Keepers and Wild Animal Keepers in their assigned section. By the end of the internship, each intern will complete a research project or written paper exploring an aspect of aviculture of their choosing.
Learning Outcomes:
The Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895, has the clear mission to save wildlife and wild places across the globe. Our story began in the early 1900's when we successfully helped the American bison recover on the Western Plains. Today, we protect many of the world's iconic creatures here and abroad, including gorillas in the Congo, tigers in India, wolverines in the Yellowstone Rockies, and ocean giants in our world's amazing seascapes.
Since our founding, we have forged the power of our global conservation work and the management of our five parks in New York City to create the world's most comprehensive conservation organization. We currently manage about 500 conservation projects in more than 60 countries; and educate millions of visitors at our five living institutions in New York City on important issues affecting our planet. Our parks include: the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and Queens Zoo.