Behavioral Research Internship - Fall 2026
Location: Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, or Prospect Park Zoo
Department: Animal
Duration & Schedule: Fall 2026 (Mid Sept -early December) Approx 8-12 weeks; 16-24 hours per week
Stipend: $545-$1200 total stipend (depending on duration and schedule) paid as one lump sum upon the completion of the position, less applicable taxes.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but must be received by August 15, 2026; The position may be filled before the deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.
Internship Summary:
This internship will provide interns with a well-rounded deep dive into conducting animal behavior and observational studies within a zoo setting. Interns will be guided in designing and carrying out a study, analyzing results, and sharing findings.
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.