The Blank Park Zoo internship program offers a variety of internships in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Internships are open to motivated candidates who are 18 or older, currently enrolled in college, and receiving credit for the internship, and are considering a career in the Zoo field. Internships are unpaid; housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern.
2026 Intern dates are as follows:
Spring: February 20 - May 1
Summer: May 19 – July 31
Fall: August 28 - November 6
Intern application deadlines:
Spring: November 1
Summer: February 1
Fall: June 15
To apply, please send in the following information: Intern Application, Resume, and Cover Letter. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.
Intern applications can be sent to: Christine Eckles, Chief Engagement Officer, 7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315 or email: cneckles@blankparkzoo.net
Animal Care Internship
Internships are available to college students looking to gain knowledge and experience in the animal care field. The following teams accept interns: Ambassador, Aquatics, Avian/Reptiles, Carnivore/Pinniped, Large Mammals/Hoof-stock, and Small Mammals. Please see area descriptions for more information.
Summer interns must be available a minimum 32 hours per week, between the hours of 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
Spring and Fall interns must be available a minimum of 16 hours per week, between the hours of 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., including weekend and holidays.
Animal Care Intern Learning Objectives:
- Animal observation and record keeping
- Daily cleaning and disinfection protocols
- Exhibit maintenance
- Gain an understanding of AZA, USDA guidelines in animal care
- Guest interactions & keeper chats
- Introduction to behavioral enrichment and training
- Introduction to animal restraint and handling
- Learn to work independently as well as with a team
- Proper diet preparation
- Select and execute a project with the help of animal care staff, presented at the completion of the internship.
- Will work alongside adult and teen volunteers
- Veterinary procedure observations
Requirements:
- 18 years or older, currently enrolled in college and receiving college credit for the internship.
- On the first day of orientation interns must provide proof from their university that the internship will be for college credit. A letter from a college advisor is acceptable.
- Preference is given to those who are in the zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or related field
- Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
- Test negative for TB, test will need to be completed by the intern done and paperwork turned in by the first day.
- Successfully complete a background check
- Capable of lifting 50 lbs.
- Willing and able to work in all weather conditions
Additional Information about Animal Care Areas
Ambassador Animals
Successful candidates will gain experience with basic husbandry, enrichment, and project planning for a variety of species. Interns will work with keepers to care for a variety of both wild and domestic animals including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. Interns will observe animal training as well as assist with on-site guest engagement programs including birthday parties and animal meet and greets. Interns will have the opportunity to observe veterinary procedures and exams with the ambassador animals as they arise and learn about each animals healthy history and quality of life at the zoo.
Aquatics
Candidates must have interest in marine and freshwater aquarium animals. Species in the area include a variety of Indo-Pacific and Atlantic tropical reef fishes and invertebrates, Amazonian fish, reptiles and amphibians, African cichlids, Pacific cold-water fish and invertebrates, and North American pond turtles. Interns will be expected to learn proper diet preparation practices, water quality standards, general maintenance of aquarium exhibits, and life support systems. Interns, who have SCUBA certification who have passed a doctor’s physical assessment may be asked to aid in diving to clean exhibits. Coursework in aquatic ecology, ichthyology, fish, amphibian, or aquatic reptile disease and medicine, and general animal behavior or previous experience working with the listed species is highly desirable.
Avian & Reptiles
We are looking for motivated candidates that are interested in birds to work around a wide variety of species and exhibits. Interns will gain experience in daily husbandry, exhibit upkeep, observations, enrichment and training for a diverse group of birds. This includes 30+ species of birds and 3 species of reptiles. Please note penguins are not a part of the bird team. Interns must be able to work independently, as well as a part of a team and enjoy working with a variety of animals.
Carnivore/Pinniped
Successful candidates will gain husbandry experience working around Magellan penguin, Black and White ruffed lemur, gibbon, pacific harbor seal, and California sea lions. Interns must be able to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions. Successful candidates will have responsibilities that may include basic husbandry, outdoor yard and pool maintenance, diet preparation, enrichment, and project planning. Interns work alongside mentor trainers to observe animal training sessions with pinnipeds, primates, Amur tiger and African lion. Interns are trained in public speaking and gain experience with public demonstrations and keeper chats including narrating to large audiences over a microphone during the summer season. Interns will research, learn and communicate accurate information about the animals to guests. Access into the cat complex is limited.
Large Mammals
Successful candidates will gain experience with all aspects of exotic ungulate husbandry, including diet, enrichment, exhibit maintenance, and assisting with training. Interns work alongside keepers and may also work around neonates and observe animal procedures, handling, and transports. Species in this section: reticulated giraffe, black rhino, okapi, yellow- backed duiker, addax, red river hogs, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and Bactrian camels.
Small Mammals & Kids Kingdom
Interns will gain a wide variety of experience alongside keepers such as daily husbandry, observing training sessions, and expanding their knowledge about the taxa on this team. Species in this section: Bennett's wallaby, tammar wallaby, Nigerian dwarf goats, llama, common Indian peafowl, and miniature donkey. Individuals may gain the opportunity to assist with the daily care of red panda and cotton-top tamarin. If rabies vaccinated, interns may have the opportunity to work with Egyptian and Jamaican fruit bats. For safety precautions, interns will not be working with our Japanese macaques.