Join us for a semester as an intern!
The Maryland Zoo is committed to developing the next generation of wildlife, hospitality, and business professionals. Internships give students the opportunity to gain college credit for supervised work and learning experiences while introducing them to professional skills and responsibilities in a career field of interest.
Fall internship applications are now open. Applications will close on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 at 4:00pm. Supplemental materials must also be submitted by the deadline.
Internships Offered
Behavioral observation, animal care, and management are key components of an animal’s health and well-being. Interns will observe a variety of species across the Zoo, assist with daily care routines, and collect data that will help animal care professionals make evidence-based decisions regarding the animals’ well-being.
Animal observation, care, and management are essential to maintaining an animal’s health and well-being. Interns in this program will be assigned to one specific animal area for the entire duration of their internship, allowing them to gain in-depth experience with a particular set of species and their daily care. Interns will primarily assist keepers and animal care staff and will always work under supervision. They will help with behavioral monitoring, husbandry tasks, and enrichment activities, contributing to evidence-based decision-making regarding animal welfare.
The Maryland Zoo is committed to the people who carry out our mission of providing exceptional animal care, building empathy, and supporting the conservation of wild places. As a science-based organization, we value biodiversity and recognize that it is critical to the future of our world. To create a thriving ecosystem built on these principles, we strive to be a welcoming, diverse, considerate, and respectful place to work, visit, volunteer, and learn.
This internship is ideal for someone passionate about social impact, education, conservation, and creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
The Conservation Education Intern supports the Zoo’s mission by helping create meaningful educational experiences that inspire curiosity about wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. As a member of the Conservation Education Department, the intern will assist with engaging guests of all ages through on-grounds educational programming and outreach initiatives. Interns will gain hands-on experience in informal and formal science education through training, program delivery, activity development, and direct guest engagement. Interns will support the Zoo’s conservation, sustainability, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals while learning about the role of conservation education within a modern zoological institution.
This internship is ideal for individuals pursuing studies or careers in environmental science, conservation, biology, life sciences, education, communications, interpretation, sustainability, or
related fields.
Founded in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States and is internationally known for its contributions in conservation and research. The Maryland Zoo is also a major tourist and education destination that welcomes 450,000 guests annually. Our Guest Services department plays a vital role in providing positive, informative human interactions that enhance every guest experience, from first impressions at the Main Gate, to riding the shuttle into the heart of the zoo , it is the Guest Services Agents that are on hand to greet and assist our many guests. As an intern with our Guest Services department, various aspects of hospitality management will be explored, including but not limited to; guest relations, front gate management, problem solving, staffing, training, and scheduling. Interns will gain insight into the operations of Guest Services through training, observation, and shadowing experiences.
Founded in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is the third oldest zoo in the United States and is internationally known for its contributions in conservation and research. The Maryland Zoo is also a major tourist and education destination that welcomes 450,000 guests annually. Our Guest Services department plays a vital role in providing positive, informative human interactions that enhance every guest experience, from first impressions at the Main Gate, to riding the shuttle into the heart of the zoo, it is the Guest Services Agents that are on hand to greet and assist our many guests. As an intern with our Guest Services department, various aspects of hospitality management will be explored, including but not limited to; guest relations, front gate management, problem solving, staffing, training, and scheduling. Interns will gain insight into the operations of Guest Services through training, observation, and shadowing experiences.
The Maryland Zoo veterinary team is responsible for the medical care of the zoo’s animal collection. Healthy zoo animals are vital to the zoo’s mission of conservation, research, and education. Interns will gain insight into the operations of a zoo veterinary hospital through training, shadowing and hands-on experiences. This position is intended to provide veterinary technician students or recent graduates of a veterinary technology program valuable experience into the specialty of zoo and wildlife veterinary technology. Interns should have knowledge in the areas of clinical pathology, pharmacology, anesthesia, surgical preparation, nursing, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical math, and disease processes. Previous small animal clinical experience is highly recommended. Preference will be given to those who have a strong interest in becoming a veterinary technician in the field of zoological medicine. Hands-on experience during the internship will be based on the student’s current school semester, classes completed, professionalism and demeanor during the internship, and clinical experience. Due to the nature of zoo veterinary medicine, hands-on experience may be more limiting than small animal internships. If the internship is needed for school credit, prior authorization from the school is required before starting the internship program. This program is not suitable for individuals in a pre-vet program, going to vet school, or wanting to be a veterinarian.
Mary Wilson Scholar Program
The Mary Wilson Scholar Program at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore honors the legacy of Mary Jeanette Wilson (1937–2020), Baltimore’s first Black woman senior zookeeper. With a career spanning 38 years, Wilson worked with many of the most charismatic species at the Zoo, specializing in gorillas, large cats, and elephants. This immersive, career-focused program provides Maryland-based college students from historically underrepresented communities with hands-on experience in animal care and management. By fostering knowledge, skills, and passion for animal care and conservation, the program aims to inspire the next generation of diverse leaders in the field. The Zoo welcomed the first Mary Wilson Scholar in 2022.
Applications for the Mary Wilson Scholar Program have closed.
The Mary Wilson Scholar Program is generously supported by T. Rowe Price
Please note: Most internships are unpaid, and there is no reimbursement for transportation or housing.
For questions about internships, please contact the Volunteer Department at 443-552-5266 or internships@marylandzoo.