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.
Applications close on July 31st
Internships Offered
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.
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.
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. Maryland Zoo is also a major tourist destination and welcomes over 460,000 guests annually. Our Guest Services department plays a main role in providing the positive, informative human interactions that enhance every guest’s experience, from entree at the Main Gate to riding the shuttle into the heart of the zoo, it is the Guest Services Agent that will be 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 the following: guest relations, front gate management, problem solving, staff hiring, training, scheduling, and payroll. 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. Internships are unpaid, and there is no reimbursement for transportation or housing.
Mary Wilson Scholar Program
Mary Jeanette Wilson (1937–2020) was the first Black senior zookeeper at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. 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. To honor her legacy, the Zoo created the Mary Wilson Scholar Program, an 8-week paid summer internship awarded annually to a local college student who is a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), has a passion for animals, and an interest in zoo keeping. The Zoo welcomed the first Mary Wilson Scholar in 2022.
Applications for the Mary Wilson Scholar Program have closed for 2025.
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.