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 March 30th
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.
Graphic Design interns will participate in the development, design and production of print and digital materials such as event materials, signage, newsletters, and brochures. Interns will gain insight into the field of graphic design through training, shadowing and hands-on experiences.
Our Horticulture Department works daily to keep invasive species at bay on our 160-acre campus, and to maintain the beauty, health, and authenticity of our exhibits and public areas. Interns will gain insight into the operations of horticulture and zoological landscaping through training, shadowing and hands-on experiences. Interns will participate in a plant record keeping, using an established gps/tagging system.
The Visitor Studies Intern will learn how to collect qualitative and quantitative data that could be used to inform the development and modification of Zoo interpretivist, programs, and experiences. This opportunity will provide insight into how social science research and evaluation can be applied in a zoo context to maximize positive impact on the guest experience and, ultimately, on conservation outcomes.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers give their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help us accomplish the important work of conserving wildlife and wild places. Volunteers can be found throughout the Zoo assisting our amazing visitors and staff. All opportunities in our volunteer department are guest interfacing and will center around providing our guests with an amazing guest experience through directional support, educational opportunities, and just having great interactions. We take pride in the education and interpretation program, giving every guest the chance to ask questions and learn about animals and conservation. Our volunteer department here at the Maryland Zoo is comprised of adults, teens, interns, externs, groups and event volunteers who are all committed to the mission.
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.