High School Graduates only please. If you are still in high school, please click here for information about our High School Internship program.
Our career internship program is one of the many ways the Philadelphia Zoo demonstrates a commitment to its mission of conservation, education, science and recreation. Through our internships, we provide practical, high-quality experiences that help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Recent college graduates and career changers are encouraged to apply. Please note that all internships are unpaid and the Zoo does not provide housing.
Applications will be reviewed once all the required application materials have been received.
Veterinary medicine students seeking a clinical rotation at the Zoo should refer to the
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians for details
Have questions? Be sure to visit the
Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact the Volunteer Office at
zoointerns@phillyzoo.org or 215-243-5200.
Animal Care Internship
If you are a college student majoring in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Environmental Education or a related field or recent graduate in any of those fields and you are interested in a career working with animals, the Philadelphia Zoo can provide you with valuable hands-on experience.
Conservation Communication Internship
The Conservation Communication Internship will assist with the management of the Philadelphia Zoo’s UNLESS Campaign.
Development Internship
Support the Development Department of America’s First Zoo by contributing to the management of upper level membership programs: Friends of the Philadelphia Zoo and ADOPT.
Early Childhood Playworker Internship
This internship is designed to give early childhood education students practical experience in education, child development, program design and implementation.
Environmental Education & Animal Behavior Internship
The Environmental Education & Animal Behavior Internship is designed to provide practical experience in animal observation, education, conservation, and animal presentation.
Events Internship
As a member of the Guest Relations department, the Events intern plays an integral role in assisting with the coordination and implementation of events. This internship is only available to students seeking college credit.
First Aid Internship
Interns will serve as first responders to medical situations. You will serve under the Director of Public Safety, the Public Safety Site Supervisor, and other Public Safety Supervisors
Human Resources Programming Intern
The Human Resources Programming Intern plays an integral role in assisting with the coordination and implementation of Human Resources programming for Philadelphia Zoo employees and volunteers. Programming includes recognition events and health and wellness programming.
Marketing & Communications Internship
Support the Zoo's Marketing and Communications departments by assisting with a wide variety of responsibilities including press releases and events, promotional events, seasonal publications and more.
Online Marketing Internship
Support the Zoo's Marketing and Communications department by assisting with a wide variety of responsibilities including social media, website updates, press events, promotional events and more.
Public Education Internship
The Public Education Internship is designed to give college students practical experience in developing educational programming and events and the opportunity to gain a broad background of the Zoo community and how it operates.
Zoo Veterinary Technician Preceptorship
The Philadelphia Zoo Animal Health Department is offering a preceptor position to Senior Veterinary Technician students from accredited programs.
Application Instructions
To be considered for an internship, you will need to complete the online application which includes uploading a resume, letter of recommendation and copy of your transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable). If you cannot upload any of your documents, you can either email them to
zoointerns@phillyzoo.org or mail them to:
Philadelphia Zoo
ATTN: Human Resources – Internships
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Applications will be reviewed once all the required application materials have been received.
Please note that the Veterinary Technician Preceptorship has a separate application.
Click here for details.
Please refer to the recruitment schedule below. NOTE: Some internships, particularly in administration, have more flexible schedules than others.
This is a general guideline and is subject to change. Deadlines may be extended if positions are still available.
Animal Care, Environmental Education & Animal Behavior (EEABI), Public Programs and Early Childhood Playworker:
|
SESSION |
INTERNSHIP
BEGINS |
INTERNSHIP
ENDS |
APPLICATION
DEADLINE |
INTERVIEWS |
OFFERS SENT BY
(approximate) |
|
Spring 1 |
Mid-January |
End of March |
December 31 |
December |
December 31 |
|
Spring 2 |
End of March |
Beginning of June |
March 1 |
Mid-January to March |
March 15 |
|
Summer 1 |
Third week of May |
Second week of August |
March 1 |
Mid-January to March |
April 1 |
Summer 2
EEABI & Public Programs ONLY |
First week of June |
Second week of August |
March 1 |
Mid-January to March |
April 1 |
|
Fall |
Third week of August |
Last week of October |
July 31 |
July to August |
August 15 |
|
Winter |
Third week of October |
Mid-January |
September 30 |
September to Mid-October |
October 15 |
ADMINISTRATION (Events, Human Resources, Marketing/Communications, Development, Conservation)
|
SESSION |
INTERNSHIP
BEGINS |
INTERNSHIP
ENDS |
APPLICATION
DEADLINE |
INTERVIEWS |
OFFERS SENT BY
(approximate) |
|
Spring |
Mid-January |
Third week of May |
December 15 |
December |
December 31 |
|
Summer |
Third week of May |
Second week of August |
March 1 |
Mid-January to March |
April 1 |
|
Fall |
Third week of August |
First week of December |
July 31 |
July to August |
August 15 |
Winter
EVENTS ONLY |
Third week of October |
Mid-January |
September 30 |
September — Mid-October |
October 15 |
Please contact
zoointerns@phillyzoo.org for more details.