Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned institution that offers a variety of internship opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the field of animal care and conservation. Whether you’re passionate about education, herpetology, aquatics, or animal behavior, Brookfield Zoo has an internship program that can provide you with valuable hands-on experience and the chance to make a real impact.

Education Curatorial Internship: Inspiring the Next Generation

The Education Curatorial Internship at Brookfield Zoo is a 12-week, part-time program that focuses on informal S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education. As an intern, you’ll have the opportunity to catalog and maintain the departmental collection of biological artifacts, develop and deliver inclusive, experiential learning opportunities utilizing these artifacts, and complete an independent project based on your strengths and interests.

To be eligible for this internship, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, and you should be currently enrolled in or have recently completed a collegiate program in communication, education, biology, liberal arts, library science, museum studies, or another relevant field. Fluency in English and strong interpersonal skills are required, and multilingual ability, particularly in Spanish, is preferred.

Herpetology & Aquatics Internship: Caring for Reptiles, Amphibians, and Aquatic Life

The Herpetology & Aquatics Internship at Brookfield Zoo focuses on animal care and training for fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. As an intern, you’ll assist in diet preparation, exhibit maintenance and design, record-keeping, animal training, life support maintenance and design, and animal observations. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a short research project relating to animal husbandry.

While the duration of this internship is not specified, the requirements include a genuine interest in the field and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Animal Behavior Internship: Exploring the Fascinating World of Animal Behavior

The Animal Behavior Internship at Brookfield Zoo is a 6-month, part-time program that provides hands-on experience working with animal behavior projects on a variety of species. As an intern, you’ll work with the Animal Care and Welfare research team, learning the techniques necessary to conduct behavioral research, collecting behavioral data, and assisting in all aspects of planning, executing, and analyzing behavioral research data. You’ll also complete an independent project focusing on animal welfare.

To be eligible for this internship, you’ll need a background in research, education, biology, zoology, data analysis, or data collecting, as well as a genuine interest in science, math, animals, and data analysis.

Application Process and Deadlines

Brookfield Zoo’s internship programs have several application deadlines throughout the year:

• October 1
• February 1
• July 1

The interview process takes place during the following periods:

• October 15-31
• February 18-28
• March 1-31
• June 8-30
• July 15-31

Approximate start dates for the internships are:

• Mid-January
• Late May
• Early September
• Late September/Early October

To apply, you’ll need to submit the following materials:

1. Online Application Form
2. Professional Cover Letter
3. Resume
4. Two Professional Letters of Recommendation
5. Unofficial College Transcript(s)

Additionally, selected interns will be required to undergo a background check and provide proof of current tetanus (TDAP) vaccination and any other necessary inoculations or tests.

Conclusion

Brookfield Zoo’s internship programs offer a unique opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing a career in animal care and conservation. Whether you’re passionate about education, herpetology, aquatics, or animal behavior, these internships provide hands-on experience, the chance to work with a dedicated team of professionals, and the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of the animals in their care.

If you’re interested in applying for a Brookfield Zoo internship, be sure to review the specific requirements and deadlines for each program, and submit your application materials in a timely manner. With the right combination of passion, dedication, and relevant experience, you could be on your way to an exciting and rewarding career in the field of animal care and conservation.

Reference:
– Brookfield Zoo Internships