Internship Opportunities

Most interns do not directly interact with animals. Internships that involve fieldwork, such as the Nature Boardwalk internship, have direct contact with wildlife found outside the zoo, such as turtles, snakes, amphibians, and black-crowned night herons. ZooMonitor and animal behavior and enrichment interns are involved with monitoring animal behavior, which sometimes allows them closer, but not direct, access to animals in their habitats. However, interns experience special opportunities to learn more about career paths associated with animal care, like behind-the-scenes tours and presentations from zoo professionals.

Yes, we encourage students to seek school credit for their internship. All Lincoln Park Zoo internships are eligible for school credit; however, students must check with their school program to see if their internship would qualify at their school.

Zoo orientation is a day-long program that all volunteers, interns, and staff members attend. It is typically held on Mondays, but a handful are offered on Saturdays during the spring.

Most interns wear business casual clothing, but interns working in the field or alongside keeper staff will wear the zoo uniform, which is a green polo and khaki pants.

All interns receive free parking in the zoo’s Cannon Drive parking lot throughout the course of their internship.