Little Rock Zoo
Application Closing Date: 3/2/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Objective & Safety/Security Sensitive Designation
The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2026 summer internships. The Zoo is seeking dependable, hardworking college students interested in the fields of animal care, education, horticulture, or research. Interns will gain valuable experience with zoological careers by training alongside professional zoo educators, scientists, and husbandry staff.
Interns will receive a stipend with housing options sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Selected interns will be given the option of a $3,000 stipend without housing OR a $1,000 stipend including UALR dorm housing. Transportation is the responsibility of the intern.
The 2026 summer internship term will begin with orientation on Friday, May 29th, 2026, continuing through the end of July. End dates may be no earlier than July 24th and no later than July 30th without approval.
Essential Functions
Little Rock Zoo animal care interns work alongside the zoo’s animal keepers learning the ins and outs of animal husbandry in a zoological setting. Tasks may include but are not limited to feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and public speaking. These duties include some strenuous activity so candidates should be in good health, capable of lifting up-to 50lbs, and able to apply safe working practices. Suitable candidates must be positive and patient with well-developed observational skills and work ethic. Weekly schedules may vary so interns must be flexible; any possible conflicts must be mentioned prior to the acceptance of the position. Interns will also have the opportunity to learn about zoo management and animal wellness topics through lectures and activities offered throughout the summer.
Ambassador Animal Care Internship – Species in the Ambassador Animal area include African penguin, bald eagle, spur-thigh tortoise, opossum and a large variety of other small mammals, birds of prey, and reptiles. Additionally, interns may participate in the Zoo’s onsite educational programs, off-site programming, and media appearances.
Carnivore Internship – Carnivore interns will shadow carnivore keepers learning the husbandry of a wide variety of carnivores with an emphasis on safety. Species in this internship: big and small cats, sloth bears, otters, canids, and misc small mammals.
Herpetology Internship – Interns in this department will learn about the husbandry and care of a large variety of reptiles and amphibians, and will assist with daily care, conservation-based programs, and educational opportunities for our visitors. Species include American alligator, Komodo dragon, large tortoises, and a variety of venomous and nonvenomous snakes, turtles, frogs, fish, and invertebrates. Interns will learn about safe handling techniques for all species; however, interns will not be directly handling venomous animals.
Hoofstock and Birds Internship – Hoofstock and Birds interns will learn the daily routines and care practices for wide range of species including domestic farm animals, tropical birds, and small and large hoofstock. These Interns will be exposed to the Asian elephant program and daily routine, however direct experience with the elephants will be limited. Species in this internship also include black rhino, plains zebra, giant anteater, red river hogs, lorikeet, ostrich, plus a variety of free flight tropical birds, domestic farm animals, and more.
Primates Internship – Primate interns will learn the husbandry practices specific to primates though shadowing primate and great ape keepers and assisting with their daily routines. Species in this internship include great apes, lesser apes, and various species of monkey and prosimians.
Minimum Qualifications, Additional Requirements and Supervisory Responsibilities
College student or recent graduate majoring in education, conservation, biology, or other related field.
- Must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters at the start of the internship
- Student in good standing, GPA 2.5 or higher
- Capable of lifting 50 las
- Recent physical and negative TB test (dated within 6 months of start date). Documentation of a negative TB test must be provided at or before orientation.
- Available to work weekends and holidays
- Able to work 36-40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks beginning the week of June 2nd (minimum 280 hours completed).
- Acceptance into the program is contingent on passing a background check
- Available to attend Intern orientation on May 29th – Orientation is Mandatory
- Covid-19 vaccination is recommended; masks may be required when working with susceptible species.
Application Requirements
- Online applications only. All of the below documents are required when you submit the application.
- Resume (required at time of application)
- Letter of interest (i.e. cover letter) including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations and time off requirements)
- School transcript (may be unofficial) (required at time of application)
- Names and email addresses of 2 references (required at time of application)
To Apply:
Click URL Link in header to apply.
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