Internships

For those 18 yrs and older we offer two types of internship programs - College Credit and Life Experience.


College Internship

College Internship Interns receive credit from their school by participating in the three-month program and typically completing a project or other requirement as determined by their school and the Director of Animal Collections.

Applicants must complete a Zoo Volunteer Application, provide proof of liability insurance, submit a letter expressing his/her interest and a teacher/professor must provide a letter endorsing the student, verifying the internship is for class credit and detailing the information the student should be obtaining through the internship experience at the zoo.

Interns must be available a minimum of two days a week for 8 hour days. Internships generally last for three months.

For more information please call the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 120 or email volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org.

Life Experience Internship

The Life Experience Internship is for individuals interested in gaining experience in the zoo field or wanting to explore this career path. This internship is not for school credit and anyone participating must 18 years or older.  

A resume must be submitted along with a 300-word essay describing why they wish to participate in the program, what their expectations are and how they will benefit from the internship if selected for the program. Applicants need two letters of reference (from an employer or teacher, no personal references please), proof of health insurance and a completed Zoo Volunteer Application. Life Experience internships are for three months and interns must be available for a minimum of two days a week for 8 hrs a day.

For more information please call the Volunteer Office at 407.323.4450 ext. 120 or send an email to: volunteers@centralfloridazoo.org 

Internship programs run by semesters:

  • January-April

  • May-August

  • September-December

All materials must be submitted by the 15th of the month, a month and a half prior to the desired semester (i.e. November 15th for a January internship).

Additional internship opportunities at the Zoo include the Marketing Department and the Education Department.

Job Shadow Opportunities

Job Shadow information available soon for Middle and High School students.