2026 Fall Animal Caretaker Intern - Carnivores - OKC Zoo

Internship Summary

This internship is designed to be an entry point for someone who is seeking a career working with animals. Interns will receive hands-on training to aid in the development of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required of entry-level Animal Caretakers in zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by working alongside Carnivore Team staff to support the wellbeing and care of the Zoo’s carnivore collection and their environments through habitat maintenance, enrichment, operant conditioning training and wellbeing monitoring.

This position will interact with the public to support operations and guest experiences and to perform a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff and the public.

Development Outcomes

• Develop an understanding of Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Policies and Carnivore Area Policies and Procedures.
• Be familiar with commonly accessed areas within the carnivore area.
• Develop an understanding of internship objectives and expectations.
• Work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection including wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.
• Prepare taxa specific diets.
• Develop an understanding of the natural behaviors and life histories of assigned taxa by researching species, completing observations and discussing behavior(s) with carnivore staff.
• Develop an understanding of the responsibilities of an Animal Caretaker-Carnivore staff member.
• Learn the basics of guest interaction in a zoo or aquarium setting including how to convey educational information and effectively communicate conservation efforts.
• Learn how to prepare and maintain animal records and reports through commonly used computer programs.
• Safely and effectively operate motor vehicles.
• Actively participate in daily animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: animal care, animal wellbeing, behavior observations and operant conditioning training.
• Learn basic construction, building and grounds maintenance tasks and repair work common in the carnivore area.
• Operate hand tools, power tools and yard work equipment to maintain animal habitats.
• Connect people with our world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action.
• Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
• Observe veterinary medical behaviors and procedures.
• Learn to work effectively in a team environment, including with volunteers, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, professional colleagues and the public.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Work in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities.
• Collaborate with other Zoo departments.
• Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
• Develop an understanding of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Taxon Advisory Groups, Species Survival Programs and AZA Breeding and Transfer Plans.
• Develop an understanding of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and AZA Accreditation Standards.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Commitment of 20 hours weekly, for the duration of the internship, by working a flexible schedule that may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
• Current college or graduate student pursuing an applicable degree, recent graduate of an applicable degree, or relevant education with interest in transitioning into an applicable career.
• Have the ability to work well in a busy and fast-paced environment.
• Provide own housing and transportation.