Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship - Fall 2027
About the role
Are you interested in learning about animal behavior and wellbeing? What about designing and conducting animal observation projects? If so, our Behavioral Observation internship might be for you!
Our Behavioral Observation interns work closely with our Animal Wellbeing team, learning about developing ethograms, different sampling rules and recording techniques, and how best to apply those concepts to answer a specific question. Interns will also be trained on Scanimals, CZA’s general animal observation program. Once trained on the basics, interns will begin independently conducting small projects in their region, typically focused on activity budgets, habitat usage, conspecific or enrichment interactions. After a project is completed, interns will learn how to compile their data into a professional report to share with Animal Care staff. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, training, and a final reflection paper assigned by their mentor.
Responsibilities
- Develop ethograms and learn sampling rules and recording techniques
- Apply observation concepts to answer specific research questions
- Receive training on Scanimals, the CZA general animal observation program
- Independently conduct small projects focused on activity budgets, habitat usage, conspecific or enrichment interactions
- Compile data into professional reports for Animal Care staff