Aviculture Intern - Fall 2026

Location: Bronx Zoo, Department of Ornithology

Duration: Fall 2026 (September–December; approximately 12 weeks)

Schedule: 2–3 days per week (at least one weekend day)

Stipend: $800–$1,200 total (paid as one lump sum upon completion, less applicable taxes)

About the Role

The Bronx Zoo’s Ornithology Department is seeking an intern with a desire to learn aviculture and the care of a variety of birds within the zoo’s avian collection. Interns will gain hands-on experience with the professional and technical skills involved in daily animal care—primarily birds, with some exposure to mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Learning directly under Ornithology Department keepers, interns will be introduced to a comprehensive range of zoo operations, including animal husbandry, diet and nutrition, exhibit maintenance, animal transfers, and record keeping. Interns will report to a supervisor or manager, with opportunities to shadow and learn from Senior Keepers and Wild Animal Keepers in their assigned section. By the end of the internship, each intern will complete a research project or written paper exploring an aspect of aviculture of their choosing.

Learning Outcomes

• Learn the daily aviculture routines, including how to prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the collection.
• Learn how to observe animal health and behavior on a daily basis.
• Learn how to maintain accurate records—including health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning, and visitor engagement data—using tools such as ZIMS, internal ID cards, incubation and natal records, and daily reports.
• Learn how zoos monitor and interpret animal behavior, and how training and enrichment programs are used in avian areas.
• Learn best practices for visitor engagement and public speaking during animal enrichment demonstrations, including how to interact professionally and courteously with the public and Bronx Zoo staff.
• Collaborate with an assigned avian staff member to identify and develop a personal project, which you'll work on over the course of your internship.

Requirements

• Current college student enrolled in a degree-granting program.
• Ability to access animal areas and perform physical tasks, including bending, climbing, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain a set schedule that may include weekends and holidays.
• Desire to learn the care, basic medical procedures, feeding, behaviors, training, and handling of zoo and domestic animals, with an emphasis on avian taxa.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including routine procedures for the care and maintenance of animals, displays, grounds, and safety/emergency procedures.
• Ability to provide quality customer service to both internal and external customers and engage with the public and fellow interns, staff, and volunteers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in the recognition, evaluation, and reporting of abnormal behavior, attitude, or appearance of collection or native animals.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, including working in a team environment or on an individual basis.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Pay

Stipend: $800–$1,200 total (paid as one lump sum upon completion, less applicable taxes).