The goal of the Cameron Park Zoo internship experience is to support Zoo Departments and provide pre-professional, experiential learning opportunities for individuals who volunteer their time working towards the Zoo’s mission: We exist to support wildlife and wild places by connecting people to nature and inspiring change.

Internship Departments

• Animal Care Departments: You would assist in the care, enrichment, and public programs these departments manage
  • Mammals: Cameron Park Zoo’s mammal department oversees the animal husbandry and enrichment planning for the larger mammals you see around the zoo including elephant, rhinos, large cats, bears, hoofstock collection, otters, and primates.
  • Birds and Small Mammals: Join our keepers in helping to care for the 200 birds and small mammals in our collection while learning valuable skills in animal husbandry, capture and restraint, animal nutrition, training and more!
  • Reptile and Amphibians: In this department you will work closely with our reptile team to learn about the needs and care of our reptile collection through diet preparation and habitat maintenance.
  • Aquatics: In the Aquatics department you will be an integral part of our small team responsible for the care of over 200 fish species and aquatic invertebrates. Interns will work with keepers to gain firsthand experience on all aspects of animal husbandry and general exhibit maintenance as well as having the opportunity to complete an individual intern project. Some examples of the work performed and skills you will learn include learning how to perform a water change on both freshwater and saltwater habitats, implementing enrichment, diet preparation, training using positive reinforcement, water quality, and more! Interns who are SCUBA certified will have the opportunity to dive our exhibits and learn underwater exhibit maintenance
• Education: You will help with education programs on and off site as well as help care for the zoo’s animal ambassador collection

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older at time of internship
• Completed application: Applications are closed for this season
• Submission of resume with cover letter 
• Letter of reference from a professor or an advisor
• Interview with Manager of department your are wishing to intern with
• Dependable transportation
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Must be able to work in outdoor conditions heat or cold
• Minimum of 240 hours (20+ hours per week, one 8-hour day per week)
• If you are selected for an internship it is contingent on passing a background check and negative TB test
• Additional questions, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at MichelleL@cameronparkzoo.com or call 254-750-7049

Spring Internships 

• Applications will be accepted October 1st-November 15th
• Interviews will be scheduled during November
• Selected interns will begin 2nd week of January

Summer Internships 

• Applications will be accepted March 5th- April 5th
• Interviews will be scheduled during April
• Selected interns will begin end of May beginning of June

Fall Internships 

• Applications will be accepted July 1st- August 15th
• Interviews will be scheduled during August
• Selected interns will begin 2nd week of September

Intern Application

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this a paid position?

All of our internship opportunities are unpaid.

Does the zoo provide housing? 

No, the zoo does not provide housing but can direct you with some resources on short term leasing options: https://www.apartments.com/waco-tx/short-term/