Internships and College Experiential Learning Opportunities
The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to developing people’s capacities and competencies, serving as a mentor and trainer, providing experiential learning opportunities to individuals seeking to understand, develop, and establish careers in the fields of zoology and conservation.
In fulfilling this role, the Society has a long-standing Internship Program that has been recognized as one of the top programs for college students in the country. The program, established in 1975, was one of the first in the nation to allow students pursuing careers in animal care the opportunity to work side by side with professional zookeepers, learning the skills and techniques necessary to manage exotic zoo animals. Since that time, the Internship Program, now called the College Experiential Learning Opportunities (or C.E.L.O.) program, has evolved to include internships and research opportunities in a variety of areas and fields.
To date, over 900 participants have successfully completed internships, and many have moved on to successful careers involving animal care, conservation, and other fields. Zookeeper internships are available in a variety of animal areas: Seven Seas, Australia House, The Fragile Kingdom, Children’s Zoo, Veterinary Services, The Living Coast, Habitat Africa!, the Bird Department, Tropic World, The Swamp, and Zoo Nutrition Services. Zookeeper interns must commit to a 12 week term, 40 hours per week.
Zookeeper interns are involved in all aspects of captive animal management, including exhibit and enclosure maintenance, diet preparation and distribution, animal observation and documentation, animal handling, recordkeeping, and informal educational interactions with the visiting public. Zookeeping is a physically demanding profession, subjecting interns to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors. Zookeeper interns may be required to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, including heat and cold, rain, snow, and humidity.
Other college experiential learning opportunities are available in a variety of
non-animal areas including: Marketing and Special Events, Education, Design/Graphic Arts, Public Relations, Development, Horticulture, Water Quality Lab, and Conservation Biology.
C.E.L.O. program applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Completion of 2 years of college
- Overall grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)
- Be willing to commit to a 12 week term (5 days/week, 40 hours per week)
- Have a sincere interest in the particular field where the intern desires placement.
Submit a properly completed application packet including: a Brookfield Zoo Intern application form, a cover letter detailing the applicant’s career intentions, current resume, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation
Completed applications must be submitted by the deadlines listed below. Please note, internships and work-study opportunities may not be offered in all areas every year. Term dates may be somewhat flexible based on student’s academic calendar.If an interview is desired to further consider the applicant for an internship opportunity, the applicant will be notified by mail. Successful applicants will be notified of their selection and assignments by mail. Most internships are unpaid, however, some limited opportunities are paid. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
Tetanus Vaccine Required
For the welfare of employees and animals, proof of a current tetanus vaccination is required for zookeeping internships prior to the start of the internship assignment. In some animal areas, additional inoculations/tests may be required (measles, vaccine, TB test, etc.) at the applicant’s expense.
Click here to download information and application packet.
For further information or application materials, please contact:
C.E.L.O. Program
Chicago Zoological SocBrookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: (708) 688-8449
E-mail: interns@czs.org