Naples Zoo’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to respect, value, and help conserve wildlife and our natural world. Through our internship program individuals learn through a variety of disciplines and have the chance to obtain a unique and meaningful career experience in a beautiful setting with amazing animals.
Our internships are designed to provide individuals who are currently enrolled in or recently graduated from college the opportunity to have an in-depth, hands-on experience learning and working in the zoo profession.
This internship is designed for candidates who have an interest in herpetology in a zoological setting. Interns will gain experience in the daily care and habitat maintenance of a wide variety of reptiles, along with several other species. Interns will learn husbandry routes of giant tortoises, turtles, flamingos, frogs, invertebrates, and non-venomous snakes and lizards. Interns will observe and learn animal behavior of large constrictors and alligators.
This internship is a physically demanding experience and will require intermediate levels of strength and flexibility as well as the ability to work for long periods of time on their feet. Candidates must have the ability to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, especially in rain and heat typical of South Florida. Uniform shirts will be provided to all interns upon the start of internship.
Responsibilities:
- Animal Care: Daily husbandry, exhibit maintenance, animal observations, observing animal training, diet/enrichment preparation, record keeping.
- Engagement: With proper training and approval, interns may be trained on animal handling and informal guest interaction opportunities.
- Project: All interns are required to complete an observation-based research project or other deliverable as determined by internship area.
- Research: Become familiar with Species Survival Plans (SSP) and AZA accreditation, as well as natural history, current research and conservation studies related to animals in area of internship.
- Other related duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age and completing the internship for school credit or have just graduated with a degree related to the internship.
- Must have a minimum of one year of college with a 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA
- Must have a sincere interest in the field for the desired placement.
- Ability to interact with a diverse team of animal programs staff, interns, volunteers and guests.
- Ability to follow directions of paid staff for personal safety and the safety/care of all animals.
- Ability to work a minimum of three days per week for 10 weeks. All shifts begin at
7:30 am and end at 4:30 pm. - Must be able to work irregular schedules including weekends and holidays, if applicable during placement.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds, be flexible, and work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
- Applicant must provide proof of a negative TB test (within the last year) or be willing to undergo a TB test.
- Interns will undergo a drug screen and background check prior to placement. Interns are expected to remain drug-free throughout the term of the internship. Random drug screenings may be conducted on an unannounced basis.
Wages
All Naples Zoo Internships are unpaid.
Application Process
All applicants must submit a completed application form, resume and cover letter. Application forms can be found at napleszoo.org/internship.
Application and documents should be submitted via email to volunteer@napleszoo.org or by mail to Naples Zoo Attn: Internships 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd Naples, FL 34102.
Internship Term: Mid-September – End of November
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026
Acceptance Notification: by August 5, 2026
