College Internship Program

College Internships at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago's internship program is one of the nation’s best, giving students the chance to work side-by-side with animal care experts and learn what it takes to support amazing species every day.

Interns can dive into everything from animal care and conservation to education, veterinary tech, environmental quality, and marketing. You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from passionate mentors, and take on a project that matches your interests. It’s a chance to build real skills, explore different career paths, and make a meaningful impact — all in a dynamic zoo environment.

Next Available Term: Fall

The summer application deadline was February 15.

The fall application window is now open.

Apply Today Prepare to Apply

Lemur

Participate in keeper chats as you work with our Animal Ambassadors

Small Mammals & Ungulates
Reptiles, Amphibians, & Invertebrates
Birds
Participate in keeper chats around the Zoo
Animal presentations which may take place at onsite events and off-site venues

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with animals from Down Under?

Work indoors and out, in diurnal and nocturnal settings with unique animals
This team cares for white-bellied pangolins
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is home to the only breeding populating of pangolins in a zoological setting

Brookfield Zoo Chicago boasts over 70 species of birds across the park.

Care for a wide variety of birds
Gain experience working among a variety of habitats and settings
Work with: songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, owls, and parrots

Join our Marine Aquatic Team!

Learn about aquatic husbandry
Experience a variety of life support systems, including maintenance, environmental quality, and exhibit design.
Saltwater and freshwater fish
Coral reefs
Reptiles, amphibians, & invertebrates

Work indoors and out with animals large and small at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Build trusting relationships to ensure safety of humans and animals alike
Large ungulates (okapi)
Small ungulates (red river hogs, duikers)
Birds (hornbills, storks)

Help us monitor and evaluate animal environments across the Zoo.

Test water and air quality
Assess UV lighting and habitat conditions
Manage data and reports
Maintain environmental quality equipment

Become a future leader in animal behavior and welfare through hands-on behavioral research.

Collect & analyze data
Help design welfare-focused research projects
Present your findings to Zoo staff

Students currently pursuing a vet tech certificate are invited to apply for placement in the Zoo's veterinary hospital.

Fox College and Joliet Junior College vet tech students may apply for spring term
All other applicants are welcome to apply for the fall term

Help our education team evaluate guest engagement, satisfaction, and more!

Conduct mixed-methods research and evaluation
Support data collection and analysis
Assist with reporting and project management

Help us maintain our biofact collection and implement them into curricula.

Collaborate with our education staff to implement programs
Designed for individuals interested in informal S.T.E.A.M education
Focus on: Instructional design, research-based practices, inclusive community engagement

Support our Government Affairs and the King Conservation Leadership Academy teams!

Assist with partnership outreach and research
Help with special guest visits and event planning
Respond to requests from elected officials and community partners
Participate in on-site and community-based outreach

Help us promote our conservation and guest experience online!

Create content for social media
Maintain the Zoo's digital voice
Engage with the audience
Learn social media management strategies

Support our marketing, public relations, special events, and outreach teams!

Hands-on experience in campaign planning, media engagement, and communication
Conduct audience research
Create and distribute press materials
Assist with planning and executing special events

Create compelling visual storytelling to elevate our brand presence

Develop content: videos, graphics, and short-form narratives
Amplify the Zoo's conservation message across online platforms
Excite and educate audiences both on-site and beyond

Create visual communications to support our mission!

Design on-brand materials
Produce artwork using graphic tools
Assist with the fabrication and maintenance of printed materials
Solve visual communication challenges

Support our mission through digital storytelling and guest engagement.

Create and update website and app content
Lean and improve SEO and accessibility standards
Support the Zoo's digital voice

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