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.

Animal Care Internships

Animal Care Specialist internships are available with a variety of animals. Specific opportunities vary term to term based on department needs.

Animal Ambassadors

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

Australia

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

Birds

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

Fishes

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

Habitat Africa: The Forest

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)

Specialty Science Internships

Environmental Quality

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

Animal Welfare Research

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

Vet Tech

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

Education and Government Affairs Internships

Education Research and Evaluation

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

Education Curatorial

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

Community Advocacy

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

Marketing, Public Relations, and Content Internships

Social Media

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

Marketing and Public Relations

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

Multimedia Content Production

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

Graphic Design

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

Digital Content

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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