The Little Rock Zoo is now accepting applications for 2024 summer conservation education, zoological research, and animal care internships. The Zoo is seeking dependable, hardworking college students interested in the fields of animal care, education, and research. Interns will gain valuable experience with zoo research by training with professional zoo educators, scientists, and husbandry staff.
Interns will receive a stipend and housing options sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Transportation is the responsibility of the intern. The 2024 summer internship term will begin with orientation on Wednesday May 29, 2024, continuing through mid-August. End dates may be no earlier than July 23rd and no later than July 31st without approval.

This position is not designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is not subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

Zoological Research Internships - The Little Rock Zoo Research Intern will participate in on-grounds, behavioral and wellness research projects. Duties will include conducting literature reviews, creating behavioral ethograms, collecting behavior observations of animals, creating visualizations of data, running statistical analyses, and presenting results. Training will be provided. Interns will also be expected to be able to speak to the public about their work in a professional manner and at an appropriate level. Previous experience in research or animal behavior is helpful but not required.

Suitable candidates should be comfortable interacting with people and standing (or sitting) outdoors in the Arkansas heat for extended periods of time. Interns will also have the opportunity to learn about zoo management and animal welfare topics through lectures and activities offered throughout the summer.

Please note, this is not an animal care internship – while we will consider all applicants, those with an interest in research may find this internship more suitable than those focused on animal care.

Minimum Qualifications and Additional Requirements:

• College student or recent graduate majoring in biology, zoology, or other related field
• Must have completed a minimum of 4 semesters at the start of the internship
• Student in good standing, GPA 2.5 or higher
• Up-to-date vaccinations, recent physical and negative TB test (dated within 6 months of start date). Documentation will be required the first day of the internship term. Covid-19 vaccination will be required for animal care internships.
• Able to work 36-40 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks beginning the week of May 29th (minimum 280 hours completed by end date).
• Acceptance into the program is contingent on passing a background check
• Available to attend Intern orientation on May 29 – Orientation is Mandatory

• ONLY On-Line Applications Accepted. All of the below documents are required when you submit the application.
• Resume (required at time of application)
• Letter of interest (i.e. cover letter) including dates of availability (please include any prior obligations and time off requirements)
• School transcript (may be unofficial) (required at time of application)
• Names and email addresses of 2 references (required at time of application)

Deadline for summer 2024 applications is Tuesday February 27th

For questions not answered by this webpage e-mail: kneal@littlerock.gov