Red River Zoo:

Red River Zoo Animal Keeper Internship Program

Under supervision and direction of the Red River Zoo staff, interns will learn skills and techniques necessary to provide care for the animals at the Red River Zoo. They will participate in the upkeep of exhibits/ enclosures, as well as zoo grounds, and interact with the visiting public during the operating season. The following duties and responsibilities are typically associated with the internship program. However, an intern may be called upon to do addition tasks not listed.

Exhibit/ enclosure maintenance: Interns will learn the proper techniques for cleaning/disinfecting animal exhibits and holding areas. They will become proficient in the use of cleaning equipment and learn how to properly use cleaning solutions/disinfectants.

Food preparation and distribution: Interns will become familiar with the nutritional needs of the animals at the Red River Zoo and will learn proper food preparation/distribution.

Animal observation and documentation: Interns will learn about the animals’ normal behaviors and learn to recognize behaviors that deviate from the norm. They will also learn the proper documentations that are necessary when an observation is made.

Animal handling: Interns will learn proper and safe animal handling/restraint techniques used when necessary for animal transport, medical examinations, and routine husbandry procedures. They will also become familiar with capture and restraint equipment.

Recordkeeping: Interns will learn to keep complete and accurate records in prescribed formats. They will document information on daily log sheets, animal records, and will maintain an intern journal.

Interaction with the public: Interns will learn about the zoo’s operations and facilities, become familiar with the animals and staff so they are equipped to interact with guests by providing general information. In addition, interns will be conducting informational talks with the public regarding the various animals at the zoo.

Other: Interns may be asked to perform other duties deemed necessary by the mentor or supervisor. We want to provide the intern with a broad spectrum of experiences and expose them to the wide range of responsibilities a zookeeper has.

Internship assignments involve the use of tools, equipment, and interactions with live animals. Interns will be exposed to a variety of hazards (i.e. cleaning materials, knives), so it is essential they follow instructions carefully in order to carry out their responsibilities in a safe and careful manner. They must pay extra attention to their tasks in order to avoid injury to themselves, employees, visitors, and the animals. Interns must be able to take directions and pay careful attention to procedures and established protocols. Interns are expected to complete their assigned tasks promptly. They must be able to work well as part of a team and at times work with minimal supervision. Internships are learning experiences, therefore, interns must be able to accept constructive criticism and to adjust to the daily routine of animal husbandry. All keeper interns must have a basic, positive interest in animals’ safety and welfare, have good interpersonal skills, be able to get along with others, be neat, reliable, and professional.

Keeper internships consist of a scheduled work week to be determined by the supervisor, director, and intern. We recommend a schedule with a minimum of 3 consecutive days during each week of the internship period. Due to the 7-day-week nature of zoo operations, interns are generally expected to work part of the weekend.

Keeper Internship Requirements

Students interested in participating in the Keeper Internship Program must:
Be willing and able to commit 16 weeks to the internship program.
Be willing to commit to a minimum of three consecutive days during each week of the internship period.
Have completed at least 2 years of college at an accredited institution or have equivalent, relevant life experience.
Have an overall grade point average of “C+” (2.5 of 4.0 GPA) or higher.
Submit a properly completed application package for consideration.
Have a current Tetanus vaccination prior to beginning the internship.

Application Process

Students who are interested in applying for the internship are required to submit a fully completed application package to:

Red River Zoo
Intern Supervisor
4220 21 Ave S
Fargo, ND 58104
Phone: (701)277-9240
Fax: (701)277-9238

The application package must include all of the following materials to be considered:

A Red River Zoo Keeper Internship Program application;
A cover letter detailing the applicant’s career intentions and what he/she hopes to gain from the internship program;
A current resume detailing education and other qualifications, work history, and any other relative experience;
A copy of the applicant’s transcripts from any and all colleges/ universities attended;
Two professional letters of recommendation.

Incomplete application packages or packages which are not submitted by established deadlines will not be considered.

Application Deadlines

COMPLETED application packages must be submitted to the Intern Supervisor by the following deadlines:

Summer Internships (May - August) April 1
Fall Internships (September - December) August 1
Winter Internships (January - April) December 1

Special Notice to Applicants

Because the zookeeper internships are physically demanding positions and interns may be subjected to a variety of physical demands and environmental factors, all applicants are hereby advised of these special considerations.

Zookeeping is a physically demanding position that involves frequent bending, stretching, climbing into small places, and sometimes working in awkward positions. Tasks are occasionally strenuous, and interns must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Interns may also be required to work outdoors and must, therefore, be able to tolerate extreme weather conditions, including heat and cold, rain, snow, and humidity. Interns are also subjected to strong odors, dust, hay, and animal hair/ fur/ dander.

For the welfare of keepers and animals, a current Tetanus vaccination is required prior to beginning the internship.

In general, there is no compensation associated with the internship program. Seasonal employment is available during the operating season; interns must apply separately for such employment and are subject to a separate interview for these positions.

Housing MAY be available on a limited basis, but is not provided by the institution.