Animal Care Internship Manatee Rehab and Florida Wildlife Internship — Fall 2026
Internship Period: September 21, 2026-January 23, 2027
Deadline to Apply: Spots are limited -Apply today to join our Summer 2026 Manatee Internship Team and launch your future in wildlife care!
MANATEE REHAB AND FLORIDA WILDLIFE INTERNSHIP
Please note: If you are seeking an Animal Care internship, do NOT apply for more than two internships per term; applying to more than two will result in disqualification.
Description:
While working in the Florida Mammals area, the majority of time will be spent at the Manatee Critical Care Center learning all aspects of rehabilitation, behavioral observations, record keeping and husbandry of injured manatees. This program does not involve marine mammal training; it is strictly rehabilitation and release of the wild manatee. Interns must be comfortable around water and have the ability to swim. Interns will also have the opportunity to learn about our diverse species of Florida Native Wildlife while assisting keepers with daily husbandry, observing training sessions and participating in public talks. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship.
Internship functions include, but are not limited to:
- Daily care and feeding of animals in collection.
- Maintenance of animal exhibits.
- Behavioral observations and record keeping.
- Complete individual projects as well as periodically test your knowledge gained during the experience.
- Animal enrichment and public interaction.
- Learn the importance of positive guest relations and educating the public.
- Develop public speaking skills.
- Represent ZooTampa through exemplary customer service and behavior.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.
- Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
- Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.
- Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
- Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
- Must be able to multi-task.
- Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
- Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
Required Availability:
- Must be able to commit to a 18 week internship.
- Must be able to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week, with 40 hours per week preferred.
- The schedule is ten-hour days (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with one weekend day of availability required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain or cold).
- Must have physical endurance for long, high volume days and be able to stand/walk for long periods of time.
- Must be willing to work varied and long shifts, including holidays and weekends.
- Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry 50 pounds with or without accommodations.
Additional Requirements:
If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on:
- Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
- Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25 but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
- All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
- Contingent upon receipt of documentation of negative TB test within the last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years.
- Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers’ compensation program).
Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter and resume in order to be considered for a position.
Benefits:
Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements. Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.
Who is eligible?
High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume in order to be considered for a position.
International Internship Eligibility Requirements:
Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position.
Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.
Please Note: Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship.
Please visit https://zootampa.org/intern-at-zootampa/ for more information.