Open Today: 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Location map
A woman with a blonde ponytail and wearing glasses and a yellow shirt stands holding a tablet in front of a handrail on a sunny day. In front of her is a barrier of bushy green plants. An Elephant stands proudly in a field in the background.

Animal Behavior & Record Keeping Internship

About the Internship

The Animal Welfare Department at the North Carolina Zoo is seeking an Animal Behavior & Record Keeping Intern to join our team. This internship provides opportunities to work alongside animal keepers, curatorial & recordkeeping staff to learn a variety of aspects in animal care, welfare and management at an AZA accredited zoological facility. This intern will learn about behavioral management and welfare through observation and hands-on application of operant conditioning, goal-based enrichment and behavioral research. They will also learn about data management and recordkeeping that supports the Zoo’s ability to maintain appropriate local, state & federal licensing. Interns will also help review, enter & analyze historical records in Species360 ZIMS.

A researcher or student observes and records data on a tablet while viewing a polar bear in a naturalistic habitat, suggesting fieldwork or animal study.

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in animal behavioral research using data collection software systems such as ZooMonitor and Microsoft Forms
  • Review and enter historical animal management records into Species360 ZIMS
  • Discuss modern behavioral management science, skills, and techniques including training, goal-based enrichment, and welfare
  • Analyze modern care expectations and behavioral data to develop goal-based enrichment
  • Additional responsibilities as needed

Qualifications & Skills

  • Applicants must be one of the following:
    • Rising undergraduate junior or senior
    • Current graduate student
    • Recent graduate (within the past year) from a post-secondary institution (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Applications from individuals outside of these categories will not be considered
  • Ability to read, listen to, and follow instructions accurately
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other data entry software
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • Ability to bend, stoop, stand for extended periods (including 30-minute intervals), and walk on variable terrain
  • Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Schedule and Additional Information

Summer Internships 

  • 10 Week Full-time Internships:
    • This internship is 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week), totaling 400 hours
    • Must be available to work a full-time schedule, which may include weekends and holidays
    • Additional details about funding for stipends and housing will be available on January 1, 2026 

2026 summer internships will occur May 25 to August 7. Start dates will be determined after acceptance into the program but interns can expect to start during the week of May 25. 

Ready to Apply?  

Don’t miss your chance to be part of an exciting, hands-on internship at the North Carolina Zoo! Gain experience, make connections, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in the Zoo and conservation field.  

Apply Now  

Summer 2026 internship applications will be open January 1 and will close March 1.