Animal Care Specialist Internship

Job description

Animal Care Specialist Internship (Wildlife Sanctuary & Conservation)
 

Internship Details

• Job Type: Internship / Training Program / Temporary
• Ability to commute: Required
• Chase Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservancy 📍6127 SE 122nd Blvd Webster, Fl 33597– On-site
• Compensation: Unpaid internship with weekly stipend
  • $75/week (40 hrs)
  • $50/week (30 hrs)
  • $25/week (20 hrs)
• Schedule Options:
  • 40 hrs/week (4 months)
  • 30 hrs/week (6 months)
  • 20 hrs/week (8 months)
• Typical Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Housing: Optional on-site housing available
• Schedule Note: May include weekends and holidays

About the Opportunity

Chase Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservancy is offering a highly immersive Animal Care Specialist Internship designed for students and early-career professionals seeking real-world experience in wildlife care, sanctuary operations, and conservation education.

This role is comparable to a traditional zookeeper internship, but within a nonprofit sanctuary environment, where animal welfare, ethical interactions, and conservation take priority.

Interns are not observers—they become an active part of the animal care team while also serving as tour guides and educators, helping deliver meaningful, up-close experiences to guests.

About Chase Sanctuary

Chase Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing exotic animals and advancing conservation through education, habitat development, and species preservation.

We currently care for:

• 240+ animals across 70+ species
• A large population of critically endangered primates, including Ruffed Lemurs and Cotton-top Tamarins
• A diverse collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles

Examples of Species You May Work With:

• Primates:
  • Ruffed lemurs (critically endangered)
  • Ring-tailed lemurs
  • Cotton-top tamarins (critically endangered)
  • Marmosets and other New World monkeys
• Mammals:
  • Two-toed sloths
  • Asian small-clawed otters
  • Giant anteaters & tamanduas
  • Kangaroos
  • Patagonian cavies
  • Deer & antelope
• Reptiles & Other Species:
  • Galápagos and Aldabra tortoises
  • Sulcata tortoises
  • Various reptiles and small mammals
• Birds:
  • Macaws, toucans, hornbills, ravens, and more

Many of our animals are rescued from the exotic pet trade, and interns will learn how to care for animals with complex behavioral and medical histories.

What Makes This Internship Different

• Combines animal care + public education (tour guiding)
• Work directly with 240+ animals, not limited observation roles
• Focus on sanctuary ethics and welfare (not entertainment-based handling)
• Exposure to real conservation work and species preservation efforts
• Hands-on involvement in daily operations of a growing sanctuary

Key ResponsibilitiesAnimal Care & Husbandry

• Prepare diets and assist with feeding routines across multiple species
• Clean and maintain enclosures, barns, aviaries, and habitats
• Monitor animal health, behavior, and enrichment responses
• Assist in enrichment programs (behavioral and environmental)
• Support habitat improvements and daily operational needs

Education & Tour Guiding (Major Component)

• Lead or assist with guided tours and interactive animal experiences
• Educate guests on conservation, species behavior, and animal backgrounds
• Ensure all interactions follow strict safety and welfare guidelines
• Communicate the sanctuary’s mission and conservation efforts

Interns are trained to deliver structured, high-quality experiences that prioritize:

• Animal choice and autonomy
• Guest safety
• Educational storytelling

Sanctuary Operations

• Assist with volunteer coordination and supervision
• Support fundraising and outreach efforts
• Maintain facility cleanliness and organization
• Follow all safety, animal care, and emergency protocols

Training & Learning Experience

Interns receive structured, hands-on training in:

• Animal diets and nutrition systems
• Enclosure maintenance and safety procedures
• Behavior observation and enrichment techniques
• Tour guiding and public communication
• Sanctuary operations and conservation practices

Training includes real operational systems such as:

• AM/PM animal checks and counts
• Feeding protocols across species
• Habitat inspections and safety systems

Designed to prepare interns for future roles in facilities licensed or regulated by the USDA, National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).

Work Environment

This is a hands-on, physically demanding internship:

• Outdoor work in Florida weather
• Cleaning, lifting, and active tasks throughout the day
• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Professional expectations include:

• Following strict safety protocols
• Maintaining a positive, respectful attitude
• Adhering to dress code and animal safety standards

Qualifications

• Pursuing or completed degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field
• Strong interest in animal welfare and conservation
• Comfortable with physical labor and outdoor work
• Strong communication skills (guest-facing role)
• Reliable, responsible, and team-oriented

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience with 70+ species and 240+ animals
• Real-world sanctuary and wildlife care training
• Public speaking and education experience
• Mentorship from experienced animal care professionals
• Letter of recommendation upon successful completion

This internship is designed to prepare candidates for careers in:

• Zoos and accredited facilities
• Wildlife sanctuaries
• Conservation organizations
• Animal care and behavior fields

Time Off Policy 
All time off must be requested and approved prior to the start of the internship. Unapproved absences may result in dismissal from the internship program.

How to Apply 
Submit your resume through our application link:
Application Form