Elephant Animal Care Internship

Apply at: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/careers/internships/elephant-animal-care-internship

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) offers Animal Care Internship opportunities designed to provide hands-on experience in animal management, animal behavior research, and animal welfare practices within a leading conservation organization. The selected intern will work alongside professional animal care staff to support the daily care and management of our Asian elephants. Interns may assist with activities such as behavioral observations, enrichment development, exhibit monitoring, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, and participation in animal training sessions. 

Interns may also contribute to applied research or welfare-focused projects that inform animal management decisions and support NZCBI’s mission to save species through science, conservation, and public engagement. These projects may include behavioral data collection, enrichment design and evaluation, or studies examining how exhibit environments and visitor experience may influence animal behavior. Throughout the internship, participants will gain exposure to the complex nature of our operations - integrating animal care, research, conservation science, and public education. Interns will work under the supervision of experienced animal care professionals and may have opportunities to present project findings or recommendations to staff. 

Learning Objectives: 

Through this internship, participants may: 

• Learn basic principles of zoological animal husbandry, including diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, and routine animal care. 

• Observe and identify animal behaviors and develop skills in systematic behavioral data collection. 

• Gain familiarity with research methodology used in zoological settings, including study design, data collection, and basic data analysis. 

• Assist with the design, preparation, and evaluation of environmental enrichment that promotes species-specific behaviors and animal welfare. 

• Learn and follow animal care safety procedures, operational protocols, and institutional policies. 

• Develop an understanding of how animal management decisions support conservation, research, and animal welfare goals. 

• Participate in discussions with animal care staff about husbandry practices, enrichment strategies, and behavioral observations. 

• Gain experience balancing animal management responsibilities with research or observation activities in a public zoo environment. 

• Develop communication skills by sharing observations or project outcomes with staff and, where appropriate, participating in educational or interpretive activities for visitors. 

Experience Required

Qualifications Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment with staff, volunteers, and other interns. Strong communication and public speaking skills. Ability to stand, stoop, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds. Flexibility and a good sense of humor. Must be willing to commit to a regular schedule, including potential weekends and holidays. Upon acceptance and one month prior to arriving for work, the intern will be required to provide documentation for a current negative TB test and tetanus shot. The intern must also pass a background check prior to their start date.

Further Comments

Stipend:  This is a paid, part-time internship ($350/week for 16 weeks). Intern will be responsible for all transportation costs and personal health insurance. Location:  Washington, DC Housing:  The intern will make their own housing arrangements in the Washington, DC area. Parking:  The Smithsonian's National Zoo does not provide free parking to interns. Public transportation is suggested. Term of appointment:  Internship runs for 16 weeks between August-December 2026. Exact start and end dates to be determined upon selection. Interns must be able to devote 24 hours per week. Reasonable exceptions may be made to coordinate with university or work schedules. Please note: The deadline to apply for this fall internship is Sunday, July 26, 2026.