If you’re interested in wildlife, conservation, marine life, or animal behavior, zoology internships are perfect for you. You can learn how animals interact with their environments, how ecosystems are studied, and how data is collected and analyzed. Such internships can also introduce you to topics like wildlife conservation, animal behavior, marine biology, and ecosystems.
They add practical experience to your resume, which can help you with future internships, summer programs, and college applications. Most importantly, they can help you understand what you enjoy and whether a career focused on animals or nature is a good match for you.
Why should you choose an internship in zoology?
Unlike other programs, internships often involve outdoor fieldwork alongside lab or research-based learning. For zoology internships, you may get to work directly with animals, habitats, or conservation projects, and learn how studies are designed and carried out. Many programs focus on current wildlife and environmental issues, giving you insight into both science and conservation career paths.
Zoology internships will also help you develop practical skills like observation, data collection, teamwork, and basic research. By working with researchers, zookeepers, or conservation teams, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of real issues such as climate change, habitat loss, and the protection of threatened species.
If you’re looking for marine biology summer research programs for high school students, you can find them here. You can also check out summer wilderness programs for high school students here.
19 Zoology Internships for High School Students
1. Internships at Anderson Humane — Wildlife Care Technician Internship
Location: Anderson Humane Rehabilitation Center, Elburn, IL
Cost/Stipend: $35 internship fee | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: February – April (Spring) | May – July (Summer) | August – October (Fall) | November – January (Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older
Anderson Humane offers internships for students interested in animal welfare and nonprofit work. You’ll train with licensed wildlife rehabilitators and rotate through five wildlife areas in South Elgin and Elburn. You’ll get hands-on training from professionals while working with more than 3,000 rescued animals each year as a Wildlife Care Technician Intern. You’ll help with cleaning enclosures, feeding animals, and assisting during intakes. Under supervision, you’ll provide basic medical care, like wound treatment, fluid therapy, and injections. You might also update records, take part in rescues, assist with humane exclusions, and communicate with veterinary staff. This internship is a good fit if you’re interested in zoology, animal behavior, wildlife ecology, veterinary technology, veterinary medicine, animal science, or wildlife rehabilitation. You’ll commit at least 150 hours per season, usually 15 to 30 hours a week. You’ll gain experience in wildlife rehabilitation, database work, and medical treatments. You’ll also learn about Illinois native species and develop public communication skills.
2. The Malott Family Zoo Intern Program
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – August 8; orientation is held on June 7
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th-grade students, aged 16–18, who live in Chicago and are legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The Malott Family Zoo Intern Program is a seven-week paid opportunity for Chicago high school students at Lincoln Park Zoo. You will explore animal and conservation science, develop informal education skills, and learn how to share conservation messages with guests. You’ll also create a final project focused on practical conservation actions. During the program, you will work on animal-related projects, observe animals in their habitats, and meet researchers and Animal Care staff to learn about zoo and conservation careers. You may also get to join special events, such as behind-the-scenes tours and professional talks. The program will help you build a strong foundation in zoology, animal science, conservation, research, and education through hands-on learning and mentorship.
3. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Summer interns earn a $750 stipend plus a MetroCard, or $16 per hour through SYEP if they qualify and are placed with WCS-approved providers. Fall interns earn a stipend of around $350
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: Summer Program: Late June – August (3 days a week) | Fall Program: September – December (14 Saturdays), with an additional Saturday in January for final presentations
Application Deadline: February 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors from the Bronx who are comfortable working both indoors and outdoors
Project TRUE is a research program for NYC high school students interested in urban ecology. You will work in small groups and explore wildlife biology, ecology, and plant science with guidance from Fordham students and WCS educators. Hosted by the Bronx Zoo Education team at the Wildlife Conservation Society with support from Fordham University, the program runs from summer through fall. You’ll design and complete your own research project using tools like camera traps, plant surveys, and collection nets. Projects often focus on local mammals, birds, water quality, or invasive species. You’ll collect and analyze real data, present your findings, and develop skills in research, networking, public speaking, and college readiness. The program will also give you hands-on exposure to zoology, conservation, wildlife science, and career paths at the Bronx Zoo and other WCS sites.
4. Wildlife Encounters Internships
Location: Wildlife Encounters, Gretna, NE
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round opportunities are available; flexible schedule
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; students must email their resume to [email protected]
Eligibility: High school or college students who are at least 16 years old
Wildlife Encounters offers year-round, flexible internships for students interested in gaining hands-on experience in animal care, conservation, education, or animal science. Run by a nonprofit focused on wildlife education and caring for animals in need, the program will allow you to work with staff to shape an internship that fits your interests and field of study. Your tasks may include feeding animal ambassadors, cleaning enclosures, preparing diets, and creating enrichment activities. You can also help with educational programs, summer camps, and social media, while developing your public speaking skills. If certain tasks do not match your goals, your role can be adjusted. The internship will give you practical exposure to zoology through animal husbandry, animal behavior, and wildlife conservation education.
5. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Internships are available in all 50 U.S. states, along with opportunities in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, and the Pacific Islands
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August; the internship dates are flexible and decided by the mentor and the student
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who will be 16 or older by the internship start date
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship run by the American Fisheries Society. You’ll be matched with a professional mentor and placed at a site within about a 45-minute commute from home. Your projects may cover fisheries management, aquatic populations, ecosystem health, habitats, physiology, toxicology, biodiversity, or socioeconomics. Depending on the site, you may work outdoors, on boats, in labs, or in offices. Tasks can include fish surveys, habitat restoration, water-quality testing, electrofishing, youth education, data organization, specimen work, snorkeling, and occasional overnight field trips. You’ll work around 32 hours a week, with some longer field days, and get hands-on experience in fisheries biology, habitat restoration, conservation, and management. The program will also help you build a strong foundation in zoology through ichthyology and aquatic ecology with real-world mentorship.
6. MSPCA Cape Cod Summer Animal Welfare Specialist Internship
Location: MSPCA Cape Cod Animal Shelter, Barnstable, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year and are 16 or older by June 15. Some prior experience working with animals is required, and you can check the full list of requirements here
The MSPCA Cape Cod offers the Summer Animal Welfare Specialist Volunteer Internship for students interested in animal welfare careers. You’ll get a realistic look at the rewards and challenges of the field while helping staff care for animals and connecting people with helpful resources. Your tasks may include laundry and dishes, cleaning and disinfecting cages, providing water, bedding, food, and enrichment, setting up enclosures, sorting donations, doing office work, and making phone calls. You’ll also attend required training, provide customer service, and maintain confidentiality. You’ll work one to two days per week, making it easy to balance with other commitments. The internship also provides hands-on experience in animal care, behavior, and welfare, helping you develop foundational knowledge in zoology.
7. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Internships
Location: SUNY Oneonta campus, Buffalo, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free, but students need to arrange their own housing | High school interns receive a $3,500 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; only 1–3 spots are available for high school students, with at least one position reserved for a student from Otsego County, New York
Dates: 9 weeks between late May and August
Application Deadline: March 18 (high school students)
Eligibility: New York State residents who will be 16 or older by June 20
SUNY Oneonta offers a nine-week summer research internship for local students interested in field biology. You’ll spend the summer working in the BFS central lab, helping faculty and staff with their projects or developing your own. The program will help you build strong zoology knowledge through hands-on animal and ecological research. You may take part in fisheries or plant surveys and water sampling, along with lab work like zooplankton identification, water chemistry testing, fish dissections, data analysis, and writing. Your schedule will change based on project needs, with some days focused on your research and others supporting faculty or fellow interns. You’ll attend weekly seminars on Otsego Lake ecology and local watershed hydrology. You’ll also give a 10 to 20-minute presentation on your research, submit a technical report, and create a large-format poster showing your project and results. You can check out previous intern publications here.
8. West Place Animal Sanctuary Humane Education and Workforce Development Internship Programs
Location: West Place Animal Sanctuary, Tiverton, RI
Cost/Stipend: Free | Information about a stipend is not provided
Cohort Size: Limited cohort size
Dates: June – August (Summer Internships) | September – May (School-Year Internships)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school and college students
West Place Animal Sanctuary offers hands-on internships for local students at its eight-acre farm. You’ll assist with wildlife rehabilitation, help care for rescued animals, and take part in veterinary visits, hoof trimming, shearing, and dentistry. You’ll also work on growing food on site and learn farm management, gardening, land stewardship, and landscaping. You’ll gain experience in facilities maintenance, fundraising, marketing, nonprofit operations, and communications. You’ll also develop real-world animal science skills, empathy, and a better understanding of animal welfare, all of which are beneficial for future zoology or related careers. Morning shifts run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and afternoon shifts run from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The internship requires one 4-hour shift per week with at least 75% attendance.
9. Animal Care Specialist Internship at the Fort Wayne Zoo
Location: Fort Wayne Zoo, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Varies depending on the number of available positions
Dates: January – April (Spring Session) | May – August (Summer Session) | September – December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: October 1 – November 30 (Spring Session) | February 1 – March 31 (Summer Session) | June 1 – July 31 (Fall Session)
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students
The Fort Wayne Zoo’s Animal Care Specialist Internship allows students to gain experience caring for exotic animals. You will build practical zoological skills, including animal husbandry, enrichment planning, behavior observation, and basic medical care. You will help feed animals, clean and maintain their enclosures, and support their daily care and well-being. Part of your role will include observing animals, collecting and interpreting data, and interacting with visitors. You’ll learn about the animals through books, journals, conversations with keepers, and your own observations. You’ll also assist with general zoo tasks like exhibit upkeep, mowing, weeding, trash removal, and restroom cleaning. The internship runs 20 to 40 hours per week and usually lasts for 4 to 12 weeks. It will also help you gain real-world experience in conservation and zoo work, as well as prepare you for future careers in animal science.
10. Shaw Institute for Field Training (SIFT) at Shaw Nature Reserve
Location: Shaw Nature Reserve, Gray Summit, MO; the U.S. Forest Service camping weekend takes place at Mark Twain National Forest in Rolla, MO
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a stipend based on the number of hours they spend at SIFT events
Cohort Size: Maximum 20 students
Dates: May 31 (in-person orientation) | June 2 (virtual orientation) | June 8 – 12 (Training Week) | October 3 (Fall Gathering) | February 6 – 7 (Winter Gathering) | April 24 (Spring Gathering); the program ends with a camping weekend in the summer
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Current 9th and 10th graders can apply; current 11th graders who have previously applied to the SIFT program will also be considered
The Shaw Institute for Field Training is an introductory program at Shaw Nature Reserve for high school students interested in hands-on environmental science. It starts with an intensive one-week summer training program where you’ll explore Missouri’s ecosystems and learn field research skills like plant and animal identification, sampling, testing conditions, and using compasses, maps, and GPS. Over the next 11 months, you’ll take part in paid fieldwork during the summer and school year. You can learn about zoology by participating in projects such as prescribed fire, fungal surveys, bird banding, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, species monitoring, and data collection. You’ll work with scientists at Shaw, Tyson Research Center, and other St. Louis sites. You’ll also develop research skills, explore environmental science careers, and develop a local professional network.
11. Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 23 – August 8; orientation is held on June 7
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th graders and college freshmen who live in Chicago, are aged 16–18, and are legally allowed to work in the U.S.
Lincoln Park Zoo offers the Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program, a seven-week, paid summer program for local students. You’ll be paired with a mentor from one of the zoo’s five science centers and guided through your own animal-focused research project, which may include observing animals in the zoo or natural habitats. You’ll gain hands-on experience with field and computational conservation research, explore careers in natural science, and develop analytical and communication skills. The program will end with a poster session where you’ll share your work with family, friends, and the zoo community. Past projects have looked at marmoset litter size and early survival, bat activity near roads and waterways, and biodiversity around the Nature Boardwalk. The program will also help you build a strong foundation in zoology and animal science through research, conservation work, and close mentorship with zoo scientists.
12. Alley Pond’s Field Biology Internships
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Douglaston, NY
Cost/Stipend: $150 participation fee; financial aid is available upon request | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Fall: September 27 – November 1 (Saturdays) | Spring: March 14 – May 2 (Saturdays) | Summer: June 30 – August 4 (Tuesdays) or July 1 – August 5 (Wednesdays)
Application Deadline: August 1 (Fall) | January 2 (Spring) | May 1 (Summer)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old and can participate in outdoor activities for at least two hours
The Alley Pond Environmental Center Field Biology Internship is for high school students interested in hands-on field research and local ecosystems. You’ll explore Alley Pond Park and other sites in Queens, as well as explore how wildlife and urban environments work. You’ll take part in macroinvertebrate identification, bird observations, soil and water quality testing, biodiversity surveys, coastal seining, and native planting. You’ll learn to identify local plants and animals, collect and record data, and build skills in independent research and public speaking. The program will also help you learn zoology by studying local animal ecology, behavior, and identification. It is a good fit if you are considering biology, sustainability, environmental science, or related fields.
13. Environmentor – Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Research Mentorship Program
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn up to $1,200 for their participation and research work
Cohort Size: 12–15 students
Dates: June to mid-August
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative); applications open in March
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11 who live on or attend school near the Rockaway Peninsula can apply; priority is given to students who have previously participated in the fall or spring Shore Corps
Environmentor is a science research mentorship program for students interested in environmental work. You’ll be matched with a scientist from a local university or research institution and work on a project in areas like marine biology, conservation biology, wetland restoration, environmental science, or animal physiology. The program begins with orientations and workshops in June, then runs for six weeks in July and August. You’ll meet with your mentor four days a week and focus on research, often based around Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway shoreline. Projects may include studying dolphin biodiversity, restoring salt marshes, examining sea turtle strandings, or monitoring air quality. You’ll also receive water safety and CPR training, take part in activities like surfing, biking, and kayaking, and earn community service hours. The program will also help you learn about zoology through hands-on marine and coastal ecology research with university mentors.
14. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a $2,500 stipend
Cohort Size: 60 students
Dates: The program runs for 10 months from August to June; it begins with the SRMP Summer Institute from August 4 to August 28, followed by a mentored research experience from September through June
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 or 11 who live and attend school in NYC, have passed their classes for the last 3 or more semesters, attend an AMNH partner school, or have previously participated in AMNH programs
The Science Research Mentoring Program at the American Museum of Natural History is a paid research program for NYC high school students. You’ll work with museum scientists on an original research project in fields like conservation biology, anthropology, genomics, genetics, or astrophysics. You’ll meet with your research team twice a week during the school year and collaborate with mentors and peers. Past projects have explored topics such as spider foraging genetics, ancient Maya diets, and mammal diversity in city parks. You’ll attend monthly sessions on science communication and professional skills, then share your work through posters, videos, and blog posts at the June museum colloquium. You’ll also gain exposure to zoology through access to vertebrate, ornithology, and invertebrate research labs. You can find more details about the program here.
15. Bronx River Alliance’s Environmental Enrichment and Leadership for Students (EELS)
Location: Lehman College & River House, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students earn a $3,600 stipend
Cohort Size: 15–20 students
Dates: The internship runs for 12 months, beginning with a six-week summer component in July
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors enrolled in a NYC public or charter school, with an average of 80 or higher in math, English, and science
The Bronx River Alliance EELS Internship is a 12-month paid program for high school students interested in environmental science careers. You’ll start with hands-on lab work, six weeks of summer fieldwork on the Bronx River, and an environmental science class at CUNY Lehman College. During the school year, you’ll be paired with a Bronx River Alliance team for mentorship and later work with a research mentor to complete a full research project in the spring. Projects focus on marine biology, ecology, or environmental science. You can earn up to five transferable college credits, log community service hours, and connect with professionals in the field. The program will also allow you to learn about zoology through research and data collection focused on fish and wildlife in the Bronx River ecosystem.
16. Zoo Camp High School Assistant Summer Volunteer at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Location: Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 17 – July 1 | July 6 – 24 | July 27 – August 14
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18
The Zoological Society of Milwaukee offers high school students the opportunity to serve as Zoo Camp High School Assistant volunteers during the summer. You’ll help support Summer Zoo Camps for kids ages 4 to 12 by assisting with setup and cleanup, supporting zoo tours, helping with activities and projects, and serving as a positive role model. You’ll be paired with and mentored by a Conservation Education Intern. You’ll work for about 2.5 to 3 weeks, spending your time helping with camp activities, guiding visitors, and interacting with people of different ages and backgrounds. After completing your session, you can choose to continue volunteering year-round as a Community Engagement HSA. The program will also give you hands-on experience in zoo education, conservation, animal care, and public engagement.
17. DNA Learning Center Urban Barcode Research Program
Location: DNA Learning Center, New York City College of Technology, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Students who finish 55 hours of research and share their work at the Research Symposium receive a $500 stipend
Cohort Size: Around 36 students
Dates: First week of lab training: August 25 – August 29, with more sessions offered during the school year; Student Symposium – May 20 (tentative)
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9–12 who are 13 or older
The Urban Barcode Research Program at NYC College of Technology allows local students to conduct hands-on lab research during the school year. Before starting lab work, you’ll complete training in conservation biology, research methods, biodiversity, and lab skills. You’ll be matched with a scientist mentor and work together to plan a project, set your schedule, complete at least 55 hours of research, and present your work at a spring symposium. With your mentor, you’ll design a DNA barcoding project that explores biodiversity and human impact. Your work will include field sampling, DNA extraction, sequence analysis, amplification, and writing a research proposal. The program will also help you learn about zoology by using DNA barcoding for species identification, biodiversity study, and conservation research.
18. Internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo
Location: Virtual, hybrid, or in-person in Washington, DC, Herndon, VA, or Front Royal, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Both paid and unpaid opportunities are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Opportunities are available year-round, but the exact dates depend on the specific internship
Application Deadline: Varies by internship opportunity
Eligibility: All high school students can apply; some roles may have extra requirements
The National Zoo offers a wide range of internships for high school students in areas like veterinary medicine, animal care, genetics, animal behavior, enrichment, conservation, nutrition, IT, communications, GIS, and One Health. Positions are offered in Washington, D.C., at the Conservation Biology Center in Front Royal, Virginia, in Hawaii, and through select remote options. Each role has its own application process, with some open year-round and others following specific deadlines. Internships are available across multiple zoo departments, including animal programs, behavior research, and veterinary medicine. Through hands-on experience in animal care, research, conservation science, nutrition, and veterinary work, you will get to connect what you learn in class to real-world wildlife and ecosystem management.
19. Alaska Songbird Institute’s High School Internship Program
Location: Creamer’s Field and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns who complete at least 85 volunteer hours will receive a $500 stipend
Cohort Size: Spots are limited—about 10 to 15 interns are accepted each summer
Dates: May 12 – July 18
Application Deadline: March 17 – April 27
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–18 from Alaska
The Alaska Songbird Institute High School Internship Program is for students interested in wildlife, research, and conservation. You will get hands-on training in field research skills like bird banding, nest monitoring, and data management. You will work with biologists, interns, and volunteers on the Swallow Ecology Project, following about 70 Tree Swallow nests from egg laying to fledging. Your tasks will include checking nest boxes, collecting detailed data, and helping capture and band birds. As you gain experience, you may get to measure birds and band them yourself. You’ll volunteer around 8 to 10 hours a week, with morning shifts at Creamer’s Field and afternoon shifts at UAF. Participating in the program will also provide you with significant hands-on experience in zoology, particularly in ornithology, wildlife research, and conservation.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like animal behavior, ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, and wildlife genetics, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – University of Alaska Fairbanks