The goal of the Zoo’s intern program is for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in experiences at the Zoo that will enhance their educational and professional experiences towards a Zoo-related career. Interns will assist in forwarding the mission of the Zoo in the community. While the Zoo’s staff does appreciate all that the interns contribute to the Zoo, the purpose of the program is for the interns’ personal enhancement. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange for an interview, contact the Volunteer Department at 203-330-6046 or at tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org.

How to Apply

We are currently accepting applications for our Summer 2020 Intern Program. Our intern application can be downloaded here. 

Please complete the application and mail to the Zoo with the following documents:

• Resume
• One page essay on why applying
• Two letters of reference
• Unofficial transcript

Mail to:
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo 
ATTN: Tracy Benham
1875 Noble Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06610

Applications should be mailed no later than February 8, 2020.

Thank you for your interest in the Zoo’s intern program. The following is some general information about the program:

• Internships are available in Animal Care, Education Programming, Conservation Research & Zoo- Horticultural Departments.
  • Animal Care: Interns assist in all aspects of basic care: cleaning, feeding, enrichment, observation of the Zoo’s animal collection.
  • Education Programming: Interns assist with animal handling, education programming, events and public interaction.
  • Zoo-Horticultural: Interns assist staff in the Greenhouse, gardens and habitat areas as well as engage in horticulturally based research projects.
  • Conservation: Interns assist with the zoo’s local conservation efforts and research projects under the auspice of the Education Department.
• You must be at least 18 years old, an enrolled college student or graduate student, full-time or part-time, at an accredited institution.
• Prospective interns should expect an application and interview. Prospective interns must also successfully pass a shadow day to be considered for the program.
• Applicants accepted into the program will be given an orientation by the Volunteer Coordinator and further training by staff members.
• Applicants must be able to stand for extended periods of time, sit, kneel, bend, walk, twist, reach above head, stoop, crawl, pull, climb stairs/ladders, run, lift 50 pounds and work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Internships are available throughout the year.
• Internships are unpaid; however, you may work out credit options with your college.
• The Zoo does not provide housing; however, there may be rental opportunities in the area.
• The fall & spring semester programs are not competitive. You are required to give one full day a week for a semester. Please contact the volunteer department to arrange for an interview. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at least three months before the semester to begin application process.
• The summer program is competitive. For the summer, you are required to contribute four days a week for 10 weeks. The application and directions for applying will be on the web-site (for summer program only.) Please call or e-mail the Volunteer Office for more information. Applications are typically ready by December and due by early February (postmarked February 8th for 2020.)
• Internships are also available in Administration, Marketing & Special Events. Contact Volunteer Office for more information.