​If you are interested in learning more about our Adult Volunteer Program and other volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Office. Thank you! 

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.

If you are interested in learning more about our Adult Volunteer Program and other volunteer opportunities, please contact Tracy Benham, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-330-6046 or tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org for more information. 

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: Interns assist with cirrculum design, public events, guest interaction, administrative tasks, and presentation of ambassador animals.  
  • 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.

Requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old, an enrolled college student or graduate student, full-time or part-time, at an accredited institution.
• 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.

Additional Information:

• Applicants accepted into the program will be given an orientation by the Volunteer Coordinator and further training by staff members.
• 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.
• Internships are also available in Administration, Marketing & Special Events. Contact Volunteer Office for more information.

How to Apply:

SUMMER INTERNS

Our Summer 2023 Intern Program is now closed.

The 2023 Summer application period is now closed. Thank you to all those who applied. We will be in touch shortly with next steps if selected.

The summer program is competitive. For the summer, you are required to contribute three days a week for 10 weeks.  
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Prospective interns should mail an application with resume, transcript (unofficial is fine), two written personal references, and a one-page essay on why you would like to intern at the Zoo. All applications will be reviewed. If chosen to proceed to the next phase, candidates will be contacted to complete an interview around Spring break and successfully pass a shadow day to be considered for the program.

Please mail all materials to: 
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
ATTN: Tracy Benham
1875 Noble Avenue
​Bridgeport, CT 06610

Please contact Tracy Benham, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-330-6046 or tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org with any questions. 

fall/SPRING intERNS

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.

​Please call Tracy Benham at 203-330-6046 or email at tbenham@beardsleyzoo.org to schedule a time for an interview and further directions on applying.