Education is one of the most important responsibilities of any zoo. A large part of what we do at the Little Rock Zoo is to educate the visiting public about wildlife and conservation; however, it is also our responsibility to educate future zoo professionals. Zoos across the country invest in the future by creating educational programs designed specifically to train the next generation of zoo specialists. Learning opportunities are available in a number of zoo divisions, from zoo keeping and veterinary care to public relations and visitor services, all of which are vitally important to the well-oiled zoo machine. The Little Rock Zoo has taken steps to expand the educational programs available to future zoo professionals.
The Zoo is proud to have a newly developed, formal internship program with our animal care department. The internship program is one of the many ways the Little Rock Zoo demonstrates a commitment to its mission of conservation, education and recreation. Our hope is to produce respected leaders in animal care.
The program is designed to provide valuable, on-site experience with exotic animals. Interns shadow professional keepers and aide in daily animal husbandry. Eligible applicants are college students or recent graduates interested in a career in zoo keeping. Our keepers are eager to welcome the first group of interns into Little Rock Zoo’s family this summer.
This spring, three interns were chosen from dozens of applicants to join our animal team for the summer. One intern will work with our carnivore staff in the Big Cat, Small Carnivore, and Bear sections of the Zoo. A second will work with our Primate and Great Apes team. The third will join the Bird and Hoofstock staff. The interns will not only learn about animal husbandry, but will also learn the intricacies of zoo management, veterinary care, conservation outreach, public interaction, and special events. Over the next few months, our summer animal care interns will fill the Keeper Blog portion of our website with their experiences here at the Little Rock Zoo.
CLICK HERE for more information on our animal care internship. For further questions, contact lrzoointernships@hotmail.com or call Kate at (501) 661-7271.
- Kate Barszczowski
Carnivore Keeper
Kate Barszczowski, photo taken by Zetta Friday