13 Wildlife Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in wildlife, consider participating in an internship. Internships help you understand how academic concepts are used in workplaces. They let you explore different career paths, develop practical skills, and connect with professionals in the field. Internships also strengthen your college applications by showing initiative and readiness for future academic and professional opportunities. You’ll also build useful skills like time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Why Should I do a Wildlife Internship?
Wildlife internships are a good option if you're interested in animals, conservation, or environmental science. They offer experience with animal care, conservation work, and ecological research. You can learn skills relevant to fields such as zoology, marine biology, and environmental science. These internships may involve observing wildlife, assisting with research, or helping with conservation projects, giving you a clear picture of what work in this field involves.
Here are the 13 best wildlife internships for high school students!
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Stipend: A stipend of $3,000 is offered to interns, as well as a fully-funded trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit at the University of Arkansas
Location: Hutton aims to match students with a 45-minute commute of your home
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Internship Dates: June - July (~8 weeks in the summer)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old and live in the United States, Mexico, Canada
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a distinguished 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program. Aimed at sparking interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences, particularly among underrepresented groups, this selective program pairs about 27 Hutton Scholars with fisheries professionals in their areas. Depending on your placement, your work environment may include outdoor field sites, boats, laboratories, or office settings. As a Hutton Scholar, you will gain practical experience in fisheries science, participating in both marine and freshwater research, as well as resource conservation and management projects. Activities may involve electrofishing, specimen examination, data analysis, and the establishment of aquatic vegetation and fish habitats.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Internships at the National Zoo by the Smithsonian Office of Internships
Stipend: Stipends are offered
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Various deadlines depending on which animal program you apply for.
Internship Dates: Varies (typically 8-12 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
The Smithsonian Office of Internships offers a diverse array of opportunities at different locations, including the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia, and facilities in Hawaii. Interns can engage in a range of programs such as animal care, veterinary medicine, nutrition, conservation, IT, and GIS One Health. The National Zoo, dedicated to animal conservation and public education, allows interns to directly contribute to these goals while gaining valuable hands-on experience with various species. Opportunities include both on-site and virtual internships, providing flexibility for participants interested in fields like animal-care programs and research.
4. WildCare’s Wildlife Hospital Internships
Stipend: $200 per week
Location: WildCare, San Rafael, CA
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Internship Dates: Applicants can choose a 3- or 6-month internship
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
WildCare’s Wildlife Hospital Internships provide a comprehensive learning experience for those interested in wild animal care and working alongside medical professionals. During the internship, students will acquire skills such as wildlife handling and restraint, diet preparation, disinfection protocols, splinting and wing wrapping, running diagnostics, calculating and administering medication, monitoring anesthesia, and other fundamental hospital techniques. Interns will also engage in training sessions, complete quizzes and exams, participate in research, and more. These internships are primarily full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week, though part-time volunteer opportunities of 24 hours per week may also be available for those seeking unpaid experience.
5. Georgia Aquarium Internships
Stipend: Interns are offered a stipend, but the amount is not specified
Location: Atlanta, GA
Application Deadline: Openings are available throughout the year.
Internship Dates: Typically 8 - 12 weeks
Eligibility: Open to graduating seniors who are 18 years old
The Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, offers an internship program for graduating high school students that provides a practical learning experience. This opportunity allows students to build professional networks and apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Internships span one semester and cover various departments, including Zoological and non-Zoological Operations. Interns may work with teams in Event Services, Dive Operations, Animal Training, and more, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the aquarium's functions.
6. Minnesota Zoo Internships
Stipend: Dependent on the internship role
Location: Apple Valley, MN
Application Deadline: Dependent on position
Internship Dates: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Check your specific internship to find out more
The Minnesota Zoo offers paid internships for students with an interest in marine biology and animal care. These internships provide experience with marine species and involve participating in educational programs and conservation efforts. Interns have the chance to work closely with veterinary technicians, zoologists, interpretive naturalists, and zookeepers, gaining practical knowledge in marine zoology. This program is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in marine species care and related activities.
7. The Malott Family Lincoln Park Zoo Internship Program
Stipend: A stipend will be provided, but no amount is specified
Location: The Malott Family Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Internship Dates: June 24 - August 9
Eligibility: Open to high school students who reside in Chicago, are entering grades 10 - 12, and are between the ages of 15 and 18
The Malott Family Zoo Internship Program offers Chicago high school students a chance to gain experience at the Lincoln Park Zoo while engaging in public education about animal science and conservation. This seven-week paid internship immerses participants in informal education methods and effective communication of conservation messages to zoo visitors, culminating in a final project. Interns collaborate with researchers and Animal Care staff, providing insight into careers in animal science and conservation. To apply, students need to complete an application form.
8. Teen Council for Conservation at LA Zoo
Stipend: $300 per month
Location: LA Zoo, California
Application Deadline: Check the website in July
Internship Dates: October - June
Eligibility: Open to high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 who reside in LA
The Teen Council for Conservation is a nine-month program for high school students in Los Angeles, providing an opportunity to explore conservation, environmental justice, and climate action. With representation from each City Council District, up to 30 students participate in both virtual and in-person meetings, along with various scheduled events and activities, all aimed at fostering conservation solutions in Los Angeles. Council members receive a $300 monthly educational stipend and play a crucial role in directing discussions. This program offers a chance to develop leadership skills, deepen understanding of environmental challenges, advance sustainability efforts, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
9. Junior Internship Position at North Carolina’s Zoo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Stipend: This internship is unpaid.
Location: North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro, NC
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Internship Dates: June - July (~6 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are 16-18 years old, can lift at least 50 pounds, and can work in all climatic conditions. Check specifics here.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the North Carolina Zoo presents a unique chance for high school students to engage with wild animals. This selective internship program, which accepts only four students for the summer, includes two 6-hour shifts each week and a 2-hour training session weekly. Interns will participate in routine animal care, including husbandry, feeding, and record-keeping, as well as administrative tasks like answering calls and processing patient admissions. Additionally, interns may occasionally assist with medical procedures such as surgeries, radiographs, and treatment administration. Responsibilities may extend to research participation, leading tours, training sessions, and involvement in animal rescue operations.
10. Wildlife and Exotic Animal Veterinary Internship Program at New England Wildlife Center
Stipend: This internship is unpaid.
Location: New England Wildlife Center, Weymouth, MA
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Internship Dates: One internship offered per season (6-8 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to students who are at least 17 years old. Look at the requirements here
The New England Wildlife Center’s internship program offers an excellent opportunity for students who want to learn about the veterinary care and management of exotic and wild animals. This apprentice-style internship allows participants to explore careers in wildlife and various science-related fields. The center’s wildlife hospital and the Odd Pet Vet, which specializes in exotic animals, handle treatment for over 225 species, giving students invaluable insight into daily operations at these facilities. Selected interns will receive training in veterinary medical technology, medicine, STEM, and natural history. They will engage directly with animals, performing tasks such as preparing food plates, monitoring and feeding, cleaning equipment, and maintaining habitats.
11. Zoo Keeping High School Internship Program at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Cost: No cost, but this opportunity is not paid
Location: Fort Wayne, IN
Application Deadline: Rolling applications are offered throughout the year, but it is recommended that you submit your application 3 months before your anticipated start date
Internship Dates: Various dates throughout the year, depending on positions
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo offers year-round internships in zookeeping for high school seniors, providing an educational experience that introduces you to the zoo’s conservation initiatives and careers in animal care. These unpaid internships allow interns to engage in the daily upkeep of exotic animals, including feeding, cleaning, and various tasks essential for maintaining their health. Additionally, interns will interact with zoo visitors, gaining skills in communication and public engagement.
12. Internships at the Biological Field Station at SUNY Oneonta
Cost: No cost
Location: State University of New York Oneonta campus, Buffalo, NY
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Internship Dates: Late May to August (~9 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who are 16+ and reside in New York.
The State University of New York Oneonta offers a prestigious nine-week summer research internship for high school students in New York. Only 1-3 positions available, making it highly selective. Interns support faculty and staff at the BFS central lab with their research projects and simultaneously work on their own research initiatives. At the conclusion of the internship, participants present their research findings through a poster presentation to mentors, BFS faculty, and fellow interns. This program provides exposure to various aspects of research, including fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and scientific writing. Interns have previously engaged in tasks such as fisheries and plant surveys, fish dissection, and water sampling, contributing to a comprehensive research experience. You can explore past publications for more details on previous projects.
13. High School Assistant Summer Volunteering Program at Milwaukee Zoo
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Internship Dates: Session 1: June 17 - July 23 | Session 2: July 8 - July 26 | Session 3: July 29 - August 14
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged between 14 and 18
The Zoological Society of Milwaukee offers high school students a two-week Assistant Summer Volunteering internship program. Interns engage in a variety of tasks such as assisting with camp activities, leading zoo tours, and interacting with visitors from all age groups and backgrounds. This internship also includes mentorship from a college mentor, offering a valuable opportunity to build networks and gain guidance.
Image Source - Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program Logo