Spend a semester working alongside capybaras, birds of prey, reptiles, and dozens of other ambassador animals while inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
Wild Hearts African Farm is seeking passionate students who want more than just an internship—we're looking for future zookeepers, wildlife educators, veterinary professionals, conservationists, and animal advocates who are eager to learn by doing.
Located on over 30 beautiful acres in southwest Ohio, Wild Hearts is a nonprofit, American Humane Certified™ Zoo and Accredited Arboretum dedicated to conservation education. We believe people protect what they understand, and every animal in our care has an important story to tell.
Our collection includes over 35 species and 85+ ambassador animals, including capybaras, birds of prey, hornbills, maras, reptiles, porcupines, a sand cat, tortoises, emus, goats, sheep, and many more.
If you're willing to work hard, stay curious, and genuinely care about animals, we'll teach you the rest.
Why Wild Hearts?
Unlike many internships where students spend weeks simply observing, our interns become active members of our animal care and education team.
You'll receive progressive training and increasing responsibility as your skills develop.
As your confidence grows, you'll have opportunities to:
- Assist with our popular capybara & other animal encounters
- Help educate thousands of guests about wildlife and conservation
- Learn husbandry techniques for mammals, birds and reptiles
- Prepare specialized diets
- Create enrichment for animals
- Assist with educational programs and guided tours
- Learn professional zoo record keeping using AnimalCare Software
- Participate in animal health observations
- Work alongside experienced animal care professionals
Every day is different—and every day you'll be building skills that employers value.
What You'll Learn
By the end of your internship, you'll gain experience in:
- Animal husbandry
- Wildlife education
- Public speaking
- Animal behavior observation
- Enrichment planning
- Exhibit maintenance
- Animal handling (as appropriate)
- Guest engagement
- Professional communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Zoo software documentation
- Conservation interpretation
These are the kinds of experiences that strengthen resumes and graduate school applications.
A Day in the Life
One day you might...
✔ Prepare breakfast for dozens of animals.
✔ Help a child meet a capybara for the very first time.
✔ Feed birds of prey.
✔ Create enrichment for curious mammals.
✔ Assist with a mobile wildlife education program.
✔ Clean habitats and monitor animal health.
✔ Give a conservation talk to visitors.
✔ Help weigh reptiles or observe animal behaviors.
No two days are exactly alike.
The Reality of Animal Care
Working with animals is incredibly rewarding—but it's also hard work.
It means cleaning habitats, preparing diets, hauling hay, scrubbing water tubs, working outdoors in both heat and rain, paying close attention to detail, and always putting animal welfare first.
The best zookeepers are dependable, observant, hardworking, and willing to do the less glamorous jobs because they know those jobs matter most.
If that sounds like you, you'll fit right in.
Internship Structure
This internship is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while remaining flexible for college students.
- Approximately 250 hours (more at your request)
- Typically completed over 10 weeks
- Students may choose fewer days per week and extend the internship to complete the required hours.
- Flexible scheduling around college classes and other employment whenever possible.
Initial training requires availability for 3–4 morning shifts per week (including some weekend days) during the first several weeks.
Who Should Apply?
This internship is ideal for students pursuing careers in:
- Zoology
- Wildlife Biology
- Animal Science
- Conservation
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Technology
- Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resources
- Education
- Agriculture
- Parks & Recreation
Adults looking to break into this career field who have the availability are encouraged to apply as well. Our Founder started volunteering at a zoo in her 30's, and now runs one.
If your dream job involves animals, conservation, or educating the public, we'd love to meet you.
Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be dependable and punctual.
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
- Enjoy working as part of a team.
- Be comfortable speaking with the public.
- Pay close attention to detail.
- Be able to lift 50 pounds.
- Be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Have a genuine passion for animal welfare and conservation.
Previous animal experience is helpful—but not required.
A willingness to learn is far more important.
College Credit
Many colleges and universities allow students to earn academic credit for internships.
We're happy to work with your advisor to complete any required paperwork.
About Wild Hearts
Wild Hearts African Farm is a nonprofit conservation education organization serving thousands of guests each year through immersive animal experiences, school programs, guided tours, and community outreach.
Our mission is to inspire people to care for wildlife by connecting them with animals in meaningful and memorable ways.
Every encounter is an opportunity to create the next conservationist.
Ready to Apply? NOTE: We do not accept applications on INDEED. You must apply on our website for us to review your application.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for Fall and Winter internships.
Visit:
https://wildheartsafricanfarm.org/internships/
Pay: From $1.00 per year
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
