Internship Program Overview
Our Internship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for students passionate about biology, wildlife, and veterinary sciences to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic zoological setting. This unpaid program is designed for those seeking to immerse themselves in the practical aspects of animal care and nonprofit zoo management, working alongside our dedicated team of students in the Zookeeping & Wildlife Management Program, part-time volunteers, and core staff members.
We are proud to have a diverse and skilled team of over 20 individuals, encompassing students, interns, instructors, and volunteers, all dedicated to the welfare of our center. Our team plays a vital role in various activities, including animal care, conducting tours, managing inquiries, assisting with guest relations, and supporting fundraising initiatives that sustain our nonprofit mission.
👉 Key Takeaway: This internship provides balanced exposure to animal care, guest engagement, and nonprofit operations, preparing interns for real-world careers in wildlife and conservation.
Program Highlights
Interns are integral to our team, working closely with animal care professionals, students, and volunteers. While proximity to the animals requires strict adherence to safety protocols and the Keeper in Charge (KIC) ‘s instructions, interns should understand that the role extends far beyond animal care.
Intern responsibilities are diverse and may include:
- Maintaining and cleaning animal enclosures.
- Preparing animal diets (which may involve handling raw meats).
- Detailed record-keeping and providing species-specific enrichment.
- Engaging with visitors, answering questions, and assisting with tours.
- Supporting donor relations and fundraising activities (e.g., thank-you cards, event prep, or campaign support).
- Participating in various operational tasks as assigned by management.
This role demands physical stamina, as it involves lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for prolonged periods, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have completed high school. While college students pursuing studies in biology, zoology, or wildlife are encouraged to apply, enrollment in these courses is not mandatory.
Please note that Cat Tales does not provide college credit for the internship. Interns are responsible for arranging credit through their educational institutions.
The internship requires a commitment of 300 hours over 12 weeks, with a minimum of 24 hours weekly. Applicants unable to meet this commitment are encouraged to apply for volunteer positions instead.
Candidates must be in good health and able to provide recent medical documentation, including a physical examination. We recommend a current Tetanus vaccination and a negative TB test. Successful applicants will be dependable, punctual, courteous, positive, safety-conscious, self-motivated, team-oriented, and have reliable transportation. Interns are responsible for their own accommodation and health insurance.
Application Process
Interested candidates should complete the online application form and can address inquiries to info@cattales.org. Due to our prioritization of animal care, please allow for some delay in our response.
Following the application, we will conduct interviews (either virtually or in person), reference checks, and background screenings. Acceptance into the program is contingent upon providing proof of a physical exam, and if available, proof of a recent Tetanus vaccination and a negative TB test.
Internship start dates are:
- January 6, 2027
- April 7, 2027
- July 7, 2027
- October 6, 2027
- **rolling admission dates considered
Cat Tales Wildlife Center
Volunteer and Intern Application and Acceptance Terms and Conditions
Application Information and Verification
- I understand that the information provided in my application may be subject to verification by Cat Tales Wildlife Center. I authorize Cat Tales to contact previous and current employers, organizations, volunteer associations, and references identified in my application to obtain information regarding my character, experience, and record of participation.
- I also authorize Cat Tales Wildlife Center to conduct appropriate background screening, including review of applicable public records, as permitted by law.
- I certify that the information provided in my application is accurate and complete.
Volunteer and Intern Participation
- I understand that I am applying to participate in the Cat Tales Wildlife Center Volunteer or Internship Program.
- I acknowledge that my participation is voluntary and unpaid unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing. Acceptance into the program does not constitute an offer of employment.
- If accepted, I agree to comply with all rules, policies, safety procedures, and directions provided by authorized Cat Tales staff and supervisors.
- I understand that my duties and responsibilities will be determined by my assigned department, training, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform tasks safely.
Health, Safety, and Personal Responsibility
- I understand that working or volunteering in a wildlife care environment involves inherent risks, including potential exposure to animals, zoonotic diseases, physical hazards, and unpredictable situations that may result in injury or illness.
- I recognize that I am responsible for communicating any personal limitations that may affect my ability to safely perform assigned activities.
- I agree not to undertake work that exceeds my training, authorization, or capabilities and to notify my supervisor whenever I have concerns regarding an assigned task.
- I understand that I must follow established safety protocols and instructions at all times.
Recommended Health Precautions
- For the health and safety of volunteers, interns, staff, and animals, Cat Tales Wildlife Center strongly recommends that individuals participating in Animal Care activities obtain appropriate tuberculosis (TB) screening and remain current on their tetanus vaccination.
- These health precautions are recommended but are not requirements for acceptance or participation in the Volunteer or Internship Program. Proof of TB testing, a negative TB test result, or tetanus vaccination is not required.
- Volunteers and interns who elect to obtain screening or vaccinations are responsible for any associated expenses.
- Cat Tales encourages participants to consult their healthcare provider regarding appropriate preventive health measures when working with animals.
Acknowledgment of Risk and Liability
- I understand that volunteer and internship activities at Cat Tales Wildlife Center involve inherent risks, even when appropriate safety procedures are followed.
- I voluntarily accept the inherent risks associated with my participation in authorized activities and agree to follow established safety protocols and supervisory instructions.
- I understand that participation does not automatically provide employee workers’ compensation benefits or personal medical or accident insurance coverage. Any applicable coverage is determined by Cat Tales’ policies and governing law.
- To the extent permitted by applicable law, I agree to release and hold harmless Cat Tales Wildlife Center from claims arising from the ordinary inherent risks of my voluntary participation in authorized activities. This provision does not waive rights or claims that cannot lawfully be waived.
Volunteer and Intern Certification and Acknowledgment
By submitting this application, I certify that:
- The information provided in my application is accurate and complete.
- I have read and understand these Application and Acceptance Terms and Conditions.
- I understand the inherent risks associated with participation at a wildlife care facility.
- I agree to comply with all applicable policies, rules, and safety procedures.
- I understand that TB screening and tetanus vaccination are recommended but not required.
- I understand the voluntary and unpaid nature of my participation, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
I acknowledge and accept these terms as a condition of participation in the Cat Tales Wildlife Center Volunteer or Internship Program.
I also grant permission to Cat Tales Wildlife Center to obtain information from and/or copy police and court records to conduct a pre-internship investigation of me. I hereby release from all liability and damages those individuals, companies, organizations, or agencies who provide information as stated above.
Should I become an Intern, I agree to comply with all rules and regulations of Cat Tales Wildlife Center. I understand that I am applying for a voluntary position to help Cat Tales Wildlife Center. I realize that there are many hazards at Cat Tales Wildlife Center, including animals, diseases, and other dangerous and unpredictable injuries. I am aware of my own health and physical limitations, which might not be obvious to my supervisor. I realize that it is my responsibility to decline any work that is beyond my capacity (physical or mental), so that my safety and health are maintained.
I agree to release and hold harmless Cat Tales Wildlife Center from any accident, injury, illness, or damage sustained as an Intern, while serving in such a capacity. I waive my rights to seek any form of damages and instruct my heirs and beneficiaries to honor this agreement. The parties to this Agreement do hereby mutually recognize that Cat Tales Wildlife Center does not provide Workman’s Compensation or any other type of liability insurance. Accordingly, persons such as Interns are not covered by Cat Tales Wildlife Center for such forms of insurance.
If placed in an Animal Care Department, the volunteer will be responsible for paying for a TB test at a doctor or facility of his/her choice. For the welfare of employees and animals, Cat Tales Wildlife Center recommends that all volunteers working in Animal Care departments receive a TB test and have it read as negative in order to volunteer at Cat Tales Wildlife Center in this capacity. If proof of a negative TB test is available and current within the last 12 months, please submit it with the application. The intern must be current on their Tetanus vaccination; proof must be provided upon acceptance into the Cat Tales Wildlife Center Internship Program in the Animal Care Department. All vaccinations are at the intern’s expense.
I certify that the information provided in this internship application is true and complete. Furthermore, I certify that I have read and understand the above.