Animal Care Intern

Spring 2027- Applications Due Nov 1

Jan 11- April 27   Spring Break Excused (March 7-13)

Summer 2027- Application Due April 1

May 11-July 28 1 week vacation excused (7 days total)

Please read description fully.

Animal Care Internship

Bear Hollow Zoo – Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services

The Animal Care Internship at Bear Hollow Zoo offers a hands-on opportunity for individuals passionate about wildlife conservation and animal husbandry. Interns are considered volunteers and must follow all Bear Hollow Zoo policies regarding rules, regulations, and qualifications while serving in this role.

About Us

The Athens-Clarke County Department of Leisure Services is committed to enriching the lives of our citizens through stewardship of natural resources and the efficient, responsive provision of quality leisure opportunities, experiences, and partnerships.

At Bear Hollow Zoo, our mission is simple yet powerful:
To inspire change to protect the animals in your backyard.

Through this internship, we aim to foster meaningful connections to Georgia’s wildlife and promote positive understanding of these animals and their environments.

Internship Overview

Applicants must submit an Animal Care Internship application and participate in an interview process. Due to staff capacity, placements are limited.

Up to 2 interns per day for Winter and Spring Cycles

Up to 3 interns per day for Summer Cycle

This is a professional-level commitment. Scheduled shifts must be honored regardless of outside obligations. Excused absences require prior approval from the Zoo Coordinator (doctor’s notes required when applicable).

Animal Care Interns work directly with our animal collection under staff supervision and training. This immersive experience provides practical skills in:

• Daily husbandry routines for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
• Animal observation and record keeping
• Diet preparation and feeding protocols
• Enrichment preparation and implementation
• Training support, may include shifting, crating, handling, and maintaining trained behaviors
• Participation in and/or observation of on-site veterinary exams

All interns will complete a Legacy Project designed to benefit the zoo. Projects may include habitat improvements, development of enrichment devices, educational enhancements, or other approved contributions that positively impact the animals or visitor experience.

Internship Commitment

Interns must complete a minimum of 150 hours over the semester.

It is recommended that students do not have a course load more than 15 credit hours.

Bear Hollow follows the University of Georgia academic calendar:

• Fall Semester: 15 weeks (Thanksgiving break excused)
• Spring Semester: 15 weeks (Spring break excused)
• Summer Semester: 11 weeks (1 week vacation excused)

Interns must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Commit to a full semester
• Work a minimum of two days per week, at least 6 hours per day (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
• Maintain consistent weekly shifts

 Failure to maintain attendance standards, including multiple absences, may result in dismissal from the program.

Internships may qualify for academic credit; approval is the responsibility of the intern and their institution.

Training Process

Training consists of 3–6 supervised sessions. Interns must complete at least three consecutive training sessions. The final training includes a verbal practical (and possibly written test) in which the intern demonstrates mastery of their assigned routine.

Interns will be provided with current zoo Standard Operation Procedures for husbandry and safety.

Dress Code & Safety

Proper uniform is required to participate in animal care duties:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Radio
• Appropriate-length shorts (fingertip rule), pants, or jeans
• No holes, profanity, or inappropriate logos on clothing
• Face covering when required

 For the safety of both animals and humans, not all animals may be touched, and some species require protected contact. All interns must always follow staff instructions and zoo safety protocols.

Health & Zoonotic Disease Prevention

Bear Hollow Zoo follows preventive measures to reduce zoonotic disease transmission.

Policies may be updated in accordance with recommendations from governing agencies and health authorities.

Continued Volunteer Opportunities

Under staff recommendation, interns who complete a full semester in good standing may continue as Animal Care volunteers.  Ongoing volunteers must complete a minimum of one shift per week (three shifts per month) and maintain attendance standards.

Professional Representation

As a Bear Hollow Zoo intern, you represent both the Zoo and Memorial Park. Professional, courteous, and mission-aligned behavior is expected at all times when interacting with guests, coworkers, and animals.

For more information, please contact:

Zoo Coordinator:
Kelly Garrison
706-340-0553
Kelly.Garrison@accgov.com

Program Specialist:
Megan Subock
706-613-3580
megan.subock@accgov.com

*Limited opportunities exist for Wildlife Education Internships.  Please email for more information.

Request and/or send  applications to kelly.garrison@accgov.com