This dynamic and exciting program offers the intern an opportunity to work in close proximity with the largest variety of bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, and invertebrate species found at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Among the nearly 70 species that reside in this workgroup are Eurasian lynx, Dumeril’s boas, binturongs, red-tailed hawks, tamanduas,  two-toed sloth, Bennett's wallabies, black & white tegu, armadillos, cape porcupine, and African servals.

Interns will receive hands-on experience while assisting with daily animal care duties and will learn about the many aspects of tending to animals in professional care. These aspects include monitoring and administering health care, training techniques, behavioral enrichment, animal nutrition, exhibit design, record keeping, animal behavior, population management, and many other skills that are necessary for success in a modern zoo environment.

Interns will also have an opportunity to participate in keeper chats around the zoo and animal presentations which may take place at off-site venues such as schools, libraries, or television studios.

Each intern will be required to complete a project during which they research, design, and create a behavioral enrichment item to be used by an animal in this department. During this project, interns may have the opportunity to collaborate with other departments in the zoo such as the nutrition department, behavioral husbandry department, or the exhibits department. Should they desire, interns may also complete additional projects as approved by the curator or assigned by their mentor.