This dynamic and exciting program offers the intern an opportunity to work in close proximity with a variety of bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish, and invertebrate species. Among the species that reside in this workgroup are ring-tail lemurs, reindeer, Nigerian dwarf goats, free-flight parakeets, Bennett's wallabies, toucans, screaming hairy armadillos, and many more. Interns will be assigned to a work with a mentor based out of the Hamill Family Play Zoo or Wild Encounters areas, and will also have an opportunity to cross-train in both sections.

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, including 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.

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.