Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Mammal Department - Gorilla/Small Mammals - Summer Internship
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.
Responsibilities: The Mammal Department at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is proud to offer an internship experience for qualified students. The purpose of an internship in our Mammal Department is to gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Riverbank’s mission and how it is achieved through various functions and operations throughout the zoo and garden.
Gorilla/Small Mammals Internship includes the following three areas:
+ Ndoki Forest: Western Lowland Gorilla and Slender-tailed Meerkat
+ Kangaroo Walkabout: Red Kangaroo, Red-necked Wallaby and Tammar Wallaby.
+ Riverbanks Conservation Outpost: Ring-tailed Lemur, Red-ruffed Lemur, Golden-lion Tamarin, Saki Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo, Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth, Black-footed Cat and Fishing Cat.
The categories of study during the internship include:
+ Assist with daily maintenance of animal enclosures and exhibits.
+ Assist with daily maintenance of keeper areas. This includes cleaning dishes, daily laundry, etc.
+ Learn about animal nutrition and prepare diets.
+ Learn about animal behaviors in both captive and natural environments.
+ Operant Conditioning:
+ Observe operant conditioning techniques of captive animals.
+ Learn how keepers weigh animals monthly. Interns will be allowed to assist keepers in weighing certain species.
+ Enrichment:
+ Design and implement environmental enrichment techniques.
+ Assist keepers in observing animals with new enrichment items and completing evaluation forms.
+ Observe animal keepers and veterinarians during medical procedures.
+ Attend department meetings.
While interning with the Mammal Department you will observe and participate in the overall operation of the zoological facility. You will gain exposure to other departments that support the individual function and goals of the Mammal Department. During your internship at Riverbanks you will be exposed to a variety of management styles and approaches.
Experience Required
This is a full time unpaid internship open to undergraduates seeking degrees in biology or related fields. Interns are required to work 40 hours/week in five 8 hour days. Applicants must be able to work any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.
Further Comments
Please apply by March 1, 2019 — Unpaid Internship — No housing available.
How to Apply
Please submit your application via the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden website: http://www.riverbanks.org/join-our-team/
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia, SC 29210
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