Wild Internships at the Philadelphia Zoo
"Should I hold the snake a little higher?" Glenda, the Brazilian Rainbow Boa, did very well for her photo shoot. Her handler, Melissa Giordano, a former intern and new employee of the Philadelphia Zoo, was very comfortable and at-ease with her interesting friend. Giordano's familiarity with the animals is a direct result of her experience as a former intern at the Philadelphia Zoo.
The Philadelphia Zoo internship program is one of many ways this extraordinary organization works with the community. Hands-on training in conservation, education, science and animal care provide students with important tasks that educate and inspire young people on their career path.
"I really wanted to get a job at the zoo. I was told the best way to get involved was to start as a volunteer," said Giordano. "I was really hoping there would be hands on experience with the animals." The Brazilian Rainbow Boa wrapped around her surgically gloved hands clearly showed her direct involvement and experience in caring for the animal.
"Melissa takes care of over 40 animals on a daily basis. Her responsibilities include feeding, cleaning and weighing the reptiles," said Terri Smith, Volunteer Programs Manager. "Unlike other animals reptiles need a lot of care. We need to monitor their health systems because diseases are not obvious."
Terri Smith, the Volunteer Programs Manager, develops, promotes and monitors all volunteer and internship programs for the Philadelphia Zoo. Smith coordinates the placement of students with each department thus ensuring a successful experience for both the students and the organization.
"We have about 70 interns per semester just in our education department. We like to have at least three interns working per day," she said. "In the Children's Zoo, summer is the most popular time of the year as many veterinary students are looking to get in their hours. Students may apply any time throughout the year as the Zoo has rolling applications and various start times."
The Philadelphia Zoo currently offers eight internship programs throughout the year. Internship programs include Guest Relations, Sales and Marketing, Public Relations, Graphic Design, Education Ambassador, Public Programming, Conservation and Science and Animal Care. New opportunities are also in development for 2008.
"We are working on a new conservation research internship that will allow a student to work part of their time in the Wetlands Institute in Barnagate, NJ and the other half at the Philadelphia Zoo," said Smith.
The Philadelphia Zoo, located at 3400 West Girard Avenue, has one of the most popular and diverse internship programs in the region. Students apply locally and across the nation for a variety of opportunities in all career categories.
"The Philadelphia Zoo provides a variety of practical, high-quality internships that enhance student's academic work and helps them achieve their professional goals," said Smith.
"Students should not assume that an internship at the zoo will only involve cleaning up after the animals," said Tara Routzahn, the Children's Zoo Operations Manager. Routzahn, a zoo veteran since 2001, works directly with the student training and supervising in the Children's Zoo division.
"There is so much involved with the programs. Students learn all aspects of animal care from animal training, exercise yards, grooming, diets, baths, animal enrichment and team building" she said. "Students do not handle primates or big cats. They typically handle the education collection and barnyard animals."
Another popular misconception is that only biology or veterinary students are offered internships. "Actually all majors are accepted. There are no specific coursework requirements necessary to participate. The candidate must be dedicated, dependable and have a passion for animals."
"We are a mini-city. We have every type of department imaginable. There are numerous volunteer, internship and employment opportunities," said Smith. "We can always find a place for you."
Students who are interested in any of the Philadelphia Zoo opportunities must have a strong commitment to the program. "Duties directly relate to the care of the animals." Many of the internship programs require a commitment of at least eight weeks. Depending on the internship, the schedule may require students to work one to two days per week including a day on the weekend. The summer may require three to four days that also overlap a weekend.
"It was an amazing internship unlike anything that I could have anticipated," said Giordano as she returned Glenda, the Boa, back to her home.
For more information about the opportunities at the Philadelphia Zoo, go to www.philadelphiazoo.org.