Lincoln Children’s Zoo •
About the Zoo
Founded in 1965, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo has been an important part of the Lincoln community for over 50 years. The Zoo is home to over 400 different animals who receive high-quality care from our trained team of Zoo professionals. The Zoo has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, Time Magazine, ABC News, USA Today, Buzzfeed, CNN, National Geographic, Forbes, Boston Globe and more.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is one of the fastest growing zoos in the country according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In 2019, the Zoo completed work on the largest expansion in its history. This expansion added 10 acres to the Zoo’s property and featured a year-round giraffe feeding experience, Sumatran tiger habitat, indoor play area situated next to the spider monkeys, and a play stream. In 2021, Lincoln Children’s Zoo expanded even further to add new residents: cheetahs and giant anteaters. This expansion included the addition of a 25-foot-tall play structure and the Cheetah Chase Theater, which allows guests to watch a cheetah run, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo creates memorable, educational, and enriching experiences for children of all ages and provides families the opportunity to learn firsthand about the natural world. Along with creating fun and educational experiences, the Zoo is committed to animal conservation efforts and saving animals from extinction. Home to over 30 species categorized as vulnerable or near-extinction, the Zoo is devoted to preserving and protecting animals for future generations.
2023 ZOO STATS
382,419
ZOO GUESTS
300 7
ANIMALS
6 TH
FASTEST GROWING ZOO IN THE U.S.
CORE VALUES
We are there for each other.
59,796
ZOO MEMBERS
34
ANIMAL BIRTHS
SPECIES SURVIVAL PLANS
OUR MISSION:
To enrich lives through firsthand interaction with living things.
We generate enthusiasm. We are humble. We go above and beyond.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
THINGS TO DO IN LINCOLN
ATHLETICS
Experience athletic events at the college and professional level with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lincoln Saltdogs, and Lincoln Stars.
MILES
OF WALKING & BIKING TRAILS
STATE RECREATION AREAS
MORE PARKLAND PER CAPITA THAN AUSTIN, PORTLAND AND MANY OTHER US CITIES!
MUSEUMS
Sheldon Museums of Art • Morrill Hall
• Nebraska History Museum • Great Plains Art Museum • & More!
MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
Multiple music and theater venues featuring local performers and national touring groups, including Broadway tours!
Internship Details
• Duration: 24 weeks
• Schedule: 40 hours/week required for housing (minimum of 32 hours per week required for internship)
• Housing: Convenient, fully furnished intern housing available
• Compensation: Unpaid, educational internship
• Location: Lincoln Children’s Zoo – Lincoln, Nebraska
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the internship, you will gain hands-on experience and professional mentorship in:
• Daily animal husbandry, diet prep, and exhibit maintenance
• Enrichment design and behavioral observation
• Animal training principles and welfare monitoring
• Commissary operations, safety, and biosecurity protocols
• Record keeping and teamwork within a professional zoo setting
• Public interpretation and guest engagement opportunities
• Exposure to veterinary procedures, research, and conservation programs (as available)
• Job preparation and application planning Interns also complete a personal development project, receive regular mentor check-ins, and finish the program with a professional presentation showcasing their learning and achievements.
Essential Qualities and Requirements
• Working towards a career in animal care, biology or related field
• Able to commit to at least 32 hours per week
• Capable of working both independently and within a team environment
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
• Able to stand for extended periods of time and lift 25lbs
• Must follow all written and verbal protocols, including safety and biosecurity procedures
• Willing to work a varying schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled
• Must be 18 years of age at the start of the internship
• Must be punctual, professional, and dependable
• Acquire a negative Tuberculosis (TB) test
LCZ Intern Purpose Statement
To provide support for other Zoo departments in a way that allows them to fulfill the overall Zoo mission and to provide positive opportunities for citizens to be involved in the community.
Definition of an Intern
An intern is an advanced student or graduate gaining supervised practical experience at the Zoo. An intern must be officially accepted and enrolled by the Zoo prior to performance of any tasks. Unless specifically stated, interns are not considered as ‘associates’ of the Zoo.
Lincoln Children’s Zoo does not discriminate against an otherwise qualified intern based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any status protected by Federal and State law and regulations.
Interns are viewed as a valuable resource to the Zoo and will be given meaningful assignments, treated with respect, effectively supervised, and recognized for volunteer services provided. In return, interns should actively perform their duties to the best of their abilities and remain devoted to the goals, operations, and mission of the Zoo.
To Apply
To apply for our Animal Internship, please send a resume and cover letter to:
Olivia Wells
Zelle Human Resources
olivia@zellehr.com
