Career Exploration
Internships
Looking for an internship that provides variety, excitement, and
a fascinating learning environment?
Students can gain meaningful experience in these fields while meeting school requirements. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo accepts college students and high school seniors throughout the year for internship positions in:
Education Recreation Zoo Keeping Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Technician Public Relations/Marketing
Click on your area of interest more information, including a job description, qualifications, and a link to the application form.
Internships are unpaid and priority is given to those who receive school credit for their experience. Applications are accepted all year, but should be submitted at least three months in advance of your anticipated start date to be competitive.
Lawrence A. Ackerman Scholarship
The Fort Wayne Zoological Society awards a one-time $2,000
scholarship to a high school senior pursuing a career in the
stewardship of animals. Graduating high school seniors in Adams,
Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben,
Wabash, Wells, and Whitley counties in Indiana are eligible to
apply.
Interested students should contact the Zoo Education Department at 260-427-6808 or click here to download an application. The annual application deadline is February 1.
The Scholarship was established in 1992 to honor the late Dr. Larry Ackerman, who served as the zoo's veterinarian for 25 years. Contributions to the fund are always welcome and may be mailed to Ackerman Scholarship Fund, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, In 46808. Contributions are tax deductible.
Zoo
Careers
Do you want to get a job working with animals someday? A career
in a zoo setting can be a rewarding one.
Click here
for more information on careers in zoos.
Click here to
see job opportunities at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.
Job Shadows
Are you a high school
student considering a career as a zoo keeper? Gain a better understanding
of this rewarding career by applying for a Job Shadow at the Fort Wayne
Children’s Zoo.
Read the information below carefully and follow the application instructions at the bottom of the page. Please note that space is limited for this program and slots are filled on a first come, first served basis for those submitting completed applications.
What will I do on a job shadow?
No two days are
alike at the zoo, so every job shadow is a unique experience. You
will be assigned to a zoo keeper who will take you along on their daily
rounds as they clean and feed zoo animals. Depending on the type of
animals they care for, you may be able to help prepare food, deliver food,
and assist with cleaning. Job shadow students are not permitted to
work with dangerous animals like lions and tigers.
What should I bring?
Most importantly, bring your
enthusiasm and love of learning. Zoo keepers work outdoors in all
types of weather, so please dress comfortably and appropriately for the
weather. This includes close toed shoes (sandals are not permitted), jeans
or khakis, shirt, coat or jacket if necessary. Don’t forget a hat and
gloves if it’s cold outside.
Also, be prepared to make the most of your job shadow by bringing a list of questions you’d like to ask the zoo keeper.
Who can apply?
Job shadows are open to high school
students in grades 9-12.
When should I apply?
Allow at least 6 weeks for the
application and scheduling process. Be flexible. We may not be
able to accommodate the exact date you request.
Is there a fee?
Job Shadows are offered free of
charge as a service to students in our community.
How do I apply?
- Download the application form by clicking here.
- Choose the zoo area you’d like to perform your Job Shadow in from the list below. Read carefully and note days and times that the Job Shadows are offered.
- Mail your completed application form at least six weeks in advance
of your anticipated job shadow date to
Job Shadows
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
3411 Sherman Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Or FAX to 260-427-6820
Questions?
Contact the Zoo Education Department at 260-427-6808 or
education@kidszoo.org.
Choose from one of the areas listed below the following areas of the zoo:
Job Shadow Areas
African Journey-
Join keepers on their rounds in
the Zoo’s newest exhibit…African Journey.
Duties may include: cleaning,
feeding and observing training of giraffes, wildebeest, sitatunga,
bat-eared fox, and servals. You may also visit behind the scenes in other
African Journey areas.
Days available: Monday-Friday
Time:
8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (2 hour experience)
Great Barrier Reef Aquarium-
Work with the zoo’s
aquarist as they clean, check tank temperatures and salinity, prepare
animal diets, and feed many of our aquatic residents. You will also
receive a special Behind the scenes tour and see what it takes to operate
a 50,000-gallon aquarium.
Days available: Monday-Friday
Time: 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. (2
hour experience)
Australian Adventure-
Experience the creatures and
culture of the Land Down Under in the four-acre Australian Adventure. You
may help with feeding, cleaning, and animal observations.. Animals may
include kangaroos, wallabies, parrots and other birds, bats, echidnas,
striped possums and more.
Days available: Monday-Friday
Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon (4 hours)
Central Zoo-
Help prepare otter, penguin and sea
lion diets as you shadow a Central Zoo keeper. You may assist with food
preparation and help deliver food to wallabies, red pandas, hedgehogs,
parrots, guinea pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, chickens & more. etc).
Days available: Tuesday-Thursday
Time: 7:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. (5 hours)
Indonesian Rain Forest-
Welcome to the jungle! Your
Job Shadow may include cleaning and feeding exotic birds, observing
orangutans and other primates, and assisting with reptile care, all under
cover of our 8,000 sq. ft. rainforest.
Days available:
Tuesday-Thursday
Time: 8:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. (2 hours)