Austin Zoo

&
Animal Sanctuary
Intern Curriculum

1 08 08 Ra w hi de Trai l , Austi n, TX 7 87 36 5 12 .2 8 8. 14 9 0 ww w. au sti nz oo. org

Welcome

Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuarys intern program is intended to give

individuals,18 years of age or older, the opportunity to have a
comprehensive, working experience in our Zoo profession. Our intern
program offers interns the opportunity to learn about the operations of a
modern zoo, animal care, and to obtain some basic entry-level experience.
Interns will assist Austin Zookeepers with daily routines, and may work in
other areas of the Zoo if needed.
On behalf of all of us at Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary welcome to our
intern program. Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary is home to over 350 animals,
across 100 different species. Over the next several weeks you will be working
with our Zookeepers in 5 of the 7 areas throughout our Zoo. Interns will not
be able to work in areas 1 or 2 or in the front room of the Education Building.
Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary Animal Areas
Area 1 - Primates
Area 2 - Big Cats
Area 3 - Hoof stock
Area 4 - Tortoises/Discovery Center
Area 5 - Kangaroo, Wolf-Hybrids, Domestic Dogs, Foxes, Kinkajou, Prehensile
Porcupine, Binturong.
Area 6 - Birds
Area 7 - Wolf-Hybrid, Wolf, Prairie Dogs, Genets, Chickens, Roosters, Geese,
Domestic Cats, Iguanas, Turkeys, Coatis, Peacock, Ferrets.
Week One - Keeper Kitchen and Area 3

Introduction to Gift Shop staff and Zookeepers

Training for food prep for animals, kitchen duties, laundry, janitorial tasks
Introduction to area 3 and instruction on basic tasks
Interns will be able to interact in some way with the animals in area 3 with
the following exceptions:
Goat Thunder
Chicken Red McCombs

Week Two - Area 4 and Discovery Center

1 08 08 Ra w hi de Trai l , Austi n, TX 7 87 36 5 12 .2 8 8. 14 9 0 ww w. au sti nz oo. org

 Introduction to area 4 and instruction on basic tasks

Interns will be able to interact in some way with the animals in area 4 with

the following exception:

Rene the American Alligator
Week Three - Area 5
Introduction to area 5 and instruction on basic tasks
Interns will be able to interact in some way with the animals in area 5 with

the following exceptions:

Red Kangaroo - observe only
Binturong - observe only
Ringtail Cat - observe only
Wolf-Hybrids - observe only
Week Four - Area 6
Introduction to area 6 and instruction on basic tasks
Interns will be able to interact in some way with the animals in area 6 only

from the exterior of the habitat.

Week Five - Area 7
Introduction to area 7 and instruction on basic tasks
Interns will be able to interact in some way with the animals in area 7 with

the following exceptions:

White Chinese Goose Homer
Genets
Week Six - Education Department
Introduction to our Education Department and instruction on basic tasks

Week Seven - Outreach Department

Introduction to our Outreach Department and instruction on basic tasks

1 08 08 Ra w hi de Trai l , Austi n, TX 7 87 36 5 12 .2 8 8. 14 9 0 ww w. au sti nz oo. org