Zookeeper Internships
Want to learn what it takes to be a zookeeper? Apply for our seasonal internship program for hands-on experience working with animals in a safe, educational sanctuary environment.
Real Sanctuary Experience in the Heart of Maine
DEW Haven offers seasonal zookeeper internships (Summer and Fall placements) for students and recent graduates looking to gain real-world experience in exotic animal care, captive wildlife management, and non-profit sanctuary operations.
Interns work side-by-side with our founding family and experienced animal keepers, caring for over 150 residents—including big cats, bears, primates, ungulates, birds, and domestic farm animals.
Free On-Site Housing
Comfortable on-site housing with all utilities included for the entire duration of your internship program.
Weekly Living Stipend
A weekly stipend ($100/week) provided to support interns throughout their seasonal placement.
Hands-On Animal Care
Direct daily experience feeding, caring for, and managing over 150 rescue animals from around the world.
Habitat Construction & Enrichment
Practical experience designing behavioral enrichment, maintaining enclosures, and building natural habitats.
What You'll Do
- Diet Preparation & Feeding: Prepare species-specific nutritional diets and deliver scheduled feedings across the sanctuary.
- Enclosure Sanitation & Maintenance: Clean and disinfect habitats, ponds, and holding quarters to USDA and state standards.
- Behavioral Enrichment: Design, build, and introduce daily sensory and cognitive stimulation objects for our big cats and primates.
- Sanctuary Upkeep & Carpentry: Assist in building new habitats, repairing perimeter fences, and trail maintenance.
- Public Education: Assist visitors along the trail, answer questions, and promote community responsibility for wildlife.
Requirements
- Current student or recent graduate in an animal-related field (Zoology, Biology, Vet Tech, Wildlife Conservation, Animal Science).
- Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid government ID.
- Physically capable of performing manual labor outdoors in various Maine weather conditions (lifting up to 50 lbs).
- Reliable work ethic, passion for wildlife welfare, positive attitude, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong communication skills and comfort interacting with the visiting public.
Submit Your Internship Application
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for Summer and Fall seasons. Please send your resume, cover letter, and dates of availability to our team.