We are currently accepting Internships Applications for 2024!
Wild Hearts operates a comprehensive unpaid internship program for college students and recent graduates looking to gain experience in the animal husbandry industry. Since 2015, interns from Miami University, Wright State, The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton, University of Findlay, Ball State, Cincinnati State, Otterbein, Indiana University East, Northern Michigan University, Cedarville University, and more have accumulated over 35,000 hours of hands-on internship experience with us. Whether you are interested in becoming a zookeeper, rancher, conservation officer, game warden, naturalist, animal behaviorist, vet tech, veterinarian or wildlife biologist, this internship will help prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career. You’ll work directly with birds, mammals, and reptiles of all kinds from both our African Farm and our Mobile Teaching Zoo. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our educational programs and learn to deliver entertaining and engaging facts while handling an animal in front of an audience. Internships are a minimum of 10 weeks and 250 hours, but many interns choose to earn additional hours. You’ll be scheduled a minimum of 3/mornings-early afternoons a week for 10-16 weeks so that you can have flexibility around your school and work schedules. This internship is hard work and educational! You’ll be cleaning enclosures indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, preparing food, providing enrichment, keeping detailed records, shoveling, trimming nails, pulling weeds, weighing animals, lifting feed bags, getting muddy…but most importantly you’ll be sharing an incredible experience with some of our amazing animals while working towards your career goals!
Wild Hearts does not currently offer on-site housing. Out out-of-area interns may also be interested in staying at one of our local hotels or bed & breakfasts for the duration of their internship at their own expense. Our very first staff member was hired after completing their internship program with us!
TO APPLY:
Download and complete the Wild Hearts Internship Application
and email to amanda@wildheartsafricanfarm.org.
Applications are accepted year-round however spaces fill quickly.
We will interview and hire as we receive applications.
We respond to ALL successfully completed applications within two weeks of receipt to confirm we received and to possibly schedule an interview.
If we do not respond within two weeks, please
check your submission to ensure you have followed the instructions carefully.
Wild Hearts is a 501c3 non-profit and is primarily a volunteer-based organization.
The team at Wild Hearts African Farm is spectacular! On my recent visit, I was able to see their passion, fire and love for the animals. They are experts focused on educating the community about the need for conservation work both locally and globally. During my tour with the owner, I was educated on the importance of wildlife conservation, and was able to get up close with many fascinating animals while learning much about their environments. The farm property is beautifully landscaped and manicured with plenteous acreage for future development. Their internship program provides valuable experience for college students seeking comprehensive experience in animal husbandry. It is an exquisite educational location, a perfect recreational setting, a conservation park, a farm, a sanctuary – it is all of the above. Truly breathtaking! It is a must see!
Tanya WilliamsNEW PAID POSITIONS!
in offering part-time/short-term work-experiences to qualified youth ages 14-24.
Ages 14-17 must reside in Preble County.
Make up to $15.00 hourly gaining valuable experience while working various jobs at the zoo!
