| |
The Minnesota Zoo strives to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare/well-being, such that the biological, behavioral, and social needs of the individual animal are met. This is achieved, in part, through behavior management (animal enrichment and training). Behavior management aims to draw out animals’ natural behaviors and abilities with stimulating environments that provide the animals with behavioral choices and encourage them to explore and interact with their surroundings. Behavior management begins at exhibit planning and continues with the day-to-day animal care provided by keepers.
 |
Approximately 32-40 hours/week for 10-14 weeks. Work schedule is somewhat flexible; Behavior Management Interns typically work 8-10 hours/day, 4-5 days per week. College credit required.
Responsibilities for the Behavior Management Internship include conducting behavioral observations, recording and entering behavioral/enrichment data, working on enrichment initiatives, as well as interacting with Zoo guests and providing interpretive information throughout the Zoo. |
Duties
to include:
- Learn about enrichment and husbandry training in zoos & aquariums
- Research the natural history of the Zoo’s animals for behavior management goal planning
- Learn and practice methods of observation
- Conduct daily behavioral observations
- Develop and evaluate a new enrichment initiative and/or behavior study as an independent study project
- Assist the Enrichment Coordinator with enrichment documentation recordkeeping
- Assist the Enrichment Coordinator with enrichment and training meetings/workshops
- Make enrichment items for use in daily enrichment and special events
- Provide interpretation to Zoo guests about natural history and behavior management
For more information, please contact:
Internship Coordinator Jill Wallin, Human
Resources
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124
E-mail: jill.wallin@state.mn.us
Phone: 952.431.9219
Toll-free: 800.366.7811 ext. 219
Fax: 952.431.9211
TTY: 800.627.3529
or
|
|