Zoo Internships

Colorado

Click here for more photos of this event.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation launched the Zoo Intern Program for adults with Down syndrome in the summer of 2011. The Zoo Intern Program provides two summer internships to people with Down syndrome at the Denver Zoo.

Get to know the Zoo Program Interns, Instructors and Key Volunteers.

Each year two interns will be selected to train for, and then be presenters at the Wild Encounters show. Wild Encounters is a themed presentation created and delivered by Denver Zoo volunteers for zoo visitors two times per day. The presentation requires the ability to:

Zoo Internships

  • speak in front of an audience of children and adults
  • present facts about animals during the show and answer questions about the animals
  • set up, handle and take down program props
  • handle program props
  • assist zookeepers who handle the show’s live animals, which include turtles, snakes, crocodiles, giant cockroachs, rabbits and various birds

The interns are trained for at least 30 hours by Denver Zoo staff, animal trainers and seasoned volunteers prior to presenting for the Wild Encounters show. Once the interns are trained, they present the show on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer months. Global Down Syndrome Foundation and Wild Encounter volunteers are on hand to ensure that the presentations go smoothly.

If you are interested in applying for the internship or to learn more, please contact us at programs@globaldownsyndrome.org.

Partner