Saint Louis Zoo

Institute for Conservation Medicine Intern

July - August 2020 • St. Louis, MO

What I liked

I really loved getting to gain holistic, hands-on experience in the field. I got to apply ecological work and knowledge to real-life situations. This experienced not only gave me a foundation in ecological research skills, but also opened my perspective to a One Health approach. The ICM team was also very friendly and helpful, but allowed you to grow and improve, working individually and as a team. The best part for me was getting to collect data in the field and handle aquatic and box turtles.

What I wish was different

I wish that the internship could have been longer. However, I am fortunate that it was able to continue this summer at all due to COVID-19. Regardless, I loved every aspect of this internship.

Advice

I would like to advise that anyone interested in understanding the interactions between wildlife, humans, and the environment should definitely apply. You do not have to be science/research minded to apply, as the whole program and internship fosters the education of multi-faceted students with diverse interests. With that being said, you do a lot of field work so if that is something you are not interested in (and are afraid to get your hands dirty) then this might not be the best internship for you.

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Educator

May 2018 • St. Louis, MO

What I liked

Great experience working with elementary and middle school students from across the St. Louis area and beyond. I was able to not only learn and teach about zoos function and the work that they do in biology conservation, but also teach about the animals themselves and how each species functions in the wild.

What I wish was different

More training on how to teach kids. The majority of the educators have a science background and not much experience teaching.

Advice

Drink water and have fun. You'll be working with kids so they won't buy into what you say if they don't buy into you

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Primate House Extern

May - August 2019 • St. Louis, MO

What I liked

I really loved getting hands on experience in the animal caretaking field. It was awesome to see how zookeeping is intertwined with conservation efforts beyond just creating a safe and stimulating/natural environment for the animals. I also loved getting to know the keepers and learn about the other departments in the zoo. I learned so much with my experience and I would highly recommend pursuing an internship with the Saint Louis Zoo.

What I wish was different

I wish it didn't have to end! Honestly, there was nothing that I wish had been different. I felt welcomed and felt that I was given multiple opportunities to make the most out of my internship.

Advice

I would recommend people be open and aware that a majority of the internship involves cleaning (enclosures and dishes). I would also like to reiterate that there is no direct animal contact, for the safety of yourself and the animal. I would advise people to plan for hard and physically laborious work, with the extent of work differing depending on the unit you are working with. It is all worth the experience though!

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