At Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, we believe in growing future conservation leaders through real-world experience, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities that make a difference.
This summer, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to welcome passionate interns into our new Paid Internship Program. These early-career conservationists have already made waves, and we’re proud to celebrate their contributions.
Intern Spotlights
One of the zoo’s summer interns, Shannon, spent her time immersed in the Rocky Shores habitat, learning hands-on care for marine mammals and seabirds. Her commitment and enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed, and she’s already been hired on as a keeper at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, starting this month!
The zoo’s veterinary technician intern, Makayla, has been assisting the animal health team with daily rounds, diagnostics, and preventive care, gaining crucial experience for a career in wildlife and exotic medicine. It’s rare to find hands-on mentorship like this in such a dynamic clinical environment.
Kayla, an intern with the Life Support team, expanded her engineering and oceanography background into real-world application.
“Even the smallest tasks, like oil changes for a pump or daily maintenance in the Asian Forest Sanctuary, felt like learning opportunities,” Kayla said. “The Life Support team taught me so much more than I expected. I now have a strong understanding of the systems that keep the zoo running and feel confident in both the technical work and the purpose behind it. I made real connections and left with a clearer vision for my future in marine science.”
Another intern, Ashlynn, made a lasting contribution while working in animal care at Northwest Trek. She helped build a platform in the Red Wolf habitat, providing enrichment and new vantage points for these critically endangered wolves. Her creativity and dedication are now part of the Red Wolves’ daily lives.
We recently said goodbye to Michael, one of Northwest Trek’s interns, whose 12-week experience included supporting animal care, engaging with guests, and building vital fieldwork skills.
“Being my second animal care internship, I thought I’d just be reinforcing what I already knew, but I couldn’t have been more wrong,” Michael shared. “This program gave me new experiences and helped me grow so much more than I expected. Everyone was so welcoming, and it made me feel more confident in my role and my future as a keeper.”
Behind the Program: Equity, Access, and Impact
The new Paid Internship Program was designed with equity, access, and sustainability as a strategic goal.
The internship program is built to increase diversity in the conservation field by enhancing a sense of belonging and eliminating financial, experiential, and cultural obstacles.
“This program helps interns gain real-world experience and workforce-ready skills they need to enter zoo and aquarium careers,” said Jasmine Williams, Community Collaborations Manager.
What Interns Can Expect
- A 12-week hands-on experience in animal care, education, conservation, veterinary science, or facilities operation.
- Mentorship from dedicated staff at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
- Opportunities to network, develop projects, and gain real-world insight into the workings of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoo, aquarium, or wildlife park.
- The interns are provided a stipend to assist with general living costs. Stipends are generously provided by The Zoo Society for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium internships and the Northwest Trek Foundation for Northwest Trek Wildlife Park internships.
We’re proud of our interns’ accomplishments and excited to grow this program in the years ahead. Learn more and apply for upcoming internship opportunities here: