Brevard Zoo

The Brevard Zoo will implement a 12-week paid animal keeper internship program for five minority students or recent graduates designed to increase diversity in the animal care field. The program, in partnership with Bethune-Cookman University, will provide hands-on professional experience, one-on-one mentoring, and training from experienced animal care staff, and will support participant housing, transportation, and stipends. This program will nurture each participant's passion for animal care and conservation and increase confidence in, and commitment to, the animal care field. Long-term outcomes of this internship program include future employment in the zoological or animal care fields and contribute to growing a diverse workforce that has a wider range of experience and viewpoints, better preparing the zoo and the field to engage diverse audiences.