Internships at Conservation Ambassadors are a fantastic way to gain experience in the fields of exotic animal and wildlife management and training, as well as conservation education and outreach. Internships are offered year-round on a competitive basis and are available to enrolled university students or recent graduates. We accept both local and out-of-state applicants. Durations and time requirements for interns will vary by season and the potential candidate’s enrollment status. Programs can be tailored based on student needs and interests, but typically fall within one of the following three major categories:
We’re proud of our close connection with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. We frequently work with students studying Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Education, Psychology, and Landscape Architecture and are familiar with Cal Poly’s philosophy of “learn by doing.” Students wishing to complete an internship with us can elect to receive college credit according to their department’s standards. Another enriching opportunity for Cal Poly students is completing senior projects with us. If you are interested in interning at Conservation Ambassadors, or, if you are a Cal Poly student interested in designing a senior project that involves the animal sanctuary, read our information for prospective interns and complete our Internship Interest Form (below) or download the application PDF.
“This past summer I had the incredible opportunity to spend ten weeks living at Conservation Ambassadors while completing an internship there. I started the internship knowing hardly anything about exotic animals, let alone how to care for them, but that quickly changed. David and the staff at the zoo took me under their wing and shared with me their extensive knowledge of these amazing animals. I feel like I learned more those ten weeks at the zoo than I ever have in my past fifteen years of school! It was incredible to work so closely with animals that are critically endangered and to be able to help educate the public about what they can do to protect them. While living at the zoo, I formed close bonds with many of these animals and was touched by the trust that they have for their human handlers. It was truly inspiring to work with people who have such passion and respect for wildlife and nature in general. This was most definitely a summer that I will cherish forever and I will always be grateful for this opportunity to work with such an awesome organization.”
– Mackenzie, 2013
CONSERVATION AMBASSADORS SOUTH CAMPUS (Zoo to You)
2445 Adobe Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Office – (805) 391-0604
Lisa Jackson, Assistant Director – (912) 223-4562
Please call for information.
CONSERVATION AMBASSADORS NORTH CAMPUS (Wild Things)
PO Box 191
Weimar, CA 95736
Office – (530) 878-2618
Website: wildthingsoutreach.org
Email: programs@wildthingsoutreach.org (north campus only)
Please email or call for information.
