Potter Park Zoo

Animal Care Intern

May - August 2023 • Lansing, MI

What I liked

I loved the people I worked with, and the amount of experience I got handling and working with all of the animals at Potter Park Zoo!

What I wish was different

I wish that I knew that I got the internship sooner than two weeks before the summer semester started.

Advice

It is a fast-paced work environment with a lot of information you have to learn in a small amount of time, so make sure to ask questions!

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Special Projects Intern

May - August 2022 • Lansing, MI

What I liked

While interning at Potter Park Zoo, I was respected and treated as if I was a full time staff. I was given an opportunity to grow, improve, learn and I had so many experiences that I feel made this internship one of a kind. I would recommend Potter Park Zoo to anyone. The staff was so generous and kind, and I was able to form amazing relationships with the staff while interning!

What I wish was different

I only wish that my internship would have gone on for longer! I was able to learn so much and be apart of so many different events. I built such a good relationship with my supervisors and co-intern and I would have loved to stay on for longer.

Advice

For anyone interested in applying for Potter Park Zoo, be prepared to do every aspect of the job! From catering, tent set up, food service, poster making! They really immerse you in the full experience and it was the one piece prior to starting that I wish I would have known in advance but the team there really sets you up for success!

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Zoo Education Intern

May - August 2021 • East Lansing, MI

What I liked

I experienced a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities that were directly related to my career. The most valuable experience I got was lesson planning and classroom management in an informal zoo setting!

What I wish was different

We were not able to handle the ambassador animals due to COVID.

Advice

Show up with enthusiasm each day! It’s contagious and makes your experience (along with the campers’ and your coworkers’ experiences) much better!

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Volunteer

July 2019 • Lansing, MI

What I liked

I absolutely love working with the staff and other volunteers! Everyone is always very nice and helpful! I also love being able to see the happiness my work helps bring to visitors ! And of course, seeing the animals is always great too!!

What I wish was different

Advice

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

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Conservation intern

May - August 2019 • East Lansing, MI

What I liked

I loved the people that I worked with. They were very knowledgeable and excited about their careers! Aside from the individuals that I worked with, being able to see the animals everyday was purely amazing! Getting up super early on summer vacation is never a great feeling, however, waking up to hear the wolves howling and lions roaring made it magical.