Wild Beginnings
Meet the Keepers Who Started as Interns!
Behind every great animal care story is a passionate person who followed their wildest dreams. We’re proud that many of our incredible keepers began their journeys right here: as interns, learning the ropes, forming connections, and discovering their calling in animal care right here in Norristown.
Keeper Amy
Internship Year: 2011
"Elmwood was the first zoo I interned at on my path to becoming a zookeeper. [Since then], it has been my privilege to mentor numerous other interns, who have gone on to successful zoo careers, many of whom are now part of the keeper team today!"
Keeper Kara
Internship Year: 2018
"Working hands-on with the diverse range of taxa and learning all aspects of their daily care inspired me to change my career direction, focusing on wildlife conservation and animal behavior. I am thrilled to call this my long-term home and am fortunate enough to still work with a handful of people who helped me launch my career in the zoo field to this day."
Keeper Nina
Internship Year: 2021
"I fell in love with the zoo and knew this is what I wanted to do. The internship is extremely hands-on, and you spend the majority of the day with the zookeepers, allowing you to see what a day-to-day experience is like working in different areas with various animals. I love every aspect of the job and am grateful for the internship for preparing me so well for my position."
Keeper Jesse
Internship Year: 2021
"[As an intern], you get such an education from each person and animal you encounter in your time here. I learned so much about individual animal behaviors and what techniques work best in regards to husbandry and animal care."
Keeper Abbie
Internship Year: 2022
"I happily started my internship right after graduating college, and quickly fell in love. Every day was a challenge in the best possible way, and I knew I wanted to work my hardest to be part of our animal team. Once I was hired, I was met with overwhelming support, mentors, and growth opportunities."
Keeper Lili
Internship Year: 2022
"When a part-time keeper aide position opened up the summer after my internship, I didn’t hesitate to apply. It has been an honor to work with such an amazing team, and their guidance and support have played such a role in shaping me into the Full-time Animal Keeper I am today. I continue to learn every day and am excited to keep growing in this field."
Keeper Brooke
Internship Year: 2023
"Our zookeeping internship offers the opportunity to learn animal husbandry for a wide variety of species, and you get to work with many members of our incredible keeper team. With all the valuable experience I gained, I was also able to use my internships as credits toward my degree. I am grateful to work with our wonderful animals and remarkable team."
Keeper Jaime
Internship Year: 2024
"The team always made sure I was included in all kinds of activities, from washing dishes or doing laundry, to helping with training sessions and celebrating birthdays. The bonds I’ve created with the animals are incredibly special to me, and I continue to develop them and learn about each individual every day. Interning and now working with EPZ are huge milestones in my zookeeping journey. "