Malott Family Zoo Intern Program (ZIP)
The Zoo Intern Program, generously endowed by the Malott Family Foundation, is a six-week summer internship program for underserved high school students ages 16–18. Each spring 20–25 first-year interns and 5-10 second-year interns are selected from a field of over 100 applicants. Interns are trained by zoo staff and scientists for eight days and then serve six weeks as paid zoo interpreters. 

Since its inception, the program has had over 300 participants. Students identify conservational and environmental issues and develop interpretive stations on these topics for over 50,000 summer visitors.  Interns also meet animal care staff and researchers, and take part in behind the scenes tours of several animal buildings. In 2004, the zoo hired a special education teaching assistant to accommodate students with special needs. 

In addition to support from the Malott Family Foundation, major grants have also been provided by the American Express Company, the Helen Brach Foundation, the Hearst Foundation, Inc., the Oscar G. & Elsa S. Mayer Foundation and UBS Warburg.

For more information about the Zoo Intern Program, contact the Education Department at 312-742-6690.

PDF Documents:

 Zoo Intern Program Application

  Zoo Intern Program Application Instructions