The program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium’s Pier 225 gallery. Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals.Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the fundamentals of animal training. This is an experience-based, unpaid internship.
Interns will:
- Be paired with Pier 225 staff to learn about operant conditioning with California sea lions and harbor seals for public presentations, enrichment and husbandry programs.Learn and participate in area responsibilities directly benefiting the animals, which include but not limited to: diet preparation and feeding, water sampling, commissary clean-up, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, data recording and data entry and other duties as assigned. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
- Be supervised by approved staff at all times during their program, but will greatly benefit from demonstrating the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Partake in departmental intern development curriculum, including but not limited to: natural history, theories of animal behavior, fish handling, safety, and a diverse lecture series presented by intern mentors. Each intern must demonstrate proficiency in every module by completing written exams, tests, and quizzes.