Skip to main content

Explore our Wildlife Conservation Internships

Do you have a burning passion for protecting Earth’s most marvelous creatures? Our range of wildlife internships offers a remarkable opportunity to engulf yourself in safeguarding various endangered species and habitats. You won’t solely be observing the wonders of the natural environment; you’ll actively contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.

A wildlife internship provides you with a transformative experience that combines a passion for the earth’s animals with skill development and environmental impact. It empowers you to play a critical role in protecting endangered wildlife while gaining the knowledge and expertise needed for a rewarding career in wildlife conservation.

Read more about our Wildlife Conservation internships options

Why choose Roots Interns for Wildlife Conservation Internships?

Grassroots work

You’ll join an organization that works directly with their community to solve problems on the ground and make a real impact.

Matchmaking

We’ll help you find and prepare for an internship with the organization that’s right for you and your skills, background, and passions.

Academic Placements

Working abroad is an experience like no other and your internship will be tailored to your studies and interests.

Browse All Wildlife Conservation Internship Projects

A lioness rests on a grassy landscape, surrounded by green vegetation in a natural habitat, with another lion resting in the background.

Open for applications

Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Maasai Mara, Kenya
  • Wildlife Observation, Ecological Studies, Data Evaluation, Habitat Preservation
Take part in conservation projects focused on wildlife monitoring and sustainability, working to protect Kenya’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Find out more
A group of interns jump in excitement on a beach at sunset, silhouetted against the sky, symbolizing teamwork and celebration.

Open for applications

Customized Internship in Europe

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain
  • Social-Environmental Impact, Tailor-Made, Nonprofit Development
Design a tailor-made internship experience that aligns with your professional and personal goals while furthering the mission of a nonprofit in Europe.
Find out more

Open for applications

Bachelor’s Level Conservation Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Greater Kruger, South Africa
  • Wildlife Research, Ecosystem Conservation, Data Collection
Travel to South Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Greater Kruger Park, and research ways to protect its wildlife.
Find out more

Open for applications

Master’s Level Conservation Research Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Greater Kruger, South Africa
  • Ecological Research, Wildlife Conservation, Data Projects
Live and work in Greater Kruger Park and conduct in-field ecological research on Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
Find out more
wildlife photography interns in the Maasai Mara photographing an elephant from their safari car

Open for applications

Maasai Mara Wildlife Photography & Conservation

  • Min. 2 weeks
  • Maasai Mara, Kenya
  • Wildlife Photography, Field Patrols, Conservation Work
Explore the iconic Maasai Mara while aiding conservation efforts and building up a standout photography portfolio.
Find out more
Sea turtle on the beach

Open for applications

Sea Turtle Conservation Internship

  • Min. 6 weeks
  • Carate, Costa Rica
  • Data Collection, Marine Conservation, Education, Research
Contribute to the preservation of sea turtles and their natural habitats, while engaging in environmental conservation efforts in Costa Rica.
Find out more
Girl feeding a bird

Open for applications

Wildlife Husbandry Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
  • Animal Care, Camera Traps, Training, Feeding
Gain hands-on experience caring for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife of Costa Rica.
Find out more
orphan sea turtle being cared for

Open for applications

Orphan Care Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
  • Animal Care, Nursery Assistance, Animal Research
Immerse yourself in nurturing and rehabilitating orphaned wildlife, contributing directly to their conservation in the heart of the biodiverse Puntarenas province.
Find out more
Vet students examining a feline

Available from January 2026

Veterinary Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
  • Veterinary Assistance, Reporting, Animal Care
Work on the frontline of wildlife conservation in a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica and assist with animal treatments, record-keeping, and overall care.
Find out more
aerial picture of cirenas

Open for applications

Conservation Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Manzanillo, Costa Rica
  • Data Capture, Permaculture, Conservation, Education, Monitoring, Research
Specialize in Marine or Land Ecology, or get a taste of both with this versatile Conservation Internship.
Find out more
girl with millipede on her hand

Open for applications

Rainforest Conservation Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
  • Research, Data Analysis, Community Outreach, Conservation, Reporting
Travel to Brazil and study the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Rainforest.
Find out more
kids looking at a specimen in a jar

Open for applications

Wildlife Research Internship

  • Min. 3 months
  • Recinto La Esperie, Ecuador
  • Education, Data Capture & Analysis, Community Projects
Gain valuable scientific research experience by studying endemic species of plants and animals, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.
Find out more
a woman smiling while feeding a tortoise

Open for applications

Galapagos Conservation Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Galapagos, Ecuador
  • Internships, Summer internships, Gap year internships
Undertake a unique journey of conservation and transformation, working closely with experts to maintain Galapagos’ ecosystem.
Find out more
a green frog

Open for applications

Biology Research Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Puerto Inca, Peru
  • Data Capture, Reporting, Surveys, Camera Traps
Work alongside experts documenting and studying flora and fauna of the Peruvian Amazon
Find out more
a woman planting

Open for applications

Biodiversity Conservation Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, Brazil
  • Research, Reforestation, Conservation, Monitoring
Help reverse the climate crisis by restoring the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest.
Find out more
Wildlife Veterinary Internship

Open for applications

Wildlife Veterinary Internship

  • 2-12 weeks
  • Lilongwe, Malawi
  • Veterinary work, Animal care, Integrations, Observations
A hands-on wildlife veterinary internship at a rescue and rehabilitation center
Find out more
Bird Research & Conservation Internship

Open for applications

Bird Research & Conservation Internship

  • Min. 12 weeks
  • Bela-Bela, South Africa OR Remote
  • Field research, Mapping, Data collection, Education
Gain experience in field research, including data collection, mapping, and behavioral analysis in the African bush.
Find out more

Open for applications

Conservation Education Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Bela-Bela, South Africa OR Remote
  • Education, monitoring, research, community outreach
Help spread important information on the ground hornbill in local communities.
Find out more
Marine Research Internship

Open for applications

Marine Research Internship

  • 2-12 weeks
  • Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
  • Research, Reporting, Monitoring, Education
Gain hands-on experience in marine research on a breathtaking island, studying diverse ecosystems and contributing to conservation efforts.
Find out more
A young lion laying on grass, whilst another lion is closely behind.

Open for applications

Wildlife Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Greater Kruger, South Africa
  • Game Drives, Research, Fieldwork, Data Analysis, Reports
Journey to South Africa's largest wildlife reserve, the Greater Kruger National Park, and engage in groundbreaking research.
Find out more
Conservation and Photography Internship

Open for applications

Wildlife Photography Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Greater Kruger, South Africa
  • Photography, Conservation
Photograph lions, leopards, elephants, and many more animals, while sharpening your skills.
Find out more
Lion running with another lion behind it.

Open for applications

Wildlife Photography Internship

  • Min. 2 weeks
  • Fuller Forest, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Wildlife Photography, Conservation, Photo Editing
Master the art of wildlife photography while making a lasting impact on conservation and community projects in Victoria Falls.
Find out more
Wildlife Research Internship

Open for applications

Wildlife Research Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Fuller Forest, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
  • Wildlife Research, Data Collection & Analysis
Join a team of professionals in research on African wildlife, advancing the understanding of wildlife ecosystem conservation.
Find out more

Other Academic Focus Areas

Benefits of Wildlife Conservation Internships

Hands on experience

Wildlife internships provide you the opportunity to actively participate in wildlife conservation efforts, ranging from restoring habitats to monitoring and researching wildlife; you are guaranteed to contribute to tangible conservation outcomes.

Wildlife Knowledge

Gain the chance to absorb in-depth knowledge about various endangered species, their habitat, and conservation challenges, which can operate as a foundation for future careers in wildlife biology.

Personal Network

Working alongside conservation experts in your wildlife internship will allow you to facilitate a professional network in the field which can lead to future career opportunities.

Make an Impact

As an intern, you’ll directly contribute to conservation initiatives, from protecting biodiversity and endangered species to conserving habitats. You will contribute to a measurable difference in wildlife preservation.

Personal Growth

Wildlife biology internships do not only foster professional development but also personal growth by infusing a sense of environmental responsibility and a lifelong commitment to conservation.

Contribute to Biodiversity

In this transformative experience, you’ll contribute significantly to the protection and preservation of biodiversity, aiding in safeguarding species and their ecosystems to ensure longevity for future generations to come.

Best Places for Wildlife Conservation Internships

Why Choose Roots Internships in Wildlife Conservation

Find out from our previous interns how internship positions in Wildlife Conservation can boost your professional career and grow your interpersonal skills.

I cannot express my gratitude to Roots Interns enough for helping me arrange my internship in Zimbabwe. It was a marvelous experience that I will cherish forever. The best part of the whole internship was the staff on the project; they were kind & patient and made sure I worked in as many activities as possible to get the most out of my time. It was not just about everything I learned, but also all the fun I had. It was like a cool breeze of the ocean filled with knowledge. I’m grateful for this opportunity personally and for the value it will add to my CV.

Ramsai, Woxsen University, Indian – Wildlife Conservation Internship, Zimbabwe

This internship exceeded my expectations. The work was exactly as I hoped it would be and I was able to learn a lot about the local people, wildlife, photography, animal tracking, and my own goals. I learned a lot about human and animal interactions and why conservation work is so important. The experiences confirmed for me that I want to work in this field. I’m proud that I was able to contribute to this organization and their work and I’m proud that I was able to learn so much.

Simon, Julius-Maximilians-Universität, German – Wildlife Research Internship, Zimbabwe

Blogs about Wildlife Conservation

Research internshipsFinding your internshipWildlife Conservation11 Best Wildlife Conservation Projects
April 20, 2024

11 Best Wildlife Conservation Projects

Why is Wildlife Conservation Important? Wildlife conservation serves to protect and preserve species of animals and plants, as well as their ecosystems. In most cases, wildlife conservation projects aim to…
group of interns posing for a photo on the beachValue of Internships AbroadZimbabweWildlife ConservationLessons Learned during a Wildlife Conservation Internship
December 13, 2023

Lessons Learned during a Wildlife Conservation Internship

What You’ll Learn from a Wildlife Conservation Internship “Some experiences are truly one-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated in one’s lifetime. From my perspective, this internship was such an extraordinary opportunity.…
man standing with a flying bird in Cathkin Park, KZN, South AfricaResourcesWildlife ConservationHow to Get Wildlife Conservation Internships Abroad
August 31, 2023

How to Get Wildlife Conservation Internships Abroad

If you’re wondering how to find internships in wildlife conservation, then we’re here to help you find a wildlife conservation internship suited to your goals.

Wildlife Conservation FAQs

Who can apply for Wildlife Conservation Internships?

The requirements for a wildlife internship vary per internship. If you’re keen to join a wildlife research internship abroad, you’ll need to be studying wildlife science or a related field, and any experience will be a bonus. If you’re interested in joining the wildlife photography internship or conservation internship, a basic level of photography will be required – though there’s no need to be a seasoned pro, as you’ll be able to work on your level. To join the field guiding course, you just need to have a true passion for wildlife and a decent fitness level.

What type of accomodation can I expect?

As an intern in any of these programs, you’ll be staying in, or on the edge of, national parks and game reserves. You’ll be surrounded by wildlife and enjoy a full wilderness adventure. The accommodation is basic but very comfortable; you’ll stay in a lodge or tented accommodation that you’ll share with team members and other interns. The accommodation arrangements are indicated with each internship.

Can I combine differrent programs?

No problem! This could be an excellent idea, and we’re happy to work this out for you. Just send us a message, and we’ll get back to you to have a conversation about your plans.

Can an internship kickstart a career in wildlife conservation?

Doing a wildlife biology internship – or a field guiding course – can be a great springboard for a career in this field! Spending a few months abroad, working on the ground, is a good way to gauge what it would be like to do this work as a career, and if it would suit you. It’s also an excellent opportunity to add some practical experience to your resume, to ask questions to experienced professionals, and to network. So yes, while there are no guarantees, doing a wildlife internship is a great choice if you’re serious about pursuing a career in wildlife management or conservation.

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 2

Your Personal Information

Your Email Address*