Mary Wilson Scholar Program

Maryland Zoo

The Zoo’s mission is to engage people in the wonders of the living world through personal encounters with animals, fostering empathy and lifelong support for conservation of wildlife and wild places.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

The Mary Wilson Scholar Program at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore honors the legacy of Mary J. Wilson, Baltimore’s first Black woman senior zookeeper. This immersive, career-focused program provides Maryland-based college students from historically underrepresented communities with hands‑on experience in animal care and management.

By fostering knowledge, skills, and passion for animal care and conservation, the program aims to inspire the next generation of diverse leaders in the field.

Duration: 8 weeks
June 1, 2026 – July 24, 2026

Participants: 4 Scholars selected each summer

Compensation:
Paid stipend to cover educational expenses and costs incurred during the program

Daily animal husbandry tasks under supervision

Shadowing zookeepers across multiple animal areas

Guest interaction and conservation education opportunities

Capstone project with final poster presentation

One‑on‑one mentorship from zookeepers and exposure to diverse professionals

• Professional Development – Build hands‑on skills in animal care and zoo operations
• Mentorship – Pair Scholars with experienced keeper mentors
• Community Engagement – Strengthen Scholars’ ability to engage and educate the public
• Diversity in Leadership – Empower underrepresented students to pursue careers in animal science and conservation

• Perform daily animal husbandry tasks under supervision
• Shadow zookeepers in various animal areas
• Assist in guest‑animal interactions and educate visitors about the Zoo’s mission
• Complete a mentored research project, culminating in a professional poster presentation
• Learn and enforce Zoo rules in a professional manner

• Gain hands‑on experience in animal husbandry
• Develop professional skills in communication, teamwork, and research
• Strengthen their understanding of zoo operations and conservation
• Produce and present a professional research poster for their portfolio
• Establish professional mentorships and networks

Scholars will work under the supervision of a Keeper Mentor and the Animal Department Area Manager. Performance will be assessed through:

• Weekly feedback sessions
• Self‑reflections
• Mid‑term and final evaluations
• Engagement with mentors and professionals in the field

Final date to receive applications:
March 30, 2026 at 4pm EST

Sex Offender Registry Check:
Any conflicts with the Zoo’s mission may result in removal from the program

Health Requirements:

• Proof of tetanus vaccination

Join us in honoring Mary J. Wilson’s legacy and shaping the future of animal care and conservation!

Entry Level

Applicant must live or go to college in Maryland.

Email a resume to internships after submitting the application

Maryland Zoo
1876 Mansion House Dr
Baltimore, MD 21217