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.

Mary Wilson Scholar Program

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

About the Program

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.

Scholar Program Overview

* 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

Program Components

* 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

Program Objectives

* 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

Program Responsibilities

Scholars will:

* Perform daily animal husbandry tasks under supervision

* Shadow zookeepers in various animal areas

* Assist with 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

Program Outcomes

By the end of the program, Scholars will:

* 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

Program Monitoring & Assessment

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

Additional Requirements

* 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

* Recent negative TB test

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

Experience Required

Entry Level

Further Comments

Applicant must live or go to college in Maryland.

Salary

$15/hour

How to Apply

Application Process

Interested candidates must:

* Submit an application through the Zoo's website:

https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). by March 30, 2026 at 4pm EST

* Email a resume to internships after submitting the application

Maryland Zoo

1876 Mansion House Dr

Baltimore, MD 21217

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