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

lajuma research centre, south africa

Open for applications

Conservation Research Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Vivo, South Africa
  • Conservation Research, Ecological Studies, Monitoring
Learn how to conduct scientific conservation research through hands-on experience in South Africa’s diverse ecosystems
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A sloth hanging on a branch in Ecuador.

Open for applications

Amazon Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship

  • Min. 4 weeks
  • Puyo, Ecuador
  • Animal Welfare, Conservation, Wildlife Husbandry
Support the rehabilitation of rescued wildlife in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest.
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Green parrots perched on rainforest leaves in Peru.

Open for applications

Conservation Internship

  • 12 weeks
  • Manu Biosphere Reserve, Peru
  • Conservation, Research, Monitoring, Education
Gain field experience researching and monitoring the flora and fauna of the Amazon Rainforest
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Participants in Lilongwe on top of a rock in front of a setting sun.

Open for applications

Wildlife Research Program

  • Min. 2 weeks
  • Liwonde National Park, Malawi
  • Monitoring, Tracking, Identification, Data Entry, Camera Trapping
Contribute to conservation through data collection and species monitoring while working alongside expert researchers in a biodiverse ecosystem.
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Interns conducting fieldwork and taking measurements in a grassy landscape

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.
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Group of students working on laptops together in a classroom setting

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.
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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.
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Girl feeding a bird

Limited Availability

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.
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An intern helping a falcon fly.

Limited Availability

Orphan Care Internship

  • Min. 6 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.
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Vet students examining a feline

Limited Availability

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 May 2026

Wildlife Research Internship

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

Open for applications

Galapagos Conservation Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Galapagos, Ecuador
  • Conservation, Eco Tourism, Monitoring
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

Conservation 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
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
Group of interns learning from a conservation guide in a grassy field

Open for applications

Conservation Education Internship

  • Min. 8 weeks
  • Bela-Bela, South Africa OR Remote
  • Education, Community Outreach, Material Creation
Help spread important information on the ground hornbill in local communities.
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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

Related 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.

Spending time in Costa Rica was incredible as everyday brought something new to learn. From caring for the animals to helping across the sanctuary, I was able to gain hands-on experience that went beyond practical skills. I came away with valuable experience, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for the care and commitment involved in this field.

Alexander, Spanish – Bangor University

Wildlife Husbandry Internship, Costa Rica

Getting to work directly with animals in Costa Rica was an incredible experience. I was able to learn about animal behavior and husbandly while also being part of a passionate, supportive team. Contributing to a research project made it an unforgettable experience and confirmed my love for wildlife conservation and care. And the friendships and memories I made will stay with me forever.

Isabella, American – University of Florida

Wildlife Husbandry Internship, Costa Rica

A truly wonderful experience—perfect for a research internship at the Bachelor or Master level for those interested in wildlife and conservation. The program offers lots of freedom to shape your own focus, and the environment is incredibly friendly with supportive coworkers. I had the chance to set up my own research project about elephant impact on vegetation in Fuller Forest and Zambezi National Park, gaining hands-on experience with transects, photo points, camera traps, and more. I also learned a lot about the vulnerability of trees and came home with two strong hypotheses I hope to develop further in my thesis.... See More

Sveva, German – Koblenz University

Wildlife Research Internship, Zimbabwe

Blogs about Wildlife Conservation

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What to Expect from a Conservation Internship in the Galapagos

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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!

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