Zoo Careers 101: An Introduction to How Zoos Work

Name: Zoo Careers 101: An Introduction to How Zoos Work
Start: 2026-11-14T08:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-11-15T16:00:00-05:00
Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo

Lots of people have dreamed of working with animals and spending their days where they can see elephants, sloths and red pandas living their best lives. The truth is, it takes a ton of people from a variety of backgrounds to make a zoo successful. With Zoo Careers 101, a two-day career workshop, aspiring zoo professionals will spend two whole days learning from current zoo professionals from Education, Animal Care, Veterinary Medicine and Zoo Operations! From front of house and behind the scenes, participants will learn about exhibit design, animal care/health and more. Boxed lunch is also provided each day of the program. Capacity for this popular program is limited to 18 participants aged 13-17.

Come meet some of the nationally recognized zoo professionals that help put and keep Roger Williams Park Zoo on the map. You will learn about the variety of jobs needed to support one of the nations oldest zoological institutions and how we continue to provide state of the art care, exhibit design, and training to our animals as well as exciting events and experiential learning year-round. Venture with us behind the scenes to see how some of that work unfolds and how the Zoo is conserving wildlife and wild places both here in New England and around the world.

Participant Pricing : $276 (covers both days of programming, course, materials, and lunch)

Any questions? Call us at (401) 785-3510 x 358 or email programs@rwpzoo.org

Cancellation/Refund Policy: There are no refunds given unless this program is cancelled by the Zoo. Event runs rain or shine!

Zoo Careers 101 FAQs

Where is pick up/drop off for this program?

Pick up and Drop off will be at the front of the Conservation Learning Center. Located to the left of the Main Entrance of the zoo as you enter Parking Lot A. Late arrivals and pick-ups cannot be accommodated.

Can we bring snacks?

Yes! Each participant should bring snacks and a water bottle with them.

What if my participant has additional dietary restrictions?

Participants with specialized diets are welcome to bring additional food/snacks to supplement the provided meals.

Will participants get to touch animals?

Participants will get closer to animals than general Zoo visitors, but we cannot guarantee what, if any, touch opportunities might exist. We can guarantee that it will be extra special, and that we will surely make some memorable connections!

Will participants go behind the scenes?

Yes! Participants visit various behind the scenes areas including but not limited to animal exhibits, the John J. Palumbo Veterinary Hospital, and the Zoo’s Commissary.

Will there be hands-on activities?

Yes! Participants will participate in a lab program with our Veterinary Care team, prepare enrichment for animals with keepers and more.

Are masks required?

At this time, masks are not required for most public areas of the Zoo. Masks may be required when visiting certain behind the scenes areas at the discretion of the staff Veterinarians and Zoo leadership. Please note these policies are subject to change.

Is this program accessible?

While all public spaces at the Zoo are wheelchair accessible, most behind-the-scenes areas are not. Please contact us immediately if you have any concerns about physical accessibility.