Experiential learning with wildlife can ignite a lifelong interest in conservation and zoological sciences. High school students interested in animal sciences or environmental biology can select from many specialized programs that incorporate academic study with real-world fieldwork. These programs allow students to work with professionals, conduct research, and experience a variety of animal species in the context of their natural environments. Whether it is tracking sea turtles overseas or studying vertebrate anatomy in university lab settings, these types of programs develop skills and experience that prepare students for careers in wildlife science. Here are ten Zoology and Wildlife Programs:
1. Broadreach Wildlife Conservation Summer Programs
Location: Costa Rica and Amazon + Galápagos Islands
Program Dates: 14-20 days, typically June to August 2025
Cost: Costa Rica Sea Turtle + Marine Conservation: $5,680; Amazon + Galápagos Eco Adventure: $7,180
Eligibility: Costa Rica: High school students; Amazon + Galápagos: Must be at least 16 years old with an intro to biology or equivalent experience
Deadline: Rolling applications
Broadreach provides experiential wildlife conservation programs that take students to some of the most biodiverse locations on earth. Students actively engage in field-based research with professional conservationists, as well as gain experience working closely with animals in their natural environments. The programs balance rigorous scientific study and adventure-based activities, allowing students exposure to the overall experience of conservation field work. It gives participants opportunities to visit remote research stations and nature reserves that are normally off limits to tourists.
2. The Road Less Traveled Animal Service Summer Programs
Location: Various international locations including Colorado, Greece, Thailand, and the Azores
Program Dates: Summer programs (specific dates vary by location)
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12
Deadline: Contact the organization for application deadlines
The Road Less Traveled provides ethical animal conservation programs all over the world. Students participate in valuable, meaningful volunteer work, and they learn about the issues concerning wildlife and protecting wildlife habitat in a global context. The organization is careful to select local partners, and participants can trust that they are supporting a truly credible conservation and sustainable animal project. The programs include educational components about problems facing the environment globally and the implications of human behavior on wildlife.
3. University of Georgia Zoology: Vertebrates Summer Academy
Location: UGA Centre for Continuing Education & Hotel, Georgia
Program Dates: June 23-27, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Cost: $530 for day camp
Eligibility: Ages 12-15
Deadline: Rolling admissions (camps filling quickly)
This intensive week-long program explores vertebrate anatomy and physiology as students engage in laboratory work and dissections. Students will examine many species to learn about evolutionary relationships and comparative biology, while also learning basic laboratory skills. Key topics in the course will include animal diversity, animal behaviour, environmental adaptations, and current conservation issues facing vertebrate species. Participants will engage in "real" science by implementing data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
4. Wildlife Encounters Internship Program
Location: Not specified
Program Dates: Flexible scheduling available
Cost: Internship program (no cost specified)
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old and enrolled in high school or college
Deadline: Contact the organization for application information
Wildlife Encounters has a variety of internships that encompass animal husbandry, managed education, and wildlife care. Interns will get to prepare animals’ diets, maintain animal living spaces, prepare enrichment, and share education programs with the public. The internship structure is flexible, so you can be prepared for internships geared towards your interests and career goals to work within wildlife conservation. As a student intern, you will gain valuable professional skills in public speaking, curriculum development, and animal behaviour observation.
5. Smithsonian National Zoo Internships
Location: Washington, D.C., with virtual and hybrid options available
Program Dates: Varies (typically 8-12 weeks)
Cost: Paid stipend provided
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply
Deadline: Check the website for current application deadlines
The Smithsonian National Zoo offers a wide range of internships in animal care, veterinary medicine, and conservation research. Interns work alongside zoo professionals on a variety of subject areas, including animal enrichment projects and behavioral observational studies encompassing more than one species. Interns will gain insight into veterinary procedures, planning feed for animals, and conservation biology research that is relevant to the zoo. Each intern will actively assist with meeting the zoo's wildlife conservation mission while gaining practical experience in zoological sciences.
6. Lees-McRae College Wildlife Science Summer Programs
Location: Lees-McRae College, western North Carolina
Program Dates: Week 1: June 15-21; Week 2: June 22-28, 2025
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Students who completed the freshman year of high school with biology coursework
Deadline: Contact the program for application information
Lees-McRae College provides two progressive weeks of wildlife science education that include field research and hands-on work with conservation. The students study plant and animal ecology at the Elk Valley Preserve and learn to care for animals in wildlife rehabilitation at the May Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. The experience is educationally broad, allowing students to see veterinary sciences and clinical wildlife care in real study and research environments. Students thoroughly participate in wildlife investigations and assist professional staff both in the field and clinical environments.
7. Bede's Summer School Zoology & Animal Management
Location: Bede's Senior School, Sussex countryside, England
Program Dates: July 13-26, 2025 (2 weeks)
Cost: Not specified
Eligibility: Ages 14-17
Deadline: Contact the school for application deadlines
During this two-week intensive residential training program, students are exposed to a veterinary science, zookeeping, and animal biology program at a unique school zoo. Students will care for around seventy different species while learning about animal welfare, health management, and conservation. The program will include students in dormouse breeding programs, and they will engage with a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. Students will discuss wildlife conservation ethics and engage with practical work experience to support their understanding of conservation issues within land-based sectors.
8. Johns Hopkins CTY Zoology Program
Location: Johns Hopkins University campus
Program Dates: Summer session (specific dates vary)
Cost: Contact the program for pricing
Eligibility: Grades 7-11, CTY qualification required
Deadline: Registration is available upon request, pending eligibility
Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth has an elite residential advanced zoology course that includes comparative anatomy, physiology, and genetics. Students perform a generous amount of laboratory dissections from perch to rats, and explore notions of animal behaviour, environmental adaptation, and challenges of conservation. The course design emphasizes the scientific method: formulating research questions, analyzing data to arrive at a conclusion, and interpreting results. Students explore many interesting topics relating to heredity, evolution, taxonomy, and understanding human impacts on animal life.
9. EARTH Ltd Teen Zoology Programs
Location: Massachusetts (associated with Southwick's Zoo)
Program Dates: Middle School: June 30-July 2; High School: July 21-25, 2025
Cost: Middle School: $375/$318.75 (member); High School: $695/$590.50 (member)
Eligibility: Middle School: Grades 7-8; High School: Grades 9-11
Deadline: Contact the organization for application deadlines
EARTH Ltd provides zoology programs that are developmentally appropriate for middle and high school students. Students interact with live animals, learn about conservation issues, and build an understanding of their behavioral and habitat needs. The programs consist of hands-on learning through animal care activities and educational lessons. Students will be exposed to zoological careers while developing knowledge of animal science and conservation.
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