Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo – Bird Department Intern
As an intern with the bird department, I contributed to the care of over 100 avian species, ranging from common exhibit birds to critically endangered species. My responsibilities included daily husbandry, preparing and administering medications and supplements, conducting welfare assessments, and designing behavioral enrichment to encourage natural behaviors. I also supported ambassador programs by caring for and training raptors used in guest presentations and "keeper talks."

Beyond routine care, I gained hands-on experience with specialized avian management, including the basics of egg incubation and hand-rearing techniques. I also strengthened my communication skills by interacting with guests—answering questions and sharing conservation messages to connect people more deeply to the birds.

Some of the most meaningful parts of my internship came from working closely with specific colonies and individuals. In the budgie aviary, I quickly learned how much personality, craftiness, and resilience these tiny birds possess—from a pair that secretly raised a chick in a hidden nest to an albino budgie who thrived despite vision loss. One especially memorable moment was finally capturing a budgie with a severely overgrown beak (nicknamed Beakus) after weeks of attempts, ensuring he could eat properly again.

I also enjoyed working with the penguin colonies (Rockhopper and African rock), where feeding was both a challenge and an opportunity to learn each bird’s quirks—like who needed medicated fish or a particular tilt when being fed. Their social dramas during breeding season were as lively as a reality show, and I was introduced to medical care practices such as treating Aspergillosis in one of the African rocks. Creative enrichment, like blowing bubbles for the younger penguins, proved especially rewarding.

My favorite enrichment project overall was carving pumpkins—my first time ever—for both the budgie aviary and the white-necked ravens, who relished the seasonal addition to their habitats.

Coming from the ambassador world, this experience deepened my appreciation for exhibit bird care and the conservation role of zoos. Caring for endangered species such as Northern bald ibises and red-crowned cranes taught me the importance of promoting natural behaviors—not just enrichment for stimulation, but habitats and husbandry practices that allow animals to thrive as the species they are. When guests witness these authentic behaviors, they connect more deeply, and that connection drives conservation action.

This internship not only strengthened my technical skills but also reshaped my perspective: caring for birds is about honoring their individuality while ensuring they can live as close as possible to the way nature intended.