Click here to download an application form.

Interns can choose from the following programme options:

Animal Husbandry (Choose Aquarium or Zoo)

Our Aquarium has over 200 species of colourful fishes and invertebrates in numerous naturalistic displays and our Zoo has over 300 birds, reptiles and mammals from oceanic islands for interns to explore and gain valuable hands-on experience.

Learning Outcomes

• Interns will learn all aspects of the daily care of exotic animals including animal handling and treatment.
• Interns will participate in behavioural observations and our animal enrichment programme.
• Interns will assist with diet preparation and feeding, including food culture methods.
• Interns will maintain daily records, including animal activities, food consumption and special projects.
• Interns will assist with life support maintenance and water quality monitoring. 
• Interns will assist with exhibit enhance ment, which may include the collection of marine speciments, horticulture and or fabrication of exhibit furnishings.
• Interns will participate in providing interpretative talks to visitors and special interest groups.

Animal Care and Quarantine (Marine & Terrestrial)

The Animal Care and Quarantine Department (ACAQ) is responsible for both Marine specimens and Zoo quarantine, wildlife rehabilitation and the preventative health care of our zoo and aquarium collection.

Learning Outcomes

• Interns will learn all aspects of the daily care of exotic animals including animal handling and preventative health care.
• Interns will learn basic quarantine procedures and policies.
• Interns will conduct behavioural observations.
• Interns will learn diet preparation and feeding techniques for animals in critical care.
• Interns will maintain daily records including animal activities.
• Interns will assist with veterinary care that may include treatments, x-rays or other diagnostics.
• Interns may have the opportunity to assist our Marine Collector with specimen acquisitions. 

Marine and Island Ecology Conservation and Research

BZS has several conservation projects and research opportunities for interns. Interns could develop their own scientific research project that they collect and analyze data and form conclusions using any available BZS resources.

Learning Outcomes

• Interns will learn how to design a marine or island ecological conservation or research project.
• Interns will develop their own data collection methods for their research project or how to measure impact of their conservation project.
• Interns will learn different methods for performing ecological research using BZS resources including Vernier Probes, ROV, drone, images database, etc.
• Interns will analyse data. This data can become the foundation to develop a publication or presentation for an external scientific audience.
• Interns have the opportunity to work in marine enviornments or in coastal island habitats.
• Projects can include snorkeling or possibly diving (if previously dive certified) depending on the project determined.
• Projects may not necessarily be directly marine but could be related to our mangrove forests and carbon sequestration and other coastal environments. 

BZS Micro Forest Project and Mangroves

The BZS Micro Forest Project focuses on promoting biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage by creating sustainable micro forests of Bermuda native and endemic plants. The Micro Forest Project was designed using combined concepts from Dr. David Wingate and the Miyawaki Model pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. Considering the diminished space available for afforestation in Bermuda, the BZS is adopting this method for school playgrounds, roadsides or public parks to simulate a natural forest quickly.

The BZS Micro Forest Project includes mangrove habitat restoration and reforestation. Mangrove habitats provide natural coastal protection from storms and erosion and are a significant contributor to water quality maintenance, increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Additionally, these forests offer a safe habitat for various species that find food, shelter and suitable nursing grounds within the mangrove’s strong, protruding roots. Climate change is significantly impacting mangrove ecosystems through changes in temperature, precipitation patterns and sea-level rise. We hope to halt the impact on these mangrove habitats around Bermuda through reforestation efforts.

It is preferred that interns come with some knowledge of: map and photo reading, compassing (Orientating) and distancing, identification of some essential plants and trees, measuring and recording, and operation of GPS units. Having your own transportation is an asset.

Learning Outcomes

• Interns will learn about the native and endemic plant species found in Bermuda.
• Interns will learn some basic plant biology.
• Interns will learn some plant identification and taxonomy.
• Interns will learn how to correctly plant a variety of native and endemic plants and trees.
• Interns will learn basic drone piloting.
• Interns will learn how to map Micro Forest Plots using drone software.
• Interns will learn basic drone photogrammetry.
• Interns will learn how to calculate biomass, carbon sequestration and data interpretation.
• Interns will learn the fundamentals of ARC GIS software.
• Interns will learn how to survey existing plots using drones and ARC GIS software.