ZOO tampa at lowry park will implement a behavior monitoring virtual internship program to address the growing need for practical training in animal behavior and research by offering an innovative,…

Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park received a $1,043,849 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the 21st Century Museum Professional Program (CFDA 45.032), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. The award supports the development and implementation of a Behavior Monitoring Virtual Internship Program designed to train 96 undergraduate students across six terms in animal behavior research and husbandry practices. The program delivers practical, remote-based training that combines zoo video footage with structured instruction from behavioral husbandry and research methodology experts, enabling students to develop critical workforce-entry skills in animal science while expanding accessible training opportunities within the zoological industry.

This initiative directly aligns with IMLS's goal of recruiting and training future museum professionals by addressing the growing demand for evidence-based, welfare-focused animal care training. The program generates measurable outcomes through the systematic preparation of undergraduate interns for careers in animal science and research, supporting the broader zoological field's commitment to advancing animal conservation and professional development within the museum and cultural institution workforce.

ZOO tampa at lowry park will implement a behavior monitoring virtual internship program to address the growing need for practical training in animal behavior and research by offering an innovative, remote internship to prepare 96 undergraduate students over 6 terms for careers in animal science. By combining ZOO video footage with structured training by experts in behavioral husbandry and research methods, the project enables a college student to gain critical skills to advance their entry into the workforce. This approach supports the zoological industry's goal to expand evidence-based, welfare-focused animal care and increases the number of accessible training opportunities for future animal science professionals.