Through a generous grant from Alexandra Gardiner Goelet, Earthwatch is able to offer fellowships for zookeepers and aquarists at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. Earthwatch fellowships provide unique opportunities to gain scientific knowledge and skills, experience intensive professional development, and build mentor-like relationships with exceptional role models.

The impact of a single fellowship is multiplied 100-fold when fellows return from the field to share what they have learned; for example, by addressing colleagues and friends at meetings, taking the lead in local river clean-up and tree planting, leading individuals in soil sampling, or initiating community media coverage. This uniquely positioned group will spark a multiplier effect, bringing their energy to fellow employees, the zoos in which they serve, and the leagues of individuals who visit and respect these reserves.

If awarded a fellowship, you will travel to one of Earthwatch's expedition sites. There you will join scientists and other civilian team members to receive training, collect data and gain perspective on wildlife and conservation issues abroad.

Sample Expeditions
Excited yet? Here is a small taste of some expeditions
:
Climate Change & Caterpillars in Costa Rica Climate Change & Caterpillars in Costa Rica
Explore the fascinating world of caterpillars to see how they protect themselves and respond to changes in their habitats.
Sharks and Rays of Monterey Sharks and Rays of Monterey
Help seven species of sharks and rays recover from the devastating shark hunts of the mid 1900s.
Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal
Help scientists collect information on the amazing diversity of wildlife that lives in this enormous wetland to protect and conserve it.

Fellowship Coverage and Eligibility
Fellowships will cover all on-site expedition costs, which include the support of the scientific research, food, accommodations, on-site travel, and all the various costs of fieldwork (permits, equipment, etc.). This award also offers a generous stipend for travel expenses associated with getting to the project site and back.  

All Zookeepers and Aquarists at Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium are eligible for this fellowship.  Awards are made through a competitive application process. Fellows are assigned to projects according to their interests, skills, availability, project need, and grant restrictions.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for this fellowship are not being accepted at this time. Email us today and ask to be put on our email list - we'll notify you as soon as we begin accepting new nominations. 

Other Resources

 

Fellowship application
Applications for this fellowship are not being accepted at this time. Email us today and ask to be put on our email list - we'll notify you as soon as we begin accepting new nominations. 

 

Quotes from past Zoo Fellows: 

"This experience was truly incredible and has changed me in so many different ways. Observing some of the captive animals I work with in their natural habitat was phenomenal. I have returned to work with a greater understanding for the needs of the birds in my care. It is comforting to know that there are still areas of the world where animals are thriving and people are working to respect their habitats." Jeannie Correa, The Bronx Zoo

.......

"My participation in the Earthwatch study has led to both personal and professional growth. It was easily the greatest ‘perk' I've earned at any job. Earthwatch is ideally suited to complement the interests and skills of animal keepers." - David Bocian, Zookeeper, San Francisco Zoo