Internships at the Houston Zoo are designed to be educational experiences, but you should have an academic or professional background to some extent in the area that you want your internship. To be most competitive as an animal care intern, you should get experience working with animals in other capacities (animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation clinics, or large animal work for example).
Going above and beyond the classroom setting will prove your passion for this field! Seek extra-curricular experiences that will showcase your ability to work on concepts related to the focus of your desired internship.
If your skill set does not lend itself to the internship you want, be sure to explain fully why you are the best candidate in your cover letter. Don’t let your cover letter just re-tell what your resume already says. Use it to let us know something personal about you that sets you apart from other candidates. A challenge you have overcome, a project you started or participated in, or how you see yourself utilizing this opportunity are all great ways to let us see what an amazing candidate you are!