The Bermuda Zoological Society is accepting applications for the Ernest E. Stempel Foundation summer internship programme.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and must be enrolled as a college or university student, entering their second year or above.

The deadline for applications is February 1 and selected interns will be notified at the latest by March 15.

Application forms can be accessed through the BZS websiteand should be submitted by e-mail to volunteer@bzs.bm.

The BZS, the charity for the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, highlighted the achievement of Jayden Parker, a former summer intern.

Mr Parker was recently selected as Bermuda’s 2025 Rhodes scholar.

The Office of the National Secretary of the Rhodes Scholarship, in announcing his selection for the prestigious international postgraduate award, noted his passion for veterinary medicine and impactful leadership.

He will pursue fully funded studies at Oxford University, where he will work towards a degree in biodiversity, conservation and nature recovery, as well a second degree in environmental change and management.

The BZS said Mr Parker’s dream had been to work with animals and like many young Bermudians, he enjoyed spending time at BAMZ, starting at the age of 14 as a junior volunteer.

He went on to complete other stints at BAMZ and also attended international expeditions, including to the Galapagos Islands.

Mr Parker worked for four years as a junior staff member of BAMZ and in 2022, he was selected for the Ernest E. Stempel Summer internship programme.

He completed the six-week internship attachment through the Government’s Summer Employment Programme.

As part of the application process for the Rhodes scholarship, Mr Parker wrote about his involvement in the release of a rehabilitated longtail from Nonsuch Island last summer.

“That was an incredible experience and such a rewarding opportunity — I loved that,” he said.

Roma Hayward, an animal care and quarantine officer at BAMZ, worked closely with Mr Parker over the years.

She said: “As long as I have known Jayden, he has been self-motivated and driven.

“I’m incredibly proud of his academic achievements so far, and I know that it is not the last we’ve heard from him — he is capable of accomplishing whatever he sets his mind to.”

Ian Walker, the principal curator of BAMZ, said: “Jayden is a prime example of the students that come through BAMZ and BZS and get inspired through our programmes.

“This is why we do the work we do to inspire the next generation and encourage them to continue to carry on the baton.

“We wish Jayden every success and welcome him back in the future.”