Intern with Chimp Haven
As the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, Chimp Haven offers a one-of-a-kind experience providing care for hundreds of former research chimpanzees.
Housing & Stipends
Chimp Haven internships are typically eligible for a stipend of $125 per week for the internship period. For some internships, on-site housing may also be available (requires a $75 non-refundable cleaning fee). A personal vehicle is required for all interns (non-negotiable).
Social Media Intern
Chimp Haven has a unique opportunity for a social media intern to produce fun and engaging content featuring the hundreds of fascinating personalities at the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary. Work alongside the DevComm team to tell the stories of the 300 chimpanzees who call the sanctuary home, gain meaningful real-world experience, and build your creative portfolio.
Caregiver Internships
A unique opportunity for individuals interested in the behavioral or biological sciences to learn and participate in the care of captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. This internship will focus on daily basic needs such as diet, sanitation, socialization, enrichment, and security. Through the experience, interns will gain knowledge of chimpanzee behavior and animal care.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. A general understanding and concern for the well being of animals is required. Coursework in primatology, biology, or animal behavior is preferred but not required. Proof of a negative TB test and current MMR, Tetanus, and COVID vaccinations is required. Must be over 18 to apply. Minimum 8 week commitment, 9 weeks preferred.
How to Apply:
Please send unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, and a cover letter which details your interests, dates you are available, and qualifications to Lindsey Peters, lpeters@chimphaven.org.
Chimpanzee Behavior Internship
A unique opportunity for students in the behavioral or biological sciences to study captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. Interns will be introduced to chimpanzee behavior, behavioral wellness management of social groups, behavioral data collection, environmental enrichment methods and practical application, as well as learning about the Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) program and how it is utilized to teach the chimpanzees to participate in their own wellness plans. Other opportunities will include learning to prepare enrichment items and clean enrichment devices, and may involve data entry, researching, suggesting, constructing, and assisting in implementing new enrichment ideas.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Coursework in primatology, biology, or animal behavior is preferred but not required. Proof of a negative TB test and current MMR, Tetanus, and COVID vaccinations is required; must be 18 years old to be considered. Minimum 8 week commitment, 9 weeks preferred.
How to Apply:
Please send unofficial transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, and a cover letter which details your interests, dates you are available, and any other qualifications to Rebekah Lewis, rlewis@chimphaven.org.
Deadlines to Apply:
Fall internship deadline: June 15
Summer internship deadline: March 15
Candidates seeking internships between these seasons are welcome to apply with the specifics of their availability at any time.
Chimpanzee Veterinary Medicine Internship
A unique opportunity for both veterinary and veterinary technical students in their third or final clinical year to participate in the medical care of captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. Interns will have a chance to participate in the veterinary medical care of an aging captive population of chimpanzees and the management of an AAALAC internationally accredited, USDA licensed sanctuary. Opportunities will include performance of daily rounds, participation in sedations (knowledge of captive restraint procedures), annual physical examinations including cardiac monitoring (ECG and NIBP), tuberculosis testing, blood collection for CBC/chemistry analysis, rectal cultures and evaluation of diagnostic tests. Training would include exposure to the physiology, natural history, and behavior of chimpanzees in captive as well as wild populations. In addition, the intern would be expected to participate in the Occupational Health and Safety Training Program including working safely with chimpanzees, blood borne pathogens, and zoonotic diseases. The intern would be introduced to environmental enrichment methods, medical procedural training, and practical application for these. Other duties may include conducting literature reviews and treatment plans for clinical cases as they present.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Proof of current MMR, Tetanus, and COVID vaccinations and negative tuberculosis screening (TB negative skin test or physician’s letter) within 6 months of visit to the sanctuary. It is highly recommended that the intern be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Full time, 35-40 hours per week, January-October. Minimum 2 week commitment; maximum 4 weeks.
How to Apply:
All veterinary internship positions for 2025 have been filled – please check back for 2026 internships!
Internship FAQs
Yes, you may apply to multiple internships by submitting the same application packet and reference letters. In your cover letter, please specify which internships you are applying for and rank them in order of preference.
Chimp Haven is located in a remote area 20 miles from Shreveport; personal vehicles are mandatory for every intern as public transportation is not available.
Chimp Haven adheres to a strict no-touch policy for all staff members, interns, and volunteers.
Applications for internships are accepted year round. A general suggestion is to apply approximately three months before you would like your internship to begin.
Yes, anyone may apply for any of our internships.
Yes, Chimp Haven internships are generally competitive. Course work in animal behavior, biology, anthropology, psychology, zoology, education, or related fields is preferred. Please see each internship listing for individual coursework suggestions. Experience working with primates or other animals is also preferred for all chimpanzee related positions.
Schedules will vary by department but typically include a 7-8 hour workday with an hour break for lunch. Interns usually work Monday-Friday, but may also be asked to work occasionally on evenings or weekends. Interns have all major holidays off.
On-site housing may be available in one of three residence trailers, which each have three bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and living/dining area. All bedding, towels, cookware, and dining ware is provided. You may be asked to share a room with another same-sex intern, particularly during a summer internship. A non-refundable $75 cleaning fee will apply. In the case of damages Chimp Haven reserves the right to withhold up to $200 from the intern’s final stipend check.
No guests or pets are allowed in Chimp Haven’s on-site housing. If you would like to participate in our internship program and need to bring a pet, friend, or family member, you are welcome to find your own private living accommodations.
