Internship Description: Animal Care – Husbandry Internship
Date Posted: Open throughout the year

Internship Description: Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide a unique opportunity for three individuals interested in the behavioral or biological sciences to learn and participate in the care of captive chimpanzees in a sanctuary environment. This internship is designed for those individuals wishing to gain experience with chimpanzees and will focus on their basic needs such as diet, sanitation, socialization, enrichment, and security. Through the experience, interns will gain knowledge of chimpanzee behavior and animal care.

Qualifications/Experience: 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. All internships will be competitive. 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.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship (requires a $200 refundable security deposit and $75 non-refundable cleaning fee). Personal vehicle is required (non negotiable).

Internship Term: Full time, 40 hours per week, available time frames throughout the year. Please request time frame in cover letter. Minimum eight week commitment. Please send application materials to lpeters@chimphaven.org or the address above.

Chimp Haven will provide 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. Additional opportunities may involve data entry, researching, suggesting, constructing, and assisting in implementing new enrichment ideas.

Qualifications/Experience: 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. All internships will be competitive. 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.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship. There is a $200 refundable security deposit and $75 non-refundable cleaning fee). Personal vehicle is required (non negotiable).

Internship Term: Full time, 40 hours per week, please request dates in cover letter. Minimum 8 week commitment, 9 weeks preferred.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round, but to be considered for a May or June internship, please have your applications in by March 18. Please send application materials to rlewis@chimphaven.org or the address above.

Internship Description:  Chimp Haven, Inc. will provide 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/Experience: 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 and any other qualifications. All internships will be competitive.

Requirements:  Requirements for internship are 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.

Internship Term: Full time, 35-40 hours per week, January-October.  Please request dates in letter of interest.   Minimum 2 week commitment; maximum 4 weeks.

Salary/funding: The internship is on a volunteer basis and provides no stipend. Housing may be available on site for the term of the internship (requires a $200 refundable security deposit and $75 non-refundable cleaning fee). Alternative housing options will be suggested. Personal vehicle is required (non negotiable).

Evaluation:  After completion of the term, we ask for a written brief narrative evaluation of the experience to address the time spent within the various areas, the value of each, suggestions for change, and any other comments.  The program evaluation will serve to improve the training program for others in the future.

At the intern’s request, we will provide a brief letter regarding attendance and evaluation for use by the academic institution. Institutions with special grading criteria should submit these requirements at time of application. Please send application materials to rjackson@chimphaven.org.

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. It is mandatory to have a vehicle in case of emergencies since public transportation is not available. Taxi service and public buses are available in Shreveport but neither expands outside the city limits to Keithville where Chimp Haven is located. If staying at one of our trailers on-site you will need a vehicle to access food and groceries. The closest corner store/diner is over five miles from Chimp Haven; the closest grocery store is in Shreveport. Every intern must have a personal vehicle; sharing with another intern is not allowed.

No. We have a strict no-touch policy at Chimp Haven for all staff members and volunteers. Chimpanzees are wild animals who can behave unpredictably. Anyone who touches a chimpanzee will be asked to leave.

Daily duties and assignments do vary by internship. A general description of each is listed below but you will have a chance to ask more specific questions about differences if you are selected for an interview.

Chimpanzee Caregiver – designed for those individuals wishing to gain experience with chimpanzees and will focus on their basic needs such as diet, sanitation, socialization, enrichment, and security. Through the experience, interns will gain knowledge of chimpanzee behavior and animal care.

Behavior – 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.

Veterinary – designed 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.

Applications for each of our internships are accepted year round. A general suggestion is to apply approximately three months before you would like your internship to begin. If you apply too early, your application may not be reviewed until all positions are filled for the previous season (Ex. If you apply in August for a Winter internship your application may not be reviewed until all Fall internship positions are filled). Summer positions are our most competitive so we do have an application deadline of March 18th. We may begin reviewing summer applications before this date so early applications are encouraged, particularly for a May start date.

Yes, anyone may apply for any of our internships.

Yes, 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. Experience in informal education or working with children is preferred for our education position.

Schedules will vary by department but it is typically a 7-8 hour workday with an hour break for lunch. Interns usually work Monday-Friday unless we need help with a special event 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 refundable $200 security deposit and a non-refundable $75 cleaning fee will apply.

No. If you are staying in Chimp Haven’s housing no pets or guests are allowed. Most interns will share a trailer with another intern who may be allergic to your pet or uncomfortable with guests. If you would like to participate in our internship program and need to bring your pet/spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend you will need to find your own accommodations.