INTERN PROGRAM INFORMATION
Intern Program- (Click here for printer friendly version)
Our Interns perform all of the duties that our volunteers do. Interns also get some exposure to the administrative side of an operation like this, as well as assistance with information and experience in their field of study. Our internship program will be tailored to meet the needs of your school's requirements, and to help you gain as much exposure as possible to the areas of our operation that fall into your field of study. A printable version of the information shown below (including the intern application) can be downloaded as a pdf file by clicking the link above.
INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
Working with big cats is a very gratifying, special and unique experience. We consider our work here a privilege and look forward to the opportunity to share our experiences, and knowledge with those who will be walking in our footsteps in the future. Interns and students of today are the ones charged with assuring that these animals have a future. Our internship program is our way of assuring that future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy these wonderful animals as much as we have.
Internship Objective:
· Gain professional hands-on animal care experience at a big cat sanctuary and rescue facility by providing support to and working with senior volunteers and regular sanctuary staff. Actively participating in every aspect of our operation allows learning, research and training in a hands on, real world environment .
Internship Guidelines:
· Minimum age is 18.
· Internships are non-stipend and non-salaried, The minimum length for an internship is 4 weeks, the maximum length will be determined by your school’s program and your personal educational goals. Our internships require a minimum of 30 hours per week. Students should be able to work a flexible schedule.
· Hepatitis B, and tetanus vaccinations are recommended.
· Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds on a routine basis.
· For safety issues, must be able to speak, read and understand English.
· Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are permitted at the facility.
Internship Accommodations:
· Intern lodging is available through several of our gracious volunteers who open up their homes to provide a place for students to stay during their internship. This housing is based on availability and includes a private bedroom, with kitchen and bathroom access, In many cases, Internet access, phone, Laundry and cable TV are also available. We also have private bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities (when not in use), cable TV and internet access (WIFI and wired) available at the facility. Interns must be comfortable with spending quiet evenings in their own company depending on where they are staying and the personal schedules and obligations of their hosts.
· We try to maintain a relaxed, family like atmosphere. While we normally don’t stop for “lunch”, many times we do provide dinner when we are working. These meals are home-cooked. We request your assistance in helping us prepare for, and clean up after meals. We will try, when we can, to accommodate special diets, vegetarian or vegan meals with some advanced notice.
· Transportation to shopping several days a week for personal items, etc. as we pick up animal supplies.
· Materials, curriculum and training in all areas of sanctuary operations.
· Opportunity to socialize with volunteers and staff during cook-outs or gatherings as they occur (This happens frequently when it is warm outside).
· An experience you will never forget, and a lifelong friendship with some real special big cats.
· We DO NOT PROVIDE a salary or stipend, personal care items or funds for entertainment. snack food, meals during time off, or personal items/clothing needed for working. No Pets Allowed.
Internship Job Description:
· Interns will be working full-time 6 days a week. One day a week will be yours to take care of personal business, relax, etc.. Transportation limitations still apply, so plan accordingly.
· All interns will undergo training on safety procedures, crisis management, and the rules of the road involving the care of potentially dangerous animals.
· You will be exposed to significant levels of heat and humidity during the summer months, ice and cold during the winter months, and dust, wind and rain pretty much year round. Appropriate dress is recommended!
· Initially, the intern will be supervised closely by a staff member or senior volunteer. This supervision may relax as our confidence in you grows and you become familiar with our procedures and routine. Interns work under direct supervision of the sanctuary staff or senior volunteers.
· After orientation, students will be required to abide by and follow all rules and procedures set out by management. Non-compliance with the sanctuary rules and procedures will result in immediate program termination.
· Students will learn all activities involved with the proper care and handling of exotic animals in captivity.
Duties include but are not limited to:
· Assist in preparing big cat, omnivore and other carnivore diets and food distribution.
· Clean big cat habitats, and any other habitat for animals that reside at the sanctuary.
· General cleaning and organizing activities involved with feeding and general care for the animals.
· Training on tours given at the sanctuary, during this process, students will learn about the cause of captive wildlife as well as important information of their counterparts in the wild in order to educate the public.
· Students will assist with habitat building, learning about captive wildlife safety and caging requirements.
· Assist in general grounds maintenance and habitat landscaping.
· Assist in general animal enrichment activities thereby learning how to ensure a better quality of life for all animals residing at the sanctuary.
· Students may be asked to assist in administering medications and animal transport if applicable.
· Assist in general administrative duties related to animal care and sanctuary procedures and other activities.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
· Our program focuses on the importance of proper management of captive wild animals and does not promote private ownership of exotic animals.
· We teach management in a professional manner and our program stresses the importance of proper management of exotic animals in captivity.
· This program does not include DIRECT CONTACT with potentially dangerous animals residing at our facility! Do not expect to have direct contact with any of our exotic animals!
· DIRECT CONTACT is defined as any physical contact with any animal, including contacts through cage wire (reaching of limbs through fences or cages), etc.
· These animals are NOT PETS. If you are looking for an internship that offers direct contact with animals you should consider an internship working with domestic animals. Only the Great Cats of Indiana staff are authorized to allow direct or indirect contact and that requires DIRECT SUPERVISION and substantial training and then it will only be for the purposes of veterinary care and proper husbandry.
· DIRECT SUPERVISION is defined as in the "physical presence of a staff member".
· ANY and ALL VIOLATIONS involving DIRECT PHYSICAL CONTACT with the exotic animals will be cause for immediate termination of the internship removal from the property. .
· Due to insurance reasons and the welfare of the animals there are NO exceptions to this policy.
· Safety of the animals, management, staff, interns and volunteers always comes first at our facility.
PLEASE NOTE: If an exotic animal bites or scratches you, it immediately places the welfare (life) of the animal and our entire facility at risk, so this is no laughing matter and the above rules should be taken seriously.
Application Procedure:
1. Fill out our Internship Application and send it to us at the address on the front of this flyer.
2. We will contact you to arrange a time for you to come see us and talk with us. This visit is your chance to meet us and ask any questions you might have. It is also our chance to meet you and show you what we do here.
3. After this meeting we will contact you within a week or so regarding your acceptance as an intern and begin finalizing housing arrangements, starting date and other details.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world....
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Meade