The PRC Internship Program: Encouraging Careers in Compassion

Program Goal

To encourage careers in animal care, advocacy, rehabilitation and conservation.

Program Description

The PRC internship program is designed to immerse students in the daily operation of a nonprofit animal sanctuary. Our program provides a unique opportunity to participate in the routine care and ongoing rehabilitation of nearly 60 nonhuman primates in an environment that is focused entirely on their needs and well-being. PRC residents are never exploited for any reason, including exhibition, and are guaranteed lifetime care in a protected and caring environment. Our interns and volunteers play a vital role in making our sanctuary successful at accomplishing its mission.

Interns assist with the daily care of our residents and various administrative tasks and special projects. Interns can expect to gain significant animal husbandry experience, to learn a great deal about primate behavior, stress responses and the rehabilitation process, and to gain a greater understanding of the issues that face primates and other animals in the modern world. The working environment is intimate and dynamic and we encourage interns to be innovative and ask questions. Interns will have numerous opportunities to observe the animals and get to know them as individuals. However, interns never have physical interaction with nonhuman primates. Attempts to do so are grounds for immediate dismissal.

Our facility is located in a rural area of the beautiful Bluegrass Region of central Kentucky. We are approximately 15 miles from the city of Lexington and about 5 miles from the nearest convenience store. Interns without their own autos can catch rides into town once or twice a week. We have computers with Internet access available for personal research and email as well as an extensive collection of primate-related literature. Interns are encouraged to spend their “off” time exploring this collection.

Program Requirements

Completion of 480 hours (40 hours/week for 3 months); 2 days off will be assigned each week

We may be able to be more flexible with students from local colleges who do not require housing. In the past we have allowed local students to spread their working hours across several months. Interns are still required to come weekly for a minimum of 8 hours/week. Please include in your application the specific schedule and dates that would work best for you.

Assistance with daily animal husbandry and administrative duties

Adherence to all PRC policies and given instructions

Demonstration of common sense and respect for all fellow primates, human and nonhuman alike

Completion of a short essay (2 pages) to be turned in at the end of your internship relating the PRC experience to personal career goals or larger animal issues

Interns who are unable or unwilling to meet our requirements may be dismissed from their position at any time. We reserve the right to dismiss any intern at any time for any reason, including but not limited to the following: tardiness, missed work, inability to work with others

Who May Apply?

Our program is open to college students (sophomore year and above) who are seriously interested in pursuing careers in animal care and/or advocacy. Applicants must be pursuing a relevant degree (i.e. psychology, anthropology, biology, pre-law, ethics, etc.) and demonstrate a sincere interest in animal welfare. Applicants must be willing and able to participate in strenuous physical duties and be able to lift 50 lbs. Applications are accepted year-round.

Is Housing Available?

Modern, comfortable housing is available and non-local residents are strongly encouraged to stay onsite. The sanctuary is located in a rural area requiring transportation to all stores and retail areas. Interns without their own transportation will be regularly assisted in obtaining basic necessities.

Costs & Living Expenses

Being a nonprofit organization, our resources are limited. To support our internship program without taking away from our animal care program we must ask interns to make contributions to cover utilities and materials. Interns are responsible for their own transportation and food expenses, laundry and long distance calls. All fees are non-refundable and are due at the beginning of each month.

Fee for Interns Requiring Housing: $100/week, totaling $1200 for 3-month session.

This includes rent, utilities, local phone service and access to computers and the Internet

Fees for Interns Not Requiring Housing: $100/month, totaling $300 for 3-month session.

A Director’s Scholarship may be available for those interns requiring financial assistance. To apply please include with your application a two-page paper describing the reasons we should consider you for this scholarship.

Special Projects

Interns regularly approach us with ideas for research projects they have developed that they wish to pursue during their time with us. If you wish to pursue a special project please include a proposal on a separate sheet of paper. Please keep these guidelines in mind:

• Your project cannot involve filming
• It cannot cause our residents stress
• Preference will be given to projects that benefit our residents
• Work on your project can only take up a portion of your 480 hours (you may be able to work on your project in addition to your scheduled hours)
• You will agree to provide the PRC with a copy of your finished paper or presentation to use at our discretion (for example, in our newsletter)

Download our internship application (488 kB PDF).

 

Or, send a self-addressed 9" x 12" envelope with $2.00 postage to:

Primate Rescue Center
5087 Danville Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
(For U.S. applicants only, please)