Our internship program is unique.
Just like you.
ARE YOU…
- open-minded and receptive to creative ideas?
- teachable and willing to learn?
- a hard worker who can see details and take inititative?
DO YOU…
- enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather?
- have a desire to develop personally & professionally?
- feel fulfilled when helping others?
CAN YOU…
- lift 50 pounds?
- work well with people from diverse backgrounds?
- adapt to change in a fast paced environment?
Internship Opportunities
Our learning campus of 112 acres sits atop the beautiful and rural Ozark Mountains. Our organization is dedicated to the preservation of the environment through exemplary animal care, education, and outreach. We provide a unique educational experience for each of our interns.
Our not-for-profit is a small team of full-time staff dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of the animals in our care and the development of the students in our intern program. Each intern has the opportunity to work one-on-one with our senior animal care staff, education manager, veterinarian, and general manager.
When we say you’ll get hands-on experience we mean it. Interns begin their program by learning to care for our livestock and primates. You will build relationships with our tenured interns and our staff as you navigate an attainable, yet challenging, daily animal care routine. Interns assist with the care of a multiude of species including, but not limited to swine, equine, felids, canids, primates, and reptiles. All of our interns begin their journey into exotic animal care by first working in guest services. Every intern is trained in habitat and grounds maintenance and is developed to become comfortable with public speaking and to guide tours for our visiting guests.
Applicants should expect a full time intership schedule. While our facility does offer part-time schedules, they are very limited in availalbity. All interns are paid a very modest weekly stipend and are expected to work well in a team-oriented environment while adhering to safety and security protocols under the supervision of a direct manager.
Accepted Fields of Study
Marketing/Education/Communication
We offer limited opportunities in these fields. Those studying within these fields will assist with public outreach and content creation.
- Conduct guided tours
- Provide customer service
- Assist the general manager with proposals and operations
- Assist the education manager with curriculum development, spreading awareness to the public, and community outreach.
- Assist the marketing coordinator with product design, social media content, and retail sales.
Biology/Conservation/Animal Science/Wildlife
Care for our wide variety of livestock and exotic animals as you learn about wildlife management, dietary preparation, and animal behavior.
- Conduct guided tours
- Provide customer service
- Assist with animal enrichment, habitat maintenance, & behavioral observations
- Learn about captive animal management and beekeeping.
- Work hands-on with native wildlife by assisting with wildlife rehabilitations, releases, and relocations.
Pre-Veterinary
Opportunities for hands-on experience with livestock and exotics as well as working with our veterinarian are available.
- Conduct guided tours
- Provide customer service
- Assist with wildlife rehabilitation
- Students will provide basic husbandry including diet, nutrition, medication administration, etc.
- Pre-vet students are able to shadow the sanctuary veterinarian and assist with medical procedures both on and off-site. *veterinarian shadowing and apex predator care are merit-based opportunities*
Landscape Design/Horticulture/Grounds Maintenance
Our facility includes multiple barn structures as well as 3 single-family structures on 112 acres. Students in these fields of study will have ample opportunities to learn a variety of skills.
- Conduct guided tours
- Provide customer service
- Manage and maintain a small greenhouse
- Design, manage and maintain a pollinator, cut flower, and edible gardens on various portions of the property.
- Hiking trail design and management
Please, no phone calls. All questions should be sent via email to stripes@nationaltigersanctuary.org
What are some of the things you learned during your internship?
I learned a ton. Not only did I get to learn animal husbandry but I had a pretty big fear of public speaking. I kind of pushed out of my comfort zone and was able to talk to big groups. I enjoyed the person I grew to be.
What are some of the things you learned during your internship?
I learned how to operate a weed eater and how to wire tie, things you wouldn’t expect to learn when you initially go to an animal care internship. We are able to be well-rounded.
How would you describe the culture of the company?
I would describe the culture of the as being very family-based. Being a non-profit organization and having such a small staff we all are very close and we do care about each other. Conflicts that need to be discussed are handled right then and there in a respectful manner. We always talk through things and get the job done and that’s what I love.
What are some of the things you learned from your internship?
The most important thing I learned was knowing exactly what I want out of my future job.
What things will you take from the internship?
Connections. I made a lot of good connections at the sanctuary. I’m not very extroverted so connections are important to me because I have trouble making them a lot.
Did the internship meet your expectations?
Yes! They have exceeded my expectations. It has allowed me to do a bit of everything.
Please, no phone calls. All questions should be sent via email to stripes@nationaltigersanctuary.org