Sanctuary Wildlife Keeper Intern

position description

Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) is seeking a dedicated and passionate Sanctuary Zookeeper Intern to work closely with our Sanctuary Manager and Wildlife Team. This internship provides hands-on experience and comprehensive training designed to help prepare candidates for a professional career as an Animal Sanctuary Zookeeper or Wildlife Care Specialist.

The intern will work directly with the Sanctuary Manager to ensure the smooth, safe, and effective day-to-day operation of our animal sanctuary. Responsibilities include carrying out daily animal care routines, preparing specialized diets, maintaining and cleaning enclosures, conducting behavioral observations, detailed record-keeping, and providing environmental enrichment for animals under our care. This position reports directly to the Sanctuary Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Sanctuary Operations:

• Ensure the smooth daily operation of the sanctuary area and prioritize the physical and psychological well-being of all resident animals.
• Monitor and maintain sanctuary inventory, supplies, and food procurement.

Animal Feeding & Diet Preparation:

• Coordinate and carry out daily feedings in a safe and timely manner.
• Consistently forage for and gather wild foods (flowers, fruits, leaves) to incorporate natural items into the diets of ALL sanctuary animals.

Enclosure Maintenance & Infrastructure Safety:

• Clean and maintain animal enclosures and the animal kitchen to high hygienic standards.
• Daily visual inspections of enclosures and infrastructure (walls, doors, roofs, floors, locks, drains, etc.) to identify maintenance needs before they impact animal welfare or staff safety.

Animal Health & Record Keeping:

• Conduct daily visual health checks and complete accurate headcounts for all enclosures.
• Monitor animal health in collaboration with the veterinary team and administer prescribed medications in food when needed.
• Assist the Wildlife Manager in maintaining and updating animal intake logs and record-keeping.
• Collect field data for sanctuary monitoring (e.g., wild animal visits, snake sightings).

Enrichment & Behavioral Welfare:

• Execute an active Environmental Enrichment Program based on behavioral studies, natural histories, and individual animal needs, guided by the 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare.
• Ensure rotated, constant enrichment while strictly respecting animal privacy and limiting unnecessary human contact.
• Observe animal integrations or monitor individuals in potential distress with the vet, reporting any behavioral shifts immediately to the Wildlife Manager or Vet.
• Coordinate or assist in moving un-releasable animals into sanctuary enclosures under veterinary supervision.

Facility Support & Supervision:

• Assist the Wildlife Manager in maintaining live food sources (mice and worm farms).
• Help train incoming volunteers and new interns on sanctuary routines and safety protocols alongside the Wildlife Manager.

Core Principles: The 5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare

Our animal care philosophy is built around ensuring:

• Freedom from hunger and thirst
• Freedom from discomfort
• Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
• Freedom to express normal behavior
• Freedom from fear and distress

Work Hours & Schedule

• Workday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (includes a 30-minute breakfast break and a 1-hour lunch break).
• Schedule: 5 days per week.
• Campus Amenities & Facilities: Interns have access to all campus facilities, including:

  • • • On-site swimming pool

      • Restaurant and lounge areas

      • High-speed Internet / Wi-Fi

      • Access to the surrounding nature reserves and campus community areas.

Professional Development: Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced sanctuary staff, veterinarians, and wildlife professionals, providing invaluable experience for a career as a Sanctuary Zookeeper.