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There are four to eight positions available within the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary Animal Care Department. The International Exotic Animal Sanctuary is the first sanctuary ever to be granted certification by the AZA. The Sanctuary cares for many exotic animals encompassing 13 different feline species and two different bear species.
This internship will help you decide very quickly if this is really what you want to do as a career. You will get dirty and work long hours in all kinds of weather conditions. But if you work hard, you will be able to learn so much that will take you to the next step in your animal welfare career. Take a look at what these past interns had to say of their experience:
"This internship is not for the faint of heart. They will work you hard, expect the best from you and help you succeed in whatever your future endeavors may be."
"This internship was as rewarding as it was demanding. It was through this opportunity that I learned a great life lesson, which was, the more you put into something the more you get out of it. The work at the Sanctuary is extremely difficult as there is much more to caring for these animals than feeding them."
"There's probably not much out there that's as mentally and physically draining as this internship has been. I'll take that as a good thing!"
Read more testimonials from past IEAS interns and see where they are at now.
| Program | Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Internship | *March 5-May 31 | January 1 |
| Summer Internship | *June 5-August 31 | April 1 |
| Fall Internship | *September 5-November 30 | July 1 |
| Winter Internship | *December 5-February 28 | October 1 |
*The beginning dates of the internship are tentative.
Candidates should have at least two years of undergraduate program studies in zoology, animal management, biology, or a related field or three years of experience at an AZA accredited facility. International applications are welcome. Interns must be able to perform regular, strenuous duties in 90 to over 100 degree weather and must be able to lift 50lbs. You must present yourself in a professional manner. Interns will gain practical experience working with exotic animals, will be involved with our educational program and have the chance to be involved in our emotional and behavioral enrichment programs. Interns will be able to learn as much about exotic animals' behavior as they choose to learn within the three month session.
Consideration will only be given to those who send completed application and required documents listed above.
International Exotic Animal Sanctuary
Attention: Intern Program
PO Box 637
Boyd, TX 76023
Please review our Intern Program FAQ page if you have questions about our program. Feel free to email us at education@bigcat.org if you do not find your answer here.
If you are interested in applying for an internship, please visit our Intern Gallery. Here you will find a variety of pictures and videos of what you would be doing on a daily basis. This will show you what to expect and will help you in deciding if this is the right internship for you.
The majority of our interns that have completed the program here at IEAS have moved on to other reputable facilities to provide quality care for animals. We have former interns now working at a number of major zoos across the United States such as St. Louis Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Forth Worth Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Cameron Park Zoo, Dallas World Aquarium, Memphis Zoo and a number of other animal facilities.
The pictures below represent some of our success stories in rehabilitating cats that came to the Sanctuary 
either resentful of humans or aggressive towards humans. They did not trust humans and therefore considered humans as adversaries. With our unique behavioral enrichment program based on affection, love, and respect, you can see how their attitudes have changed.
Our Animal Behaviorist, Louis Dorfman, uses no discipline, treating the cats as respected sentient beings, and their response is very rewardin...
