Wolf Park Breeding Season Internship Program

Who is eligible?

Anyone interested in animal behavior and the opportunity to participate in specific observational research on wolves.

Basic biology background or practical experience in handling pets, farm or wild animals, and the motivation to learn.

18 years. Exceptions for younger students may be requested by their parents or legal guardians.

A minimum of two months starting from no later than January 7th and ending no earlier than February 28th. (This applies only to the breeding season program). Longer stays can be arranged.

Some interns arrange for college credit through their own institutions. Others use their experience here in their careers or as a step toward a new career. And some interns are here simply to learn about wolves firsthand while helping Wolf Park.

As a breeding season intern, you will be getting experience with wolves and experience conducting scientific research. By working with our staff, you will gain much knowledge about animals, their behavior and care. Breeding Season Interns are given instruction and guidance in observation and data collection techniques, but are expected to work with little supervision and must be self-motivated. Breeding Interns are expected to observe the wolves around the clock in shifts of up to 6 hours at a time.

In exchange for this special educational opportunity, we require you to do any work that is needed at the Park. This ranges from helping in the office, to building fences to working on a computer and even to feeding deer carcasses to the wolves. As a nonprofit organization with limited resources, we rely on the help of volunteers and interns. Remember, you will be working with people who share your interest and concern for animals, and you will be learning about the nuts and bolts of operating a field research facility.

Each participant will be issued a certificate at the end of the internship. Interns also receive a free membership to Wolf Park for one year which includes Wolf Park News and discounts on books in the gift shop.

If the prospect of working in exchange for your experience at Wolf Park is not to your liking, or if you do not have the time for an internship, we suggest our four-week ethology practicum or a five-day wolf behavior seminar. Some interns decide to enroll in a seminar while at Wolf Park to complement their independent studies. The seminar is currently offered in May, August, and October. Be sure to reserve your space as early as possible. Interns receive a discount on the seminar fee. Seminars are filled on a first-come basis and fill up quickly. We also have a Three Day Breeding Season Seminar available.

There is a limited amount of space for interns and practicum participants who come to Wolf Park. There is a Volunteer Residence with all facilities on the premises. The cost for staying there is $130.00 per month, or $35.00 per week. You provide your own bedding and food. There is washer/dryer, and we recommend bringing a calling card for long distance calls. No smoking is permitted in any of the buildings. Wolf Park is drug and alcohol free.

Unless otherwise noted, all photographs © Monty Sloan/Wolf Park For permission to use or for more information about wolf photographs please write Monty Sloan

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Web page © 1997 Monty Sloan

Last revised: July 3, 1997