Animal Care Intern/Volunteer
The field of marine mammal care and training is one of exciting, rewarding and challenging opportunities for animal enthusiasts. Yet, without hands on experience, animal training can be a very difficult and competitive field to pursue. Most facilities seek educated and charismatic individuals who are eager to serve the marine mammal community. Our facility offers internships developed to educate individuals interested in pursuing career choices in the following areas: Biology, Marine Biology, Psychology, Animal Behavior, Oceanography, Ecology (Environmental Protection), Education, and Communication. We offer both credit and non-credit internship opportunities.
About Our Program
Ocean Connections is a globally recognized leader in the field of marine mammal care and training. We receive internship and volunteer applications from around the world. Our internship programs have been designed to provide participants with valuable experience in a wide variety of activities that occur throughout a trainer's day. Interns are trained to assist our animal care staff in the following areas:
- General understanding of the care and husbandry needs of marine mammals
- Dietary requirements and food preparation for marine mammals
- General water quality understanding
- Public presentations: hosting, guest interaction, crowd control, safety, trainer assistance
- Interactive programs: guest interaction and assistance, safety
- Public interaction: professionalism, assistance, question and answer, safety
- Facility maintenance and sanitation
- Animal observations
- Training session and procedural assistance
- Animal behavior and training
- Environmental enrichment
- Current conservation issues
Visit our website and complete an online application. In addition, two letters of recommendation must be submitted to:
Ocean Connections
Attn: Intern and Volunteer Coordinator
10001 W. Bluemound Rd.
Milwaukee WI 53226
OR
opportunities @oceanconnections.org
Please call (414) 453-5527 with any questions!