Fauna's Intern Programs
Our rigorous internships combine training in compassionate care for nonhuman primates with experience in non-invasive behavioral studies.
Typically, we offer two different intern programs. The Visiting Intern Program is an intensive 9-week summer program attracting applicants worldwide. Academic Internships are remote research experiences. Our philosophy is that the needs of our Sanctuary residents come first and this core belief is practiced in internships. Our programs are suitable for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students in various academic backgrounds (e.g. Anthropology, Biology, Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, etc.).
Visiting Intern Program
During this 9-week program, interns are at the Fauna Sanctuary daily. They receive training and experience in safe procedures to work around adult non-human primates, particularly chimpanzees. Interns assist in preparing enrichment, cleaning enclosures, performing housekeeping, and participating in various behavioral studies. The first week is online training in protocols, procedures, and understanding chimpanzee behaviors. The second week, interns will begin onsite training. After several weeks each intern becomes more autonomous and has responsibilities in care and behavioral study. Mornings are devoted to cleaning and enrichment preparation while afternoons are working on data entry and other research related activities.
The program cost is $300.00 Canadian dollars. Costs do not include travel, food, or lodging. The program fee supports the costs of staffing for the program and directly supports the mission of Fauna Foundation. Interns are responsible for providing their own housing and daily transportation to the sanctuary.
Requirements: Applicants must be fluent in English, have completed at least one year of university level education or two years of CÉGEP, and must be 18 years of age or older. American Sign Language and French are helpful. The application fee is $25.00 and must be included with the application. Prior to arrival visiting interns are required to provide proof of a negative TB skin test, Covid vaccine including boosted, and tetanus vaccination. Interns and all staff will wear masks at all times on the sanctuary property.
2026 PROGRAM DATES
June 1 to July 31, 2026.
The first week of the program June 1-4 is online training with daily live zoom meeting. Interns begin on-site training at the sanctuary on June 8, 2026.
- The application deadline is April 15, 2026.
For any questions, please contact Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold at jensvold@faunafoundation.org.
Academic Internships
Fauna Foundation offers remote internships for university level students.
Students may arrange research or internship credits through their own university. For more information about academic internships, please contact Dr. Mary Lee Jensvold at jensvold@faunafoundation.org.
