Save the Chimps Externship
The purpose of this externship is to provide veterinary students with experience in the care and management of non-human primates (chimpanzees) in a sanctuary setting. The sanctuary in Florida provides care to over 270 chimpanzees that have been rescued from research, the pet trade, and roadside zoos/circuses. The sanctuary is not open to the public. There are two veterinarians employed at the sanctuary and the extern will interact with one or both during the externship.
The duration of the externship is variable to meet the needs of the individual student. There is no housing or stipend available. The extern would be required to work 30-40 hours a week, with no weekend or evening work. The caseload can vary depending on the day. The main focus is health management screening and preventative care. There are many chronic health conditions especially in the geriatric chimpanzees that are monitored on a daily basis.
The extern may gain experience in assisting with anesthesia, surgical monitoring, echocardiograms, ultrasounds, and surgical assisting. The extern may also learn about nutrition, behavior, pharmacology, and parasitology depending on the caseload.
To apply for an externship at Save The Chimps, please contact human resources at hr@savethechimps.org with a letter of intent, resume, and list of three references. The student should hear back within the 1-2 weeks concerning their application.
