Primate Rehabilitation - Conservation Internships in Panama

Hiring Organization: Alouatta Sanctuary & Eco-Lodge

Position Description: Alouatta Sanctuary near David, Panama provides a limited number of internship opportunities for those seeking first-hand experience in the fields of primate rehabilitation, tropical forest conservation, and environmental education. Alouatta Sanctuary is the only wildlife rehabilitation site in Panama currently specializing in the rehabilitation of primates, with an emphasis on mantled howler monkeys. As such, it serves an important role in conserving animals critical to tropical forest ecosystems, and educating the public about primate biology and rainforest conservation. Successful applicants will participate in primate rehabilitation efforts, contribute to educational programs, assist with ongoing research projects, and support the day-to-day functioning of the facility. Training is available in the fields of wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, primate behavior and ecology, tropical forest biology, field sampling procedures, and data processing techniques (including GIS). Depending on individual contributions, interns may also have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Interns are accepted on a rolling basis and must make at least a 1-month commitment (40 hours/week), with longer stays preferred. University students seeking shorter 3-week internships during holiday breaks may be considered on a case by case basis.

We are currently looking for interns with flexible start dates between Oct 2012-Jan 2013. Interns will participate on the following projects:

Wildlife Rehabilitation: Alouatta Sanctuary specializes in the rehabilitation of mantled howler monkeys. However, we also accept other mammals and birds in need of aid. Interns assist in the daily care of rehabilitated animals and monitor newly released individuals, documenting feeding preferences and interactions with free-ranging howler monkey groups.

Primate Cognitive Studies: Mantled howler monkeys do not thrive in captivity. There are extremely few in zoological institutions in the Americas, Europe, or Australia, and as a result, few opportunities to study howler monkey cognitive abilities. At Alouatta Sanctuary, interns help to conduct a series of cognitive experiments in the form of foraging challenges that address howler monkey knowledge of the physical world. These experiments provide important enrichment opportunities for the primates we rehabilitate and yield new information for the scientific community as to primate cognitive abilities.

Tropical Forest Conservation : Alouatta Sanctuary has been strategically reforested to form part of a corridor between two intact primary forests. As a result, the property functions as critical wildlife habitat for a variety of species (mantled howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, night monkeys, ocelots, peccaries, coatis, and many others). Interns are needed to conduct wildlife censuses using line transects and remote camera traps, as well as to conduct behavioral observations of primate habitat-use. Opportunities may also be available to assist in further reforestation efforts and local community conservation programs.

Environmental Education: Education forms a critical component of our conservation efforts. Interns give lectures on mantled howler monkey behavior and conservation, lead short nature walks, and contribute to the development of educational materials. The opportunity to assist our environmental education specialist in presentations at local primary and secondary schools may also be available.

Qualifications/Experience:  All applicants must be at least 18 years old, be physically fit, have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with people of all ages and from different cultures. Applicants must be able to provide proof of a negative TB test (Mantoux or x-ray) and Hepatitis (A & B) vaccinations, and must purchase current international health insurance while in Panama. Experience traveling to the tropics or living in remote conditions is a plus, as is coursework or work experience in primate ecology or environmental education.

To apply, please send a short letter of interest, CV, and names/contact information for 3 references to internships@alouattasanctuary.org. Be specific as to which projects you are interested in, the start/end dates you would prefer, and your experience (if any) with wildlife, environmental science, or education.

Salary/funding: Interns will be provided with housing at Alouatta Sanctuary, but are unpaid and will be responsible for providing their own airfare to David as well as $750/mo in fees to cover training and food. Accommodations are very comfortable (hot water, electricity, internet). We are located roughly ½ hour from David, Panama, a modern city with all the amenities (an international airport, hospitals, supermarkets, hardware stores, movie theatres, etc). The sanctuary’s location also provides an excellent base to explore the best nature Panama has to offer (cloud forests, beaches, marine parks) during time off.

Term of Appointment:
one month minimum

Application Deadline:
ongoing

Contact Information:
Alouatta Sanctuary
Panama

Website:
http://www.alouattasanctuary.org

E-mail Address:
internships@alouattasanctuary.org