VETERINARY INTERNSHIPS
Veterinary Internships
Want an unforgettable and ethical encounter with animals? Yearn to make a difference while exploring a vibrant new country? This is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
This internship is for those who are seeking to help care for injured and orphaned animals in an exotic location. Work alongside experienced animal handlers, connect with international students, and immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Sri Lanka. Join our elephant orphanage project in Pinnawala for an adventure that will change your life.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the most well-known elephant sanctuaries in the world. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. The orphanage was established to care for orphaned and injured wild elephants. It provides food, shelter, and veterinary care. The orphanage houses a large herd of elephants, including adults, juveniles, and babies.
Program Overview
Immerse yourself in the world of elephant conservation and care at the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka. This unique internship opportunity allows you to contribute to the well-being of these magnificent creatures while gaining valuable experience in a wildlife setting.
Your Responsibilities:
- Assistance: Assist with daily feeding and bathing to provide essential care to the resident elephants.
- Observe and Learn: Gain insight into elephant behavior, social dynamics, and health.
- Enclosure Maintenance: Contribute to keeping the elephants’ environment clean and safe.
- Preventative Care: Can observe the administering of vaccinations, routine examinations, and parasite control.
- Diagnostics: Assisting with sample collection, such as blood, urine, feces etc and lab interpretations.
- Treatment: Observing and assisting in medical procedures, wound care, and medication administration.
- Surgery: Observing and assisting in surgical procedures as skills allow.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate medical records.
- Collaborating with Zoo Staff: Communicating with keepers, curators, and other zoo personnel to ensure optimal animal care.
Pinnawala Zoo
Program Overview
Zoo veterinary internships offer a unique opportunity for veterinary students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of zoological medicine. Interns work closely with experienced zoo veterinarians to provide healthcare for a diverse range of animals such as leopards, bears, tiger, monkeys, deers, birds, rabbits, elephants etc.
Your Responsibilities:
- Observe and Learn: Gain insight into animal behavior, social dynamics, and health.
- Preventative Care: Can observe the administering of vaccinations, routine examinations, and parasite control.
- Diagnostics: Assisting with sample collection, such as blood, urine, feces etc and lab interpretations.
- Treatment: Observing and assisting in medical procedures, wound care, and medication administration.
- Surgery: Observing and assisting in surgical procedures as skills allow.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate medical records.
- Collaborating with Zoo Staff: Communicating with keepers, curators, and other zoo personnel to ensure optimal animal care.
- Orientation: An official will conduct an orientation program for you.
- Schedule: You will receive a program schedule before starting your work.
- Supervision: Follow the program schedule and carry out your work under the supervision of designated supervisors in each section.
- Report: Submit a report detailing the tasks you completed.
- Minimum Duration: The minimum program length is one week.
- Certificate: Volunteers who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate.
- Make a real impact: Support crucial work in protecting animals.
- Hands-on experience: Get up close and personal with these amazing animals.
- Cultural immersion: Experience the beauty and rich culture of Sri Lanka.
- Unforgettable memories: Create lasting connections with both animals and fellow volunteers.
- Program Days: Monday through Friday
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to change based on department needs).
- Duration: Minimum of 1 week but interns can choose to work upto 12 weeks to get more work experience and exposure.
- Support: 24/7 assistance and pre-departure guidance.
- Flexibility: Be aware that the schedule may be adjusted due to weather, local conditions, or unforeseen events.
- Arrival and Departure Information
- Flexible Starts: You can begin your trip any week of the year, with activities starting on Monday.
- Recommended Arrival: Arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before your Monday start date to receive a free airport pickup and transfer.
- Additional Costs: Arriving or leaving outside the weekend window will incur extra charges for transfers and accommodations (including food).
- Departure: You will be taken to the departure terminal at the airport as per your flight schedule. Enjoy free airport transfers by scheduling your return flight on Saturday or Sunday.
- Age over 18+.
- Veterinary interns must possess one of the following qualifications:
- A veterinary degree (graduate or undergraduate),
- A secondary education with a focus on animal science,
- Relevant experience in animal science.
- Must submit a detailed CV
- All our interns are responsible for obtaining an appropriate insurance policy for their own safety. A copy of the policy must be submitted before starting the program.
Program starts on Monday of your first week. A mandatory orientation will be held at the start of your program. An introductory session is held on Sunday which includes:
- Welcome and introductions
- Sri Lanka overview
- Sinhalese language lesson
- Cultural lesson
Other Activities: We offer the option to arrange customized outside activities upon request. Please contact us for details.
Recommended Sites:
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Temple of Tooth Relic
- Ambuluwawa
- Tea Estates and Factories
- Ella
- Dambulla CaveTemple
Note: Transportation and tickets to other locations can be arranged at an additional cost.
Room Amenities:
Meals: Three per day on weekdays, two per day on weekends included.
Beverages: Water, tea, coffee, and milk included.
Capacity: Only 2 people per room for your comfort.
Facilities: Hot shower, lockable rooms, laundry (additional fee), fan, and bed linen.
Not Included: WiFi, private bathroom, towels, air conditioning, mosquito protection, scrubs and stethoscope.
Food Arrangements
Provided Meals: A mix of Western and Sri Lankan cuisine, primarily vegetarian (like rice and curries).
Dining Options: You may also choose to eat out at local restaurants.
Other
Location: It will be conveniently located 2-4 kilometers from Kandy center.
Amenities: A refrigerator is available for storing your food and drinks.
Nearby: ATM and supermarket within a 15-30 minute walk.
Accommodation: We offer shared rooms with only 2 people per room for your comfort. Rooms are basic yet comfortable, and you’ll have access to a refrigerator for storing beverages.
Food: Enjoy delicious meals with a mix of Western and Sri Lankan flavors. We provide three meals per day on weekdays and two on weekends.
Airport Transfer: We’ve got you covered! Included airport pickup and drop on the weekends. Need to arrive early or late? Contact us for details. We’ll also assist with your onward travel at the end of your trip, and can arrange further travel upon request (additional costs may apply). Please note that free airport transfers are arranged only to and from the internship site to BIA (airport) on the weekends at the conclusion of your internship.
Training: Get ready with our comprehensive orientation and project induction. You’ll receive full training tailored to your role.
Transportation: Transportation to and from the accommodation to the hospital will be provided.
Support: We’re here for you every step of the way! Get pre-departure guidance, support from our in-country team, and 24-hour emergency assistance.
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas (Support to extend visa would be provided)
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- In country travel
- Laundry service
- Extra activities not on itinerary
Step 1: Express Your Interest
Let us know your interest! Fill out the inquiry form below, including your desired program, dates, reasons for wanting to travel, and your current level of study.
Step 2: Chat with Our Team
A member of our team will review your inquiry and contact you to discuss your eligibility and answer any of your questions.
Step 3: Secure Your Spot
Once your eligibility is confirmed, submit your application form and deposit fee of $250. We’ll confirm your placement and availability within 48 hours!
