Internships and Externships

Since Externships are shorter than Internships, Externs do more shadowing than hands-on work. Externs may not have time to be cleared to give tours or give medication to the animals. The Externship program is less structured that the Internship program.

There is no “typical day” since Interns help wherever they are needed most. This might include setting up and helping out with a special event like Wine & Wolves, building a fence or mowing grass, attending a weekly lecture, preparing our newsletter and other mailings, watching research, or creating enrichment.

Days at Wolf Park often start early. In the morning, Interns give medications to our animals, and then start on daily chores such as butchering and feeding. Daily routines vary from season to season. During our high season, Interns spend the afternoons staffing the Visitor’s Center (gift shop) and giving tours to visitors. Days often end late, especially during Howl Night and After Hours programs. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to observe research or vet procedures – it all depends what we happen to have going on during your stay.

Externs also don’t have a “typical day” since they spend their time observing whatever is happening at the time. This might include shadowing our Animal Care staff during their daily routines or watching research. Externs are invited to participate in as many Intern activities as possible. We also ask our Externs to help out wherever they are needed. This might mean checking in visitors for a special event or fence building.  Externs may not have much opportunity for contact with the animals.

Interns are provided with onsite housing. The five bedrooms are basic, and Interns and Externs share rooms (same gender only). The house is older, however air conditioning and heating is available. There is only one shower, a communal kitchen, and a second half bathroom. There is a shared washer and dryer. Sharing a house with up to ten people can be challenging, especially during the summer when you come in from chores like butchering and only have a short period of time to grab lunch and change into your tour clothes. Free wi-fi internet is provided.

Keep in mind that you will need money for food, transportation and money for going out. Wolf Park is in a rural setting, but is only about 15 minutes from Lafayette, where Purdue University is located. Interns that can bring their own vehicle are encouraged to do so. Lafayette has lots of restaurants and local festivals during the summer. Interns also tend to spend more than expected in our gift shop!

You can apply any time – earlier is better! We typically turn people away for our summer session due to a high volume of applications. Some people that apply for summer and don’t make it in end up requesting to come the following summer. For winter months, two or three months out is usually sufficient. That being said, plans change and life happens – so we do accept last-minute applications.