2025 Internship

Wildlife Hospital Internship – Spring/Summer/Fall – 3 Month Minimum

All who are passionate about the welfare of individual wild birds and mammals are welcome to apply.  Preference will be given to applicants whose course work includes wildlife protection/preservation, ornithology, animal behavior, natural history, habitat protection/preservation, etc., as well as to those considering a career in an animal welfare related non-profit field after graduation.  Previous work experience is a plus.

Organization & Core Values

Fellow Mortals was founded in 1985 on a philosophy of respect for individual life.  All care is provided by a staff of licensed wildlife rehabilitators.  2000 animals are admitted into care annually, including any species of wild bird, endangered and threatened species, and certain non-predatory mammals, including squirrel species, beaver, opossum, woodchuck, mouse.  Our staff includes a number of permanent wild birds under permit from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service who serve as fosters to orphaned conspecifics.  We are a wildlife hospital and not open for tours.

Euthanasia Policy

Approximately nine percent of admits are euthanized by staff as necessary to end suffering or when injuries preclude return to the wild.  We do not euthanize healthy orphans or practice “management by euthanasia.”  Interns will experience what it is like to provide care for the most sensitive and critical patients: eyes-closed, newborn, and new-hatched individuals.

Description of Facility

The hospital is located on a 5-acre property outside of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and includes a state-of-the-art hospital, species-specific care rooms, several pool habitats, indoor and outdoor caging and flights, exam, x-ray, surgical facilities, and public admissions area.

Wildlife Care & Related Duties

This entry-level opportunity is designed for those serious about making a difference for wildlife on the individual level and will help them make the connection between theory and practice.  Interns will receive orientation and training before providing any animal care.  We have high standards for ourselves and our interns, as wildlife rehabilitation requires strict attention to detail; honed observational skills; stamina; the ability to focus while multi-tasking; genuine care for individual life, and a strong work ethic.  Wildlife care includes cleaning of housing, habitats, and the facility.

Start dates in March, April, May, June, July, August, September

3-month minimum commitment.  5 days a week, two non-consecutive days off.  Interns work the same hours as wildlife rehabilitation staff.  Days start at 8 a.m. and finish about 10 p.m. and the days pass quickly.

Housing

Limited dorm housing, including kitchen, bathroom, internet, utilities, and smart tv is available.  If housing is not available, we will assist applicants in finding suitable housing in the area.  Enquire with your application.

Benefits

• Stipend of $5,000, paid $1,000 per month, with the balance on successful completion of the internship

• Exceptional interns may be assigned extra responsibility as “primary caregiver” for an individual or group of animals

• Lunch and dinner breaks, water, snacks, occasional meals, other treats

• Immersive experience

• Located within 5 miles of popular tourist destination, Lake Geneva

• Follow an animal’s progress from admit to release

• Interns work alongside experienced professional wildlife rehabilitators,
   providing the opportunity to learn arcane information not available in textbooks

Requirements

• Current college student or recent graduate

• Private health insurance, current tetanus vaccination

• Valid driver’s license, and vehicle

• Good health, mature demeanor, adaptable, independent

• Occasional heavy lifting (up to 50#)

• Good grip strength (use of water hose with nozzle or pressure washer)

• Able to perform repetitive motions (use of feeding instruments)

• Able to perform normal movements (walking, bending, kneeling, standing)

• Stamina

• Compassion and respect for the life and welfare of an individual animal

• Desire to perform at a high standard, to be exceptional as an intern

Extended internships longer than 3 months are available.  Enquire with your cover letter.

How to Apply

Email the following to Yvonne Wallace Blane, Director of Rehabilitation:  Yvonne@fellowmortals.org

1. Cover Letter addressing your interest in the position

2. Resumé (work, education & volunteer experience)

3. Unofficial college transcript

4. Two work or volunteer (not family or personal) references—submit with application

5. Specify the earliest start date and latest end date

Application acknowledgment and process

Incomplete applications will not be acknowledged.
Qualified applicants will be contacted for further information.

Four positions available — Application period ends May 1, 2025