REPTILE MEDICINE & CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP
The Reptile Medicine & Conservation Internship is conducted in partnership with the Wildlife Institute, the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC), the Green Iguana Project and the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic (BWRC). Students focus on reptile patients at BWRC, and care and husbandry at the Green Iguana Project. Students may also participate in the Wildlife Institute’s ongoing Iguana Population Survey.
Wildlife Institute internships start at two weeks and may be extended. The Wildlife Institute pays fees and donations to the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic and partner organizations; arranges local accommodations in hotels or guesthouses with kitchenette (as available); arranges daily transportation to and from the work-site as available; and organizes a weekend recreational excursion and any other field site visits. Your Reptile Medicine & Conservation internship helps BWRC and its partners provide free or subsidized reptile and wildlife medical services, conduct research and other conservation programs. Special rates apply to longer term internships. Airfare and airport transfers are not included.
DAILY ACTIVITIES & TASKS
The following represents a list of tasks in which BWRC interns typically participate. Because of the dynamic nature of work at the BWRC, tasks and opportunities to work with various species vary by circumstance. An intern’s level of participation in the medical arena is adjusted based on educational level and learning objectives.
- Handling and restraint of certain species
- Reptile immobilization and restraint
- Observing and participating in the physical intake exams/surgery for Reptiles & Wildlife
- Observing and assisting in emergency medical care
- Surgery (mostly trauma)
- X-Ray and processor operation
- Possible field site visits
- Laboratory work (fecals, parasitology)
- Developing treatment plans including (determining fluid requirement, determining drug dosages; determining nutritional requirements for various species; instituting treatment plan)
- Reptile Husbandry and Rehabilitation
- Patient food gathering, preparation, and feeding
- Daily maintenance tasks are required for all interns. This includes daily cleaning of facilities and cages, feeding, laundry, etc.
ACCOMODATIONS
The Wildlife Institute arranges housing at local hotels and guest houses for interns and students. Standard accomodations include multiple occupany, AC, free WiFi, private bath and kitchenette. Upgrades and private accomodations are available upon request. Students and interns have free access to BWRC kayaks for wildlife spotting and recreation.
