INTERNSHIPS AT THE
NATIONAL SEAL SANCTUARY

The National Seal Sanctuary in Cornwall, UK, is seeking applicants for internships working with captive and wild pinnipeds (seals, fur seals and sea lions) in 2008-9. The internships require a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week over 12 consecutive weeks in either the autumn (September-December 2008) or the winter (January-April 2009).

The National Seal Sanctuary is the UK’s largest purpose-built facility for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild grey seals, and has the most diverse public display of pinnipeds in the UK. As an international facility with more than 40 years of experience, the National Seal Sanctuary offers outstanding opportunities for learning about seal rehabilitation as well as the care and husbandry of captive seals, fur seals and sea lions.

Internships at the Sanctuary provide an educational and vocational experience in the fields of marine mammal rehabilitation, husbandry and display. During their time at the Sanctuary, interns will be exposed to a dynamic and stimulating work environment, and will assume a variety of responsibilities to support the Sanctuary’s animal programmes.

The timing of the internships coincides with the facility’s busy seal pup rescue season (between September and March), and daily duties will be split between the rehabilitation of seal pups and the husbandry of resident pinnipeds.

Internship positions are unpaid, with each intern responsible for all travel and living expenses. The Seal Sanctuary can assist interns in finding local accommodation and in providing for local transport needs to/from the facility.


Intern Qualifications and Responsibilities

The nature and demands of the role require prospective interns to meet the following criteria:-

  • Minimum age of 18;

  • Good health, including ability to lift and move heavy weights (no less than 40 kg);

  • The ability to work a flexible, full-time schedule;

  • The ability to learn quickly and perform varied tasks in a fast-paced work environment;

  • The ability to laugh!

    • Internships can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but interns are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship. Previous marine mammal experience is not required, although a pre-existing interest in pinnipeds and an animal care background would be an advantage.

    An intern may be asked to perform a variety of tasks related to the various aims, programmes and activities of the Sanctuary. These duties fall into three broad categories: animal care and husbandry; facilities maintenance; public education and outreach.

    Duties may include*:-

  • Daily animal diet preparations, including food, nutritional supplements and drugs;

  • Daily cleaning of work areas and animal enclosures;

  • Daily feeding and care of seal pups in rehabilitation programme;

  • Daily feeding, training and enrichment of resident pinnipeds;

  • Assisting with rescues and/or releases of marine mammals;

  • Assisting with animal treatments, examinations and sampling;

  • Maintaining animal clinical and husbandry records;

  • Maintaining equipment, facilities and supplies;

  • Talking to facility visitors about seal rehabilitation and resident animals;

  • Other activities relating to the Sanctuary’s operations, subject to supervisory discretion.


    • * [Please note that this list is a guide; an intern may not be asked/able to complete all of these duties during the term of the internship.]

    Application Process

    Interested individuals are required to send:-

  • Cover Letter (with details of availability);

  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume (with reference contact details).

    • Because only a limited number of internships are available, applicants are strongly urged to provide relevant evidence of their suitability for the role and of their potential contribution to the Sanctuary’s operations. Application materials must be received no less than 6 weeks prior to the intended onset of the internship (i.e., by 11th of August for the autumn period, or by 1st of December for the winter period).

    Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview, but the Sanctuary thanks all applicants in advance for their interest.

    Applications should be sent for the attention of the National Seal Sanctuary, via regular mail "The National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall TR12 6UG, England" or send an E-mail.

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