Chimps Inc. is a sanctuary specifically designed to provide lifetime care to captive chimpanzees. We are dedicated to overcoming exploitation and cruelty that they and other captive wild animals face through advocacy, education and conservation.
The sanctuary is home to eight chimpanzees and a Siberian lynx. We invite you to embark on the most meaningful opportunity serving our closest living relatives. Every day there are things that need to get done to care for the animals and increase awareness on the plight of exotic animals.
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Chimps Inc. is always in need of volunteers for daily care of the animals and special projects.
Volunteers that work at the sanctuary must be at least 18 years old. You must have a current tetanus shot, Hepatitis B series shot, and a tuberculosis test with proof a negative titer. You must also attend a short orientation before starting your volunteer position and sign a series of liability release statements. Most volunteer opportunities require a minimum of 4 hours per week but there are some special positions where volunteer time is flexible. Below are just a few of the volunteer opportunities available. If you are interested in becoming a sanctuary volunteer please fill out the volunteer application and send it chimpsinc@yahoo.com or mail it to PO Box 6973, Bend, OR 97708.
Animal Care:
Volunteers that can commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week to assist our caregivers with cleaning indoor and outdoor enclosures, food preparation, processing laundry, organizing supply rooms, general grounds maintenance, and creating daily enrichment for the animals.
Enrichment: Weekly volunteers that can work at home or at the sanctuary creating and building stimulating enrichment items and toys, building and hanging platforms, swings, puzzle feeders, fire hoses, hammocks etc. for the animals.
Maintenance Member: Weekly or as needed volunteers that would participate in a large number of activities that will help beautify and improve the sanctuary grounds. Skilled carpenters, welders, plumbers, electricians are also needed.
Office and mailing: As needed volunteers that would help us to prepare and mail our newsletters and updates.
Driver: Occasional volunteer to pick up produce for the chimpanzees, drop off recyclables, deposit cans and more.
Fundraising and Special Events: volunteer duties may vary from behind the scenes planning and organization to preparing things on the actual event day.
Our internship program is open to people who are seriously interested in pursuing careers in animal care, conservation, education or advocacy. Interns will be immersed in daily activities on nonprofit sanctuary life.
Interns will be responsible for cleaning animal enclosures, creating enrichment, preparing diets, washing dishes, processing laundry, fundraising activities, gardening, and otherwise maintain the facility. In addition to daily husbandry, there will be daily educational sessions in which interns will learn more about varying topics pertaining to both captive and wild chimpanzees. Interns will be expected to complete an independent project that they will present to the Chimps Inc. team. Chimps Inc. maintains a no physical contact policy where volunteers and interns are not allowed to touch the animals.
Interns are asked to stay for a minimum of 4 weeks, but may be considered for a position up to 6 months.
Housing and Fees: Chimps Inc. will provide interns with room and board. There is an $85 per week cost to the intern which covers materials, curriculum, training, and lodging.
Enrollment Dates: Entrance times occur on the 1st and 15th of every month.
Apply: Download the intern application and send it to chimpsinc@yahoo.com or mail it to PO Box 6973, Bend, OR 97708
Chimps Inc. occasionally has openings for paid positions as a Caregiver. Chimps Inc. is not currently hiring but we encourage you to check back for future postings.
