Internships at Alpacas Zeelandia & Alpaca Rescue Nederland
Are you looking for the most educational and unique internship of your life? Become an expert in specialized alpaca care! As a large, recognized rescue center, we take in neglected, sick, and traumatized alpacas from all over the Netherlands. With us, you will learn how to approach, care for, feed, and train these animals.
We offer immense opportunities and responsibility, but we also expect an above-average commitment. Are you ready for the challenge?
What will you be doing?
- Hands-on animal care & medical care: You will be fully integrated into daily operations. You will learn about treatment plans, medication, and dietary rotations. Mucking out barns at a fast pace is part of the routine so that ample time remains for direct care.
- Your own ‘project alpaca’: You will be responsible for one specific rescue alpaca. You will monitor and guide its recovery process from start to finish.
- The economic aspect: Running a rescue center costs money. You will help brainstorm ways to generate financial resources (such as crowdfunding or farm activities) for your project alpaca and execute these initiatives yourself.
- Welcoming visitors: You will assist in welcoming, guiding, and informing our visitors in a hospitable manner.
What are we looking for in you?
To join us as an intern, you recognize yourself in the following points:
- You are 16 years or older and pursuing a relevant degree at MBO-4 level or higher (unfortunately, we cannot accept interns from MBO level 3 or lower).
- You already have a strong foundational knowledge of animal care and hygiene; we are not a sheltered workshop and expect you to adapt quickly.
- You possess a strong work ethic, a fast work pace, and do not shrink back from physically demanding tasks and long days.
- You have good social skills and speak reasonable English and/or German in addition to Dutch.
- You are flexible and adapt to the dynamics of our seasons (ranging from winter calm and study to busy, long summer days).
What can you expect from us?
We offer an incredibly dynamic internship environment where no two days are the same. You will receive all the specialized knowledge and tools needed to help an animal truly recover. This will not only expand your medical and animal management skills, but will also boost your interpersonal and organizational abilities.
How to apply?
Are you the punctual, driven student we are looking for? Please send your cover letter and CV (including a photo) addressed to Mara Houmes-Vlaander (owner) to: [email protected].
We look forward to meeting you!
