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2026 INTERNSHIPS

The Bat World Sanctuary internship program allows aspiring animal caregivers and rehabilitators an opportunity to gain bat rehabilitation ands captive care experience at the only accredited bat sanctuary on earth. The internship is a hybrid program, combining hands-on experience with classroom-style instruction, along with coursework to be completed. The internship is a 4 week long course, and applicants must be able to commit to all 4 weeks. The work week is 5 days, with both daytime and nighttime shifts required. Available internship months are posted on the online application with specific dates discussed via telephone interview. Internships are unpaid. Complete accommodations are available on site in the Learning Center.

2026 Application: CLOSED

When you’ll hear from us:  March, 2026 (APPLICATIONS IN REVIEW)

Duties & Responsibilities

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  • Learning all captive care standards and basic bat rehabilitation protocols for insectivorous bats. During summer months the care and feeding of orphaned insectivorous bat pups will be included. Emergency procedures may occur at any time of the year.   
  • Assisting staff members and volunteers with animal care in our fruit bat enclosure. This will include a wide variety of tasks, centered around enclosure maintenance. Interns will learn about cleaning protocols, care standards, enrichment activities, and hands-on care for elderly fruit bats.
  • Learning food prep in our kitchen, where duties may include; washing dishes, chopping fruit, assembling food dishes, and general cleaning.
  • Joining a staff member for night shifts during your externship is required. The night shift typically takes 1 to 3 hours to complete, and the start time for this shift may range from 5 pm – 7 pm and end as late as midnight, depending on the time of year. During this shift, you will assist staff members with hand-feeding native bats.  Supplying the fruit bats with fresh lettuce, handing out melon treats, and conducting visual checkups are also part of nightly duties. 
  • Interns may accompany staff members on bat rescue calls.
  • Completing assigned  work and activities, including questionnaires, homework, and case studies. 

Qualifications:

  • 18 years or older with a valid drivers license.  
  • Must own or have the ability to legally rent a vehicle. 
  • Proof of rabies pre-exposure vaccination is required. The vaccine must have been administered within a year of your internship date, or a sufficient titer must be provided. 
  • A desire and passion for bettering the lives of bats by pursuing a career or volunteer position in bat rehabilitation. 
  • An understanding that we are, first and foremost, a sanctuary and a bat rehabilitation center. The needs of caregivers come second to the needs of the bats in our care. 
  • Being capable of standing, stooping, and being on your feet for long periods of time.
  • The ability to take direction, a true willingness to learn, and a sincere love for bats.
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work as a part of a team. Preference is given to those who have completed a Bat World Bat Rehabilitation workshop, either virtual or in-person. 

Location & Accommodations:

  • Bat World Sanctuary is located at 299 High Point Rd, Weatherford Texas 76088.
  • The nearest airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
  • There is no public transportation system in our area; therefore, having your own transportation is mandatory.  
  • Accommodations are provided within the intern quarters at the Bat World Learning Center, however, you are welcome to stay off-site if preferred.

How To Apply:

  • Send your resume (with cover letter) and three professional references to [email protected]
  • Once received, we will review your application and be in touch via email starting in March of 2026.

NOTE: Please DO NOT call the facility to inquire about the status of your application. Due to the high volume of applicants, we will not return calls inquiring about application status. After applying, you will receive a confirmation email and selected applicants will be contacted directly. If you have a question or need assistance with your application, please email [email protected]. Emails requesting a status update will not be responded to.