My Nonprofit Reviews

I was introduced to the PRC in June of 2015 when I was accepted for a spot in their summer internship program. I applied for the internship to fulfill a co-op credit that I needed for my undergrad degree in Animal Studies. However, from the start I knew that my experience at the PRC would mean much more to me than a college credit. Not only did the workers fully involve me, along with the other interns, in all of the daily routines--including feeding, cleaning, enrichment and other activities that sporadically came about--they really welcomed and encouraged me.
Of course, working with the primates was the best part of it all. With 11 chimpanzees and nearly 50 smaller apes and monkeys on the facility, it was amazing to observe how each resident differed. Having never worked in a facility with exotic animals before, I was completely fascinated. I mostly became familiar with the chimpanzees because they are housed close to where the interns work. During my time there, I observed many primate behaviors such as grooming and hooting, and I also learned about the dominance pattern within the group. Seeing these behaviors first-hand definitely sparked an interest in primates within me, and I plan to continue researching them.
My experience at the PRC benefited me in so many ways. Obviously, I got some first-hand experience with primates and learned a lot about them. I also, in turn, learned a lot about myself and what I would like to do with my career after college. When I tell people that I am an animal studies major, their first response is usually, "Really...what jobs can you get with that?" The workers at the PRC made me feel like there is hope for my degree, and reassured me that there are jobs out there for people who have an interest in animals. My internship at the PRC reassured my desire to work at a rehabilitation facility for exotic animals after I graduate. I wouldn't trade my time at the PRC for anything, and I'm so glad that such a wonderful non-profit exists so close to home.