Hello, My name is Carrigen Manns and I am the internship coordinator for the Animal Care department at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, located in Gulfport Mississippi. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (“IMMS”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1984 for the purposes of public education, conservation, and research on marine mammals in the wild and under human care. IMMS has been an active participant of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the premier stranding organization in the Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama region of the Gulf Coast with the capability and expertise to care for sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. IMMS serves as an important educational outlet for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating programs for conservation, education and research of marine mammals and their environment. We offer year round internships that provide hands on experience in the animal care field. The IMMS Animal Training Internship Program is designed as a way for students/individuals interested in a career in animal care and training to gain valuable experience in a real-world setting. Interns will primarily be trained in aspects of animal care, but will also participate in other activities at IMMS. Our goal is to give interns a well-rounded experience in a variety of areas while providing expert training and experience. Below I will attach the appropriate forms necessary for interested applicants to apply. We are currently accepting internship applications for our Spring 2026 term (February-April). The application deadline is March 1st. Please feel free to distribute this information as you see fit and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Sincerely, Carrigen Manns Internship Coordinator-Animal Care IMMS-Gulfport, MS