Jul17
The Life of a PETA Intern
Posted at 10:38 AM | Permalink
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Comments (13)
"Why?" That was the response I received each time I told someone that I was going to intern at PETA this summer. They were apprehensive that I would be thrust into a world of crazed, paint-throwing vegans, but I assured them that I'd be working for a great cause with passionate—and, yes, completely normal—individuals. So, ready to fight for animal rights, I hopped on a plane and was transported to a world of animals, exciting work, and great food. Here are a few highlights from my month-long stint as an intern:
- My very first demonstration was against UniverSoul circus, which unwisely decided to set up shop here in Norfolk, Virginia. When I arrived at the venue and saw the dejected tigers lying in their cramped cages, I realized just how important this protest would be.
- At the office, not only did I get to play with all our canine friends, I was also able to work on creative research projects, speak with enthusiastic activists, and finally have a legitimate reason to go on Facebook and MySpace!
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- I got to travel! Before I knew it, I was packing my handbag and heading out to Coney Island for a demonstration on the opening night of Ringling Bros. Circus. We set up directly in front of the entrance to the enormous blue and yellow striped tents—where countless animals suffer for "entertainment"—and proceeded to capture the attention of every circusgoer who walked past us. I was touched when one couple came up to me to learn more about the ways circuses often beat their "animal performers" and then decided to turn around and deny Ringling their business!
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- I also got to protest the grand opening of a McDonald's in Virginia Beach. Even though the owner offered us cheeseburgers and turned the sprinklers on us, it was great to see everyone's animated response to our presence—not to mention our "chicken," who danced around and hugged children.
My PETA internship was one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences an animal lover could have because, in the end, it's all about the animals. Oh, and the delicious vegan lunches that were served every day didn't hurt either!
Posted by Sarah Hamshari
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Comments
I interned there last summer, and you're right! It was a great experience! I even recognize some of the people in the pictures :)
Posted by: Effie Craven | July 17, 2009 12:26 PM
asdghjkl;
I am SO interning at PETA when I get older.
I already want to so bad, but I'm still way too yound.
):
Posted by: Celine | July 17, 2009 03:16 PM
Good for you, girl! You chose to do something useful and constructive for your summer vacation as opposed to constant partying and goofing around.
I hope your family is proud of you. I would be.
Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | July 17, 2009 05:44 PM
I'm too sensitive to be a PETA intern. Mankind's massacre of the animal kingdom is insanely malevolent and it's broken my faith in the human race. PETA is the one of the sanest organizations in this fallen, inimical world.
Posted by: Brien Comerford | July 17, 2009 07:47 PM
I interned at peta a few years ago!!! I miss peta so much!! It was such a great experience and I met such interesting and amazing people! I love the Founders House!
Posted by: farah | July 17, 2009 11:59 PM
Lucky! I live in Canada. =(
Posted by: Aneliese | July 18, 2009 02:57 PM
Aneliese, Canadians can intern at PETA too!!! I know one personally - she was there this past winter/spring.
Posted by: Michele | July 20, 2009 01:24 PM
@ Aneliese: Michele is right, we have an intern in the office right now who is from Canada. If you are interested in interning, you can get more information here: http://www.peta.org/about/interning.asp.
Posted by: Shawna Flavell | July 20, 2009 05:00 PM
@ Brien Comerford: Thanks so much for your comment. I'm sure you already know about it, but you should check out our Action Center for other ways to get involved with PETA: http://www.peta.org/actioncenter/index.asp.
Posted by: Shawna Flavell | July 20, 2009 05:01 PM
I went to join the protest of UniverSoul circus in Norfolk and when we arrived we couldn't find anyone protesting. We stayed for awhile but no one showed up. It was sad to see the tigers in the cages, they looked so bored. The circus was just a tent in a parking lot, really random!
Posted by: Emily | July 21, 2009 01:30 PM
Thank you, PETA unless my health stops me.It has trully brought into my life an awakening! Not only the cruelty,insane,irrational ways they breed but all that the animals suffer is what people eat! I can name a thousand of all bad causes that animals as well as themselves suffer a great dea, doing to them anything wrong. Each time a person eats automatically is to think,remember,acknowledge what is going into their body. When an animal is killed that same pain hes going thru or torture their put through while being breed is what go's into the bodys organisms. We have to listen to our bodys ,is our health. I myself beina a nutritionist recommend to eat the healthiest. That is why some or those who eat with out thinking,knowing could be so fatal to their immune system. Teresa M.A.
Posted by: Teresa D. Ramos | July 24, 2009 12:52 PM
Thanks for the comments. I am getting ready to leave for my 2 month internship at Peta. I will be there during September and October. I am really excited! Anything that I can do to support such a wonderful and EFFECTIVE Animal Rights/Advocacy organization! I know what you mean about people asking "Why?" My family thinks I am weird. I am slowly working on them about the issues and the importance of becoming vegan, but it takes a lot of work and time. For the animals!
Posted by: Susan Hoppler | July 24, 2009 12:54 PM
Guys I am also willing to intern at PETA, I wonder if they offer jobs after the internship or not ??
Posted by: Haider Ali | October 29, 2009 10:21 AM