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WILDCAT CREEK WILDLIFE CENTER
INTERNSHIPS - Gain Valuable
Experience!
Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center is the
largest wildlife rehabilitation center in Indiana.
We rehabilitate all species of native
Indiana wildlife as well as all migratory species on a beautiful,
rural 80 acre site. We have planted 4000 trees, changed 23 acres
from tillable to native habitat borders, and restored a two acre
wetlands. Be sure to take advantage of wildlife watching and the
paddle boat on the wetlands in your time off!
Annually we admit 1300 – 1700 wildlife
patients. During the internship period we are admitting nearly 100
new patients weekly. Internships provide intense hands on experience
in the field of wildlife rehabilitation, surgery and post operative
care, behavior and enrichment. Special focus is given to the care,
cleaning and feeding of orphan and injured nestling songbirds,
raptors and mammals. Responsibilities include interacting with
citizens and volunteer staff of the center, telephone triage, record
keeping, data entry, animal handling and restraint techniques for
exams, fluids and medications. Intern is responsible for diet
preparations for over 100 species. Cleaning is a huge part of
maintaining patient health at a wildlife center, laundry, doing
dishes, mopping floors, LOTS of cleaning.
Much of your work is physically demanding.
Must be able to lift 50lbs. Cleaning cages and outdoor enclosures
will involve wheel barrowing mulch, pea gravel, hay, pitch forking
and shoveling. Maintaining overall appearance of grounds will
include some trim mowing and weeding.
Intern must be self-motivated, show
attention to detail, punctuality, initiative and possess a strong
desire to learn. You will be working in a fast paced, high stress
environment. All applicants are subject to a background check, need
to be at least 18 years of age and have medical insurance.
Part time (20-30 hours per week) and full
time (40-60 hours per week) positions are available. No financial
stipend is available; however furnished rooms and/or cabins are
available for full time interns. Interns are responsible for
personal travel & food. Cabins/rooms are furnished with futons,
table & chairs, microwave, refrigerator and fans. Bathroom is
located in the hospital. Cabins are shared housing for 4-6 interns.
Interns may fly into Indianapolis IN or
Chicago IL. From Indianapolis there is a shuttle to Lafayette IN and
Amtrak offers a route from Chicago to Lafayette IN. Center staff
will provide transportation from Lafayette to the center in Delphi.
April through October is our intern
timeframe. Minimum 6 weeks, although 8 – 12 weeks will be given top
priority.
To apply for summer 2013 internships,
please forward a cover letter and your resume to Denise Hays (Asst.
Director) -
CLICK HERE
to email her.
For more information you may also contact
Denise Hays by phone at 765-430-1582 (cell).
To view some
photos and comments from our past internships -
CLICK HERE!
Animal Husbandry - Volunteer Your Time!
The Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center depends on the work of dedicated volunteers.
Thousands of animals will come to us for care this year. Each animal needs food and attention, and most need medical care. As an animal care volunteer at
our Center, you will participate in the care and feeding of creatures you would otherwise only observe from a distance.
With your fellow volunteers, you will celebrate the releases and mourn the losses, while gaining wonderful experience along the way. Animal handling training is provided, so if you have the time, please volunteer.
To begin volunteering:
1. Review the volunteer letter.
2. Review and print the volunteer application.
3. Complete the volunteer application, and return it to us (address provided on the application).
4. We may then contact you for an interview. You may
contact us if you have any additional questions.
Release Site - Volunteer Your Space!
Our Center also depends on citizens who care enough about Indiana's ecosystem and natural habitat to provide accessible and appropriate natural areas for our rehabilitated patients. Since suitable release sites for our rehabilitated wildlife are essential for their survival, you will help complete the rehabilitation cycle by volunteering your property.
If you are interested, please complete the application process:
1. Review the release site letter. If necessary, the
we can mail you this form.
2. Review and print the release site application.
Again, we can mail you this form if necessary. Complete the
application and return it to us (address provided on the application).
3. If your site sounds appropriate, we will then contact you
for a tour of your site (prior to any releases). You may
contact us if you have any additional questions.
Offer Your Own Experience or Expertise
Besides animal care, there are many other activities at our Center that depend on volunteers. Your special talents may be needed for:
- fundraising
- record keeping
- data entry
- grant writing
- public education
- organizing a work day with your friends or co-workers
We will help you match your interests with our needs; please complete the application process above (under "Animal Husbandry") to volunteer.
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