Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: Internship Opportunities for Aspiring Animal Professionals
For individuals passionate about animal welfare and seeking hands-on experience in the zoological field, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) offers comprehensive internship programs. Located in Northwest Arkansas, TCWR is a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and providing lifelong care for abused, abandoned, and unwanted big cats, bears, and other exotic animals. The refuge's internship program provides invaluable opportunities for aspiring animal professionals to contribute directly to the well-being of these animals while gaining practical skills and knowledge.
Internship Overview
TCWR internships are designed to provide meaningful and practical work experience related to an individual’s field of study or career interest. These internships are essential in spreading Turpentine Creek Wildlife Foundation’s (TCWR) mission and are a necessity to carry out the mission daily. TCWR offers one of the most reputable and inclusive internship opportunities for individuals in the animal field. The program attracts candidates from across the United States and even internationally. Many who leave TCWR after completing their internship continue to pursue their career in the zoological sciences or veterinarian care.
Internships at TCWR last for six months, with two sessions offered each year:
- Spring Internship: February 1 - August 27 (Application deadline: November 1)
- Fall Internship: August 15 - February 12 (Application deadline: April 1)
Interns receive a weekly stipend of \$100, which may increase every six months if they are approved for another internship session. The maximum duration for an internship is two years, subject to approval for each six-month session. TCWR also provides housing with utilities, laundry, internet, a/c and heat, and TV service to interns.
Types of Internships
TCWR offers two primary types of internships: Animal Care and Education.
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Animal Care Internship
The Animal Care Internship focuses on the daily husbandry and welfare of the animals residing at the refuge. Up to 16 animal care interns can be accommodated at the facility.
Responsibilities:
- Animal Husbandry: Providing daily care for tigers, lions, cougars, black bears, a grizzly bear, a Russian brown bear, leopards, African servals, bobcats, a jaguar, hybrids, and a hyena. This includes feeding, cleaning, and maintaining the animals' habitats and night-houses.
- Feeding: Preparing meals, weighing out protein, and distributing food to the animals. Maintaining food quality and hygiene standards of produce and meat. Preparing food with consideration to specific dietary needs and monitor every animal’s intake. Feed all animals and observe quantities of waste for future diet recommendations.
- Cleaning: Picking up after the animals in their grassy habitats and night-houses. Responsible for maintaining animal and customer safety through daily exhibit checks.
- Enrichment: Providing stimulating activities and environments to enhance the animals' psychological well-being.
- Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of animal behavior, including defecation and appetite, to identify any abnormal behavior and signs of illness.
- Public Education: Assisting the education team with tours, educating the public about the animals and TCWR's mission. Responsible for greeting customers and giving guided tours throughout the facility. Prepare and Present Information to the Public.
- Animal Health: Administering daily medications and assisting animal care staff with medical procedures and transporting animals between enclosures, always adhering to strict safety protocols. Monitor and Maintain Animal Health.
Skills and Requirements:
- Applicants must be self-motivated, with a high desire to provide the best care available to animals.
- Observant and able to keep detailed records.
- The ability to work in a team environment or independently is important.
- The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is available to students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in an animal-related field (zoology, biology, animal psychology, veterinary sciences, and other animal-related areas.)
- Must have two professional references.
- The ability to lift 50lbs.
Education Internship
The Education Internship focuses on developing and delivering educational programs to the public and school groups, raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the negative impacts of the exotic pet trade. Currently, TCWR is seeking one position for this internship.
Responsibilities:
- Public Education: Presenting educational programs and guided tours to the general public and special groups. Responsible for presenting programs each day to the general public and special group tours along with giving guided tours.
- Program Development: Researching, developing, and planning educational programs to present to the general public at TCWR, following the National Association for Interpretation guidelines.
- School Programs: Assisting with school field trips and developing educational materials for students. Interns get to help with school field trips that visit our facility.
- Offsite Events: Assisting with offsite visits, showcasing replica skulls and fur to educate the public about TCWR's animals. At times, they are also able to help out with offsite visits, where we can take replica skulls and fur to show off some of the animals that call TCWR home.
- Special Programming: The education department at the refuge is in charge of organizing programs for special animal holidays such as World Wildlife Day, Animal Rights Day, Tiger Day, etc.
Skills and Requirements:
- Applicants must be self-motivated, with a high desire to spread awareness about all the species that call the refuge home and help educate the public on the negative impacts of the exotic pet trade.
- The ability to work in a team environment or independently is important.
- A degree in Education, Zoology, Biology, Conservation, or a related field is preferred.
- If you are looking for a full-time internship where you can be the voice for animals and spread awareness for their protection, you have come to the right place.
Common Responsibilities
Regardless of the specific internship track, all interns at TCWR may be involved in the following:
- Preparing and Maintaining Animal Housing: Ensuring animal and customer safety through daily exhibit checks. Help design and construct ½ - 1-acre enclosures.
- Restraining and Assisting in Moving Animals: Assisting in relocating cats to more appropriate enclosures.
- Maintaining Exhibits and Assisting with Design: Helping to design and construct enclosures.
The TCWR Mission and Internship Impact
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is committed to rescuing big cats in the United States from abuse, neglect, or abandonment situations. But our mission does not stop there. We believe in providing a lifelong home and sanctuary for all rescued animals. This includes providing state-of-the-art veterinary care and optimal animal welfare. Many animals rescued from these situations have lost their trust in people through their traumatization. Central to this mission is its impactful internship program, which offers young professionals invaluable hands-on experience in animal care and sanctuary operations. Interns contribute directly to the animals’ well-being while gaining insight into the broader issues of wildlife captivity.
Benefits of a TCWR Internship
An internship at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge offers numerous benefits for aspiring animal professionals:
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- Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience in animal care, husbandry, and education.
- Professional Development: Develop valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals in the zoological field.
- Contribution to Conservation: Make a meaningful contribution to the welfare of rescued animals and the fight against the exotic pet trade.
- Personal Growth: Develop a deeper understanding of animal behavior, conservation issues, and the importance of responsible animal care.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work at TCWR is often physically demanding. Applicants must be prepared to work outdoors in various weather conditions and be able to lift 50lbs. Safety is paramount when working with carnivores, and TCWR has numerous safety precautions in place.
How to Apply
To apply for an internship at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, interested individuals should submit the following:
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- A cover letter outlining their interest in the internship and relevant experience
- Two professional references
Applicants must have a high desire to provide the best care available to animals to be considered for this position.
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