A few people have asked me about specifics of the internship, and what I will be doing for the next three months. Here is a detailed description, copied from the BCR website (http://bigcatrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/intern/).

Program Overview

Big Cat Rescue is home to more than 100 big cats and is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. During the course of the internship, the intern will gain valuable knowledge and working experience with small cats including; Siberian lynx, Canada lynx, bobcat, serval, caracal, ocelot, jungle cat, leopard cat, geoffroy cat, hybrids and other small animals.  While Big Cat Rescue is home to lions, tigers, leopards, cougars and sand cats, these animals are not cared for by Level 1 Interns, although there are opportunities to observe these cats. The intern program consists of up to 15 interns.

Animal Husbandry Internships are 12-week terms and are full-time non-paid positions.  Interns work a 5-6 day workweek of 50+ hours.  Interns are required to work weekends and holidays, as these are the busiest times at the sanctuary. 1-2 days off per week are assigned by the Operations Manager and are based on the needs of the sanctuary.

There are three levels of internship available within the animal husbandry department. Level 1 internships are available to a broad range of applicants and designed to provide a base line of learning.  This level is introductory and is geared towards individuals with little to no exotic animal experience.  All interns begin the program as Level 1.  Level 2 and Level 3 internships offer an extended experience continuing Level 1 training for an additional 12-week terms and include additional training in the care of cougars (Level 2) and Lions, Tigers and Leopards (Level 3).  A small stipend is available for Level 2 and Level 3 interns to help defray the cost of living.  Acceptance into the Level 2 and Level 3 program is contingent upon the unanimous agreement of the Selection Committee.  No more than 30 days may pass in between internships.

Level 1 Internship Training

Level 1 Intern training classes include the following are offered within the first four weeks of the internship:

• Tour Back Up, Gate Operation, and Guest Relations: Teaches the safety procedures and guidelines for assisting with guided tours of the sanctuary, proper operation of the gates, and guest sign in procedures. Offered 1st week.
• Human First Aid: Protocol and techniques for minor wounds and health conditions.
• Animal Emergency: Standard operating procedures for an injured animal or animal escape.
• Animal Observation: Identify and document signs of an ailing animal.
• Small Cat Cleaning: Protocol and techniques for cleaning the small cat and other small animal enclosures.
• Events: Represent and promote Big Cat Rescue and its mission offsite.
• Kids Tour Guide: Guidelines for leading kids tours of the sanctuary to educate families about the big cats.  Information is given at a child’s level of understanding.
• Tour Guide: Guidelines for leading day tours of the sanctuary to spread the mission of the sanctuary and to educate the public about the cats both in captivity and in the wild.

Level I Intern training classes include the following are offered after successful completion of four weeks within the internship program:

• Enrichment: Create and hand out enrichment items to the small cats and other small animals.
• Operant Training: Reward desired behaviors of the small cats and other small animals using clicker training.
• Small Cat Feeding: Protocol and techniques for feeding the small cats.

 

Level I Internship Duties

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; enclosure cleaning, diet preparation, feeding, enrichment, and operant conditioning for the following species: Siberian lynx, bobcat, serval, caracal, ocelot, jungle cat, leopard cat, geoffroy cat, hybrids and other small animals. Live prey and domestic cat care. Grounds maintenance including; enclosure renovations, landscaping, general clean up, building and vehicle maintenance. Administrative duties including; assisting with and guiding tours, gift shop tasks, summer camp, and data entry. Training new interns and volunteers.