Internship for Animal Care

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a GFAS accredited facility dedicated to rescuing abused, abandoned and unwanted big cats. The refuge, located in NW Arkansas, is seeking a full-time, 6-months intern. The refuge is a non-profit facility of over 90 rescued exotic cats. Work is often physically demanding. Applicants must be self-motivated, with high desire to provide the best care available to animals. Applicants must also be observant and able to keep detailed records. The ability to work in a team environment or independently is important. A degree in Zoology, Biology or related field is preferred, but experience with exotic animal husbandry is considered.

15 positions are opened each internship. Internships run every six (6) months.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the daily care of Tigers, Lions, Cougars, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Leopards, African Servals, Bobcats, Jaguar & Hyena. Duties include animal husbandry, enrichment, record keeping of animal behavior, & behavioral management training.

Responsible to participate with educational guided tours throughout the facility. Educate the public about each resident species and the big cat crisis in the U.S.

Prepare and Maintain Animal Housing - Responsible for maintaining animal safety through daily exhibit checks and animal shifting. Including routine landscaping, clearing habitats of underbrush, and providing animal enrichment.

Prepare Diets and Monitor Feeding - Maintain food quality and hygiene standards of produce and meat. Prepare diets with prescribed supplements, and monitor every animal's intake. Feed all animals and observe quantities of waste for diet recommendations and inventory.

Monitor and Maintain Animal Health - Maintain daily records of animal defecation and any loss of appetite to identify any abnormal behavior and signs of illness.

Assist with Preparation for Rescues

Requirements

A degree in Zoology, Biology or related field is preferred, but experience with exotic animal husbandry may be considered. Eighteen (18) positions are opened each internship (spring and fall)

Compensation

$100 Weekly stipend

On-site housing provided

Amenities: Heat, A/C, utilities paid, full bath, kitchen, washer & dryer, satellite TV, Internet service.

How to apply

Spring Position begins: February 1, 2025

Deadline for application: November 1, 2024

To Apply:

Email cover letter, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation to:

email: emily@turpentinecreek.org

Emily McCormack

Animal Curator