Who We Are
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. They leave as educated advocates and trained big cat caregivers, equipped to influence change and promote ethical treatment for big cats.
Animal Care Internship
6 Month Internship Information
Spring: February 1 – August 27 (Deadline for application November 1)
Fall: August 15 – February 12 (Deadline for application April 1)
Click for Job Description
Our Refuge, located in NW Arkansas, is seeking a full-time, 6 months Animal Care Intern. The refuge is a non-profit facility for exotic cats, bears, and other exotic animals. 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 may be considered.
- Work at an Accredited Animal Sanctuary – Responsible for the daily care of tigers, lions, cougars, black bears, a grizzly bear, a Russian brown bear, leopards, African servals, bobcats, and a hyena. Duties include animal husbandry, enrichment, record keeping of animal behavior, educational public tours, and customer service.
- Prepare and Present Information to the Public – Responsible for greeting customers and giving guided tours throughout the facility. Educate the public about each resident species and the direction of the facility’s future.
- Prepare and Maintain Animal Housing – Responsible for maintaining animal and customer safety through daily exhibit checks. This includes 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 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. Record weight loss or gain for each animal.
- 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. Administer daily medications. Prepare and maintain quarantine areas for recent rescues.
- Restrain and Assist in Moving Animals – Assist in relocating cats to more appropriate enclosures. Follow all safety procedures in loading, unloading, and during transport of animals.
- Identify Behavioral Needs and Improve Husbandry – Identify behavioral needs and provide approved enrichment for the animals which includes but may not be limited to, environmental and scent enrichment.
- Maintain Exhibits and Assist Design – Help design and construct ½ – 1-acre enclosures. Maintain exhibits daily and detect and control pests.
Requirements
- At least a Bachelors Degree in an animal related field (Zoology, Biology, Animal Psychology, Veterinary Sciences, and other animal-related areas)
- 2 Professional References
- The ability to lift 50lbs
- The ability to live on-site for 6 months
- Standing for extended periods of time
Compensation
- $100 food stipend weekly
- On-site housing (Utilities, Internet, Washer & Dryer, A/C & Heat, and TV provided)
Due Dates
- Spring Internships 6-months
- Deadline for application: November 1st
- Position Dates: February 1st – August 27th
- Fall Internship 6-months
- Deadline for application: April 1st
- Position Dates: August 15th – February 12th
Number of Spots Available – 16
To Apply: Email Resume, Cover Letter, and 2 Professional Letters of Recommendation to Animal Curator Emily McCormack at Emily@tcwr.org
To Apply: clicked and read through the Job Description, then email your Resume, Cover Letter, and 2 Professional Letters of Recommendation to Animal Curator Emily McCormack at Emily@tcwr.org
TCWR Alumni Program
Please join us today, and together we can put an end to the Exotic Pet Trade and ensure that these survivors live out the rest of their lives in the care and safety of a GFAS accredited sanctuary like Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
Sign up for your annual intern alumni membership now!
Intern Alumni Membership Cost – $65* per year.
Included in your membership:
- Free entry for Alumni for a year
- 2 Free guest passes
- TCWR Alumni Logo Sticker
- 10% gift shop discount
- 1 Free Gift that changes each year (2021 – Tshirt) – Gifts are only ordered 2x a year to maximize your donation. Orders go out Feb 28 and August 31 each year. To get your gift quickly please sign up before those dates, if you wait until after that date your gift won’t arrive until the next order date!