Wildlife Care Internship at the Release Site

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LOCATION OF INTERNSHIP
The Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) - Release Site Nazareth, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica.

THE TOUCAN RESCUE RANCH (TRR)
The Toucan Rescue Ranch’s (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica
wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to
ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife.

TRR’s emphasis is on the care, rehabilitation, and release of national wildlife. We receive and
care for confiscated, sick, and injured animals from government agencies. The Toucan Rescue
Ranch works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE) who
brings injured and displaced wildlife to the center. TRR provides sanctuary while giving
treatment and rehabilitation. Whenever possible the animal is released to their natural
environment.

The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licenses Costa Rica wildlife rescue facility, Costa Rica foundation
(300667701803) and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 80-0516453).

Our Release Site is located in Sarapiqui, about 1 ½ hours from TRR Headquarters. We are
implementing both mammal and bird release programs and need dedicated individuals to care
for the animals in their final stages of release.

PRIMARY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Wildlife Care Intern will have an opportunity to participate in the following activities:
1. Animal Husbandry

2.Feed and monitor animals at the Release Site

3. Clean enclosures and general maintenance

4. Provide enrichment for animals on site

5. Triage animals received at the Release Site. Triage will determine if the animal can be treated at the Release Site, needs to be sent to the TRR Headquarters for clinic care, or is an emergency requiring immediate direction from Leslie or Janet, our Vet.

6. Assist in exams and treatment

We are always open to suggestions. Let us know if you have a special skill you think will be
useful.

Administrative Work

● Manage cleanliness and ordering of animal care supplies
● Evaluate and perfect quality of rehab animals’ diets
● Complete thorough record keeping, and detail observations as needed
Wildlife Care Intern Focuses
● Initiate approved care plans related to treatments, procedures, medications and continuing care
requirements for rescues received at the Release Site
● Identify and communicate abnormal animal conditions by alerting supervisory personnel
● Monitor delivery of care of rescues received at the Release Site by completing patient rounds,
documenting care, identifying progress toward desired care outcomes
● Review the care plan with wildlife in conjunction with the direct care providers
● Preparing food/collecting wild food items for animals
● Assist in scanning and opportunistic capture of sloths in pre-release

Other Activities

● Backup to other Release Site interns
● Assist in the mapping and identification of the plants and trees on the release siteAssist in the
monitoring of wild animals and identification of what they eat
● General facility maintenance (yard work, cleaning) We are always open to suggestions. Let us know if you have a special skill you think will be useful.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

General Requirements:
● Must be 18 years of age or older
● Provide proof of emergency health insurance while in Costa Rica
● Provide proof of current tetanus and rabies vaccinations
● The ability to follow directions with attention to detail
● A positive "can-do" attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment

Specific Requirements:

● Fluent in English. Basic or intermediate Spanish.
● Coursework in veterinary studies, zoology, Animal Welfare, Animal Husbandry Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology
● Have excellent communication skills.
● Have a strong interest in animal welfare and conservation.
● Moderate degree of fitness
● First Aid course is highly recommended
● Preferred experience in a veterinary setting
Other Valuable Skills:
● Experience traveling to a tropical country, living in remote conditions are preferred.
● Experience working with wildlife is a plus
● Experience handling animals

WORK SCHEDULE
The Intern works 5 days a week with two days off a week. Days off are not necessarily on the weekend. You will learn about your schedule and days off during your orientation at the Toucan Rescue Ranch.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BENEFITS AND COSTS

We have tried to keep our internships free to make them available to the widest range of people. But as costs keep increasing and income from tourism varies, we must implement fees in order to maintain our operations. The fee is about $20 a day and covers room and board costs as well as the education you will receive. We continue to improve and expand our facilities and staff providing you with an excellent learning environment.
Your fee contributes to the medical care, food, and general husbandry of the animals in our care.
Cost $2400, about $20 per day
Housing Provided by TRR. Includes utilities and Wifi.
Meals Meals are provided 7-days a week. We will show you the local stores where you can buy additional food to supplement your meals. Please let us know if you are vegetarian, vegan, or have special dietary requirements.
Other All other costs are to be paid for by the intern. This includes travel and immigration expenses, medical
insurance, and entertainment expenses.

I’D LIKE TO APPLY
If you would like to be a part of the TRR team, please go to http://toucanrescueranch.org/internships/ , scroll down and click the APPLY HERE button.
You will be asked for:
● One-page cover letter of interest - specify which internship you are interested and the start date
● CV or resume
● Contact information for three professional references
We will promptly contact you to schedule a Skype interview after reviewing your application. If you have any questions, we are always available via email to answer any questions

CONTACT
Toucan Rescue Ranch
www.toucanrescueranch.org
applications@toucanrescueranch.org