Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship

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Objective: Introduce intern to the care of sick, injured and adult or juvenile wildlife and certain non-natives.

• Learn the care and husbandry challenges of the animals in our care
• Gain hands-on wildlife experience including proper handling procedures, feeding techniques, husbandry, species-specific diets, and administration of medication
• Learn what’s involved in rehabilitating an animal in preparation for release such as flight conditioning, enrichment, waterproofing, etc
• Knowledge of the South Florida Wildlife Center (SFWC) and how the program area fits into the larger picture of animal protection
• Exposure to the operations of a wildlife center
• Knowledge of humane coexistence with wildlife
• Knowledge of rescues techniques when available

Rehab and Release Interns will be trained on the particular aspects of their role by meeting one-on-one with staff members, and will be given access to a manual of Standard Operating Procedures, Zoonotic disease fact sheets and a species-specific diet book for reference.

Daily Rehab and Release activities include:

• Clean and set up enclosures/habitats
• Prepare diets and supplemental feeding formula
• Hand feed animals using appropriate techniques
• Document all care and observations
• Handle patients for weighing, treatments and transfers
• Assist with routine care and physical exams
• Provide enrichment, conditioning, and maintenance of waterproofing
• Convey potential problems to staff both written and verbally
• Assist with general housekeeping/laundry
• Complete independent project assigned by Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator