Online scholarships

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge’s mission is to provide lifetime refuge for abused and neglected “Big Cats” with emphasis on tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars allowing these magnificent animals to enjoy life without fear, abuse, abandonment, or neglect; giving them the freedom to be wild. Through education, advocacy, and quality care, we are making strides in changing the mindset of a nation.

6 Month Internship Information

Spring: February 1 – August 27 (Deadline for application November 1)

Fall: August 15 – February 12 (Deadline for application April 1)

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