Company: Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 369
Location: Kendalia, TX
Application Deadline: Available Year-round
Position: Full-time, Unpaid
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Description
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife, and to provide sanctuary, individualized care, and a voice for other animals in need.
WRR was founded in 1977 in San Antonio, Texas. Since Spring 2004, WRR has been located at a new 187-acre facility near Kendalia, Texas. WRR serves the cities of San Antonio, Austin, and all surrounding counties, as well as the entire state of Texas. WRR also provides assistance on a national basis to wild animals in need of rescue.
WRR provides a permanent home for a variety of mammals (e.g., wolves, bears, big cats, and primates) and non-indigenous birds and reptiles. Each year over 5,000 animals are brought to WRR, mostly from surrounding areas, but many from around the country; the majority of these were rehabilitated and released or given permanent sanctuary.
WRR maintains a 24-hour Emergency Hotline and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is supported by a membership of over 11,000 individuals and is assisted by 150 Volunteers. The organization has a Staff of 20 and anywhere from 8 to 15 Animal Care Interns who come from the U.S. and abroad to work at the Sanctuary and gain experience and training in wildlife rehabilitation and animal care.
In addition, WRR provides advice and assistance in dealing with human-wildlife encounters in a non-lethal manner. Whether through training, education, advocacy, or direct animal care, WRR fulfills its commitment to wildlife protection and ethical, sustainable relations between humans and the natural world.
Because of our commitment to respect for the rights and needs of wildlife, the main WRR facilities and grounds are not open to the public.
Responsibilities
The animal care internship consists mainly of animal husbandry responsibilities, but also incorporates administrative duties such as record keeping, admittance procedures, and answering the Rescue Hotline. Interns have the opportunity to work hands-on with a variety of Texas-native animals such as raccoons, opossums, cacomistles, raptors, songbirds, tortoises, etc. By working to help bottle-feed orphaned animals, administer medications, rehabilitate and release injured wildlife, and provide proper housing and diet, interns learn a variety of vital animal-caretaking skills. Upon successful completion of the training, interns will be proficient in many rehabilitation techniques and basic medical care. During the course of their duties, interns also learn much about non-profit operations. Interns will quickly learn that animal caretaking is difficult work, and will soon commit themselves to 10-12 hours of rewarding work a day. Interns often say that working at Wildlife Rescue is both the most challenging and most rewarding position they have ever had!
On-site housing is provided along with a $100 monthly stipend. Applications are accepted year round. New training classes are scheduled every few months throughout the year. Potential interns wishing to apply for 6 mos. or longer will receive preference in the application process.
Requirements
This position does require outdoor physical labor in extreme heat and cold as well as the ability to lift 50 lbs and drive a standard transmission vehicle.
