Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation: Orphaned Wildlife Care Internship – Entry Level - 3 Month Minimum

Internship start dates in March, April, and May

Organization & Core Values Fellow Mortals was founded in 1985 on a philosophy of respect for individual life. We provide care for all species of birds and most non-predatory mammals, including non-native bird species. 2000+ animals are admitted annually. All care is provided by a permanent full-time staff of licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Our internship program provides an opportunity for college students in wildlife programs to gain experience in the field through providing care for certain species of orphaned wildlife.

Purpose of Internship The hospital admits hundreds of orphaned small mammals, songbirds, ducks and geese during the spring and summer. The internship is grounded in daily care and husbandry for cottontails, squirrels, woodchuck, mice, opossum, dozens of species of songbirds, ducks, and geese, providing an introduction to rehabilitation for species which are most likely to come into care.

Life, Death, and Euthanasia The majority of animals admitted for care to Fellow Mortals survive and are released, but injury (fractures, open wounds, head trauma), condition (emaciated, dehydrated), and age (newborn/new hatch) affect survival. Interns will work with some animals who die after receiving care or who must be euthanized if staff determine they are not able to recover. Interns do not participate in euthanasia.

Description of Facility The hospital is located in a rural area outside of Lake Geneva, WI and includes a state-of-the art hospital, species-specific care rooms, several pool habitats, indoor and outdoor caging and flights, and a critical care wing including triage, exam, x-ray, surgical facilities, and public admissions area. An associated property used for secondary care and release is located nearby.

What to Expect This entry-level opportunity is designed for those with no experience in rehablitation, but who have a deep interest in the caregiving associated with orphaned wild animals specifically, and who want to experience what it is like to work in the wildlife rehabilitation field. Before working with the animals, interns receive orientation and training, as wildlife rehabilitation requires understanding the needs of wildlife in temporary captive care and strict attention to detail. There is no mundane task involved with wildlife care, which involves preparing special diets, feeding, washing dishes, and feeding implements, cleaning of kennels, habitats, and the facility. Days start at 7:50 a.m. and end when the work is done, but usually around 10 p.m. The patients in care determine our schedule. Staff are always on site when interns are present.

Amenities Generous stipend, regular scheduled breaks, snacks, water, and coffee provided. Interns use a designated porta-potty facility as the hospital is on a mound system requiring that water use be monitored.

Housing options will be discussed with qualified applicants during the interview process.

Benefits 

• Stipend of $1,000 for first month, prorated in partial months.
• Performance-based stipend increase possible after 2 week probationary period.*
• End of Internship Performance bonus possible for exceptional performance*
• Immersive experience allowing interns to 'live' the life of a wildlife rehabiltiator.
• Proximity to popular tourist destination, Lake Geneva, WI.
• Follow an animal’s progress from admit to release.
• Participation in releases, rescues, or animal transport.
• Work alongside experienced professional wildlife rehabilitators, learning from people with decades of accumulated experience.

*criteria provided during interview

Requirements

• Latest start date is May 15.
• 3-month minimum commitment. 5 days a week, two non-consecutive days off. No other off-time during the internship.
• Current college student or recent graduate majoring in wildlife-related coursework. 
• Health insurance, current vaccinations.
• Valid driver’s license and registered, reliable vehicle.
• Physically and mentally capable of long hours of sustained activity requiring calm and focussed demeanor.
• Punctual, adaptable, reliable.
• Occasional heavy lifting (up to 50#); strength and endurance required to perform repetitive tasks without difficulty, including feeding and cleaning, which involve active use of fingers, hands, wrists, legs, knees; able to work in envrionments which have high temperature and humidity.

Errata This internship is not designed for veterinary students, those interested in lab work, or those who have previously engaged in wildlife rehabilitation activities at any level. The first two weeks of the internship is probationary. All permanent staff at Fellow Mortals’ were hired after successfully completing advanced internships at the hospital.