CARE Intern Program

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	Intern Program
	There are four positions available within The Center for Animal Research and Education. C.A.R.E. provides housing for all accepted applicants. To apply for this position please mail your resume and references to Attn: Heidi Berry, 245 County Road 3422, Bridgeport, TX 76426 or e-mail to heidi@bigcatcare.org Candidates must have good written/oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team–oriented environment. Must have or working on a four year degree in related field. All candidates must have the ability to lift 50 pounds and a willingness to work outdoors. Weekends and holidays are required. International applications are welcome. Interns must be able to perform regular duties in 90 to over 100 degree weather. Interns will gain practical experience working with exotic felines, and will be involved with our educational programs. Interns will be able to learn as much about exotic felines' behavior as they choose to learn within the four month session. Experiences at C.A.R.E. will include feeding, cleaning, animal health, animal management, behavioral studies, chemical immobilization, record keeping, assisting in construction and habitat modification, and related activities. Interns will also be involved with the volunteer program and formal and informal presentations. PROGRAM DATES: Spring: First week of January thru Mid May Summer: Mid May thru Mid August Fall: Mid August thru Mid December Dates can be flexible upon request INTERN HOUSING:*
	Meet the Interns


	________________________________________________________ Spring 2010
		Name: Amanda Post Hometown: New Lebanon, New York Age: 23 University: Wagner College Degree: Biology About Me: I graduated from college in 2009 with a general biology degree. The degree is definatly a solid one to have under my feet, but it was one that didn't really allow me to get super involved with animals or keep a focus on learning specifically about them. My personal experiances prior to college were heavily animal focused, and I missed it the 4 years I wasn't surrounded by it. Now every morning I wake up to roaring, and when I look out my kitchen window I see a lion and lioness. You've got to do what makes you happy because life is too short to be miserable. Being outside, working with these animals is what makes me happy. So thats what I am going to try and do. I've learned that I can't save the world, but the sense of contributing and trying to make a difference is also very important to me. It may not change anything, but it never hurts to try. Favorite Thing About CARE: Morning waters and meds really gives you a chance to say hello and get a little one on one time with each cat. Its interesting and rewarding to experiance your relationship with them change and grow as they become more comfortable and get to know you. Every cat is different and they respond to you at different rates and degrees, so every interaction is unique. CARE is also a great place to learn as much as you can about many different areas relating to these animals. There are opportunities to get involved in multiple, different aspects of animal care and science. Its a great chance to explore if you are unsure of what path you want to take, particularly right out of college, which is something I think is important but rare. Every experiance is what you make of it, and here you are really given the opportunity to make things happen for yourself.
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		Name: Sherre Sachar Hometown: Austin, TX Age: 22 University: Cornell University 2009 Degree: Bachelors of Science in Biology and Society with an emphasis in behavior About Me: I graduated from Cornell in May and have just starting to make my way in the real world. The summer before my senior year I interned at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. There I had the opportunity to assist in the care of a variety of avian and reptilian species. My intern project involved creating an enrichment program for these animals, which has instilled in me a passion for enrichment. It gives you a window into the animals’ personalities, which is thrilling. It has been a dream of mine to someday with large mammals and thus I am very excited to be at CARE where each day I learn so much about the care and management of these mammals. I have no doubt that CARE will provide me the background I need for a future career in large mammal care. Favorite thing about CARE: I love that the animals come first. They are all so happy and well taken care of it makes them so wonderful to work with. I truly feel like a caretaker not a prison guard, which makes it so much easier to love my job!

	________________________________________________________ Fall 2009
		Name: Dayna Doskocil Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Age: 25 University: San Diego State University 2007 Degree: Bachelors of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Zoology About Me: I always wanted to be a dolphin trainer when I was a kid. As I got older, I changed my mind about what I “wanted to be when I grew up.” During junior college, I volunteered at the Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield, AZ where I was lucky enough to work with hoof stock (giraffe, zebra, rhinos, gazelle, etc) and marsupials. It was my first experience as a zoo keeper and, even though it was hard work, I knew working with animals was still something I wanted to do. While attending university in San Diego, I found an animal education facility called Wild Wonders where I volunteered and later interned. Wild Wonders introduced me to the education side of zoo keeping, and I found it was something I was interested in and passionate about. I found the internship at CARE after a bad experience at a zoo. I was at a point in my life when I doubted if I should continue work in animal care and zoo keeping. I applied on a whim. Now, I can’t think of any other place I would want to be. It had renewed my interest and dedication to the animal field. Even though I’m still trying to figure out what, exactly, I want to do, I know I want to work with animals and help people discover how fascinating and important animals are. Favorite thing about CARE: I love the fact that I step outside in the morning and Cassie, a mountain lion who lives in a pen near the intern housing, cries out to say hello. I love learning about the cats and getting to know each one. I love learning about how to take care of them and give them the best life they can have. I love the people I have met who are just as dedicated and full of love for these cats as I am.
	________________________________________________________ Summer 2009

		Name: Jamie Newman Hometown: Gatesville, Texas Age: 30 University: Texas A&M Degree: Wildlife and Fishery Sciences with an emphasis on Animal Behavior and a minor in Psychology About me: My mother has always told me that when I was little, I said I wanted to work with tigers when I grew up. They have always fascinated me with their size and beauty. Ever since I was little we have always had animals around because my dad is a vet and he would always bring home animals for me to help take care of when they were sick. After I graduated from high school, I got my associates degree in veterinary nursing to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Shortly after graduation, I found Heidi and her big cat sanctuary where I volunteered until I begged long enough for Heidi to hire me. I worked at CARE for about 2 years and realized that this is what I want to do. So I went back to school to get my BA in Animal Behavior at Texas A&M University. I am wanting to open my own rehabilitation center for Texas wildlife and I hope I get lucky enough to be able to provide a good home to any large cat in need. I also have a love for Ring-tailed lemurs. What I like about CARE: I enjoy waking up and going to bed to all the cats vocalizations; the lions roaring, leopards sawing and the tiger calls. The individual greeting from each cat while I walk around the sanctuary are very amazing. The bonds that I have made with certain cats are also very rewarding. The two axis deer; Angel and Ridgley are very entertaining because they will eat almost anything.
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		Name: Katie Richter Hometown: Greenport, NY Age: 20 University: Delaware Valley College Degree: Animal Biotechnology and Conservation with a concentration in Zoo Science and a minor in Environmental Science About Me: I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals, specifically big cats. I’ve previously interned at Atlantis Marine World on Long Island and the Lehigh Valley Zoo in Pennsylvania, and volunteered at a wildlife refuge. I later found the intern program at CARE and knew it would be a good fit and give me the opportunity to finally gain experience with big cats. After graduating college, I hope to find a job at a zoo working on a conservation project and in education. Favorite Thing About CARE: I love the amount of interaction we get to have with the cats. Even though we don’t go in the enclosures we really get to know their personalities and learn about general behavior far more than I think we could anywhere else.
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		Name: Juli Lee Hometown: Streetsboro, Ohio Age: 19 University: The University of Akron Degree: Zoology About me: I have just finished my first year of college studying zoology and CARE is my very first internship. Ever since I was a kid, I told my parents that I was going to work with tigers and lions. Now that I am older I still want to work with big cats, but I have opened my mind to working with any wildlife. Before coming to CARE I worked at an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, and wildlife center. My internship at CARE is a great opportunity to broaden my experience even more and help me narrow down the field I want to work in once I have graduated. So far my internship has taught me that working with exotic animals involves a lot of time and hard work, but getting to know each cat is worth every bit of it. I believe that my time spent at CARE will benefit me greatly in future internships and help prepare me for the tough work ahead of me in the animal field. What I like about CARE: I love hearing the lions roar every night and morning outside my window and hearing the leopards’ vocalizations intertwined with them. I love being able to have the opportunity to learn each cat’s personality and little quirks. Also, being rewarded for my hard work with “chuffs” and purrs all day long.
	________________________________________________________ Spring 2009
		Name: Rachel Harris Hometown: Marquette, Michigan University: Michigan State University Degree: Zoology About Me: I graduated from Michigan State University in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, and concentration in Animal Behavior and Neurobiology. At a young age I had decided I would be a whale trainer at Sea World for my career. Since then I have broadened my perspectives a bit and now would like to work with a variety of animals in a setting geared towards conservation and rehabilitation. I have always found big cats to be very majestic and amazing creatures. When I heard about the internship at CARE, I knew it would be a great opportunity, offering just what I was looking for in order to further my experience and knowledge in the areas of animal care, research and public education. My Favorite Things about CARE: Looking out my window when I wake up in the morning and seeing four young tigers playing while a beautiful sun rises behind them. Hearing all the vocalizations of the cats, and learning each of their different personalities. Working with such a large array of people, and seeing their dedication to this organization - I could not have asked for a more rewarding experience.
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		Name: Jami Pawlowski Hometown: Schaumburg, Illinois Age: 23 University: Michigan State University Degree: Zoology About me: Ever since I was little I always assumed I would work with animals, I just didn’t know exactly what I would do. I’m still trying to figure that out, and in the process, I’ve been able to experience many different aspects of the animal field. I graduated from Michigan State University with a zoology degree in May, 2008. CARE is my third zoological internship. My first two internships were at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Palo Alto, California called Wildlife Rescue, Inc., and at the Toledo Zoo. In addition to internships, I was able to study abroad in Kenya where I learned about behavioral ecology of African mammals. I would love to go back to Africa one day. I came to CARE in order to expand my husbandry skills and to be able to form a bond with these magnificent animals. What I like about CARE: I love walking around the compound and having dozens of big cats come to greet me. I’m constantly amazed by each cat’s unique personality. My “chuff” is a work in progress, but I hope to have it down some day! This has definitely been an eye-opening experience, as I have learned how much it takes to run such a large and successful sanctuary. I’ll never forget the experience, and I’ll have plenty of gorgeous photos to remind me.
	________________________________________________________ Fall 2008
		Name: Daena R. Jordan Hometown: Vacaville, California Age: 26 University: Humboldt State University Degree: Zoology About Me: Since I was a child I've had a passion to work with mammals that has followed me to adulthood. In college I was involved with the Marine Mammal Education and Research Project (MMERP) and monitored Harbor Seal movement during low-tide using radio telemetry. Additionally, I became involved with the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC) - a rehabilitation facility for stranded pinnipeds - and would rescue and care for injured or sick seals and sea lions. During my last year of college I was hired by Sequoia Park Zoo as an Education Intern and was later hired as a permanent employee working in the barn yard. After graduating from Humboldt State University in 2006 I felt compelled to serve in my community and enlisted in the AmeriCorps for two years. During my first year of service I taught oral health education to children of low-income families and during the second I directed an after school program. I wish to continue to learn about mammalian behavior, physiology, and anatomy and it is my goal to begin a Master’s program or veterinary school for fall 2009. What I Like About CARE: I came to CARE because I was in need of a unique adventure and I am thankful every day because this experience has been exactly that. When the lions roar at sunset and I look out at the rolling countryside surrounding CARE, visions of Africa flood my mind. I have found a home in Texas that I did not know existed until now. Thank you CARE.
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		Name: Niki Rust Hometown: London, UK University: University of Cardiff, Wales Degree: Zoology About Me: I have always had a passion for animals ever since I was a small child and have therefore obtained a large amount of varied work experience in the field, ranging from cattery and kennel work to hands-on veterinary work, and from volunteering at animal charity thrift stores to raising funds for the RSPCA and RSPB. My degree in Zoology has furthered my knowledge and interest for all living things and I was able to complete a three month internship working with horses in 2006 in Oregon to add more hands-on experience to my resume. Since then, I have developed a passion for the USA and have always wanted to come back. After spending a year at a very unfulfilling office job in finance, I realised it was time for a change, so I started searching for more internships in the States. The first one I found was the placement at CARE, and with a lifelong love of cats, I knew it was the right thing for me to do. So far on this internship, I have learned about the challenging physical aspects required of maintaining a big cat sanctuary, as well as the strikingly different personalities each cat possesses. I would like to pursue a career in animal behaviour and this sanctuary gives me the perfect opportunity to analyse and understand these magnificent creatures. What I Like About CARE: To be woken up to the sounds of lions roaring and to step out of my housing to see leopards jumping around their cages and mountain lions chasing after their toys is enough to make anyone's day begin with a fantastic start. Every day here is different and with that variety brings fresh, new inspiration to help improve the lives of these beautiful cats. The atmosphere has such a relaxed but caring vibe that I can't help but to have the time of my life here. CARE is most certainly aptly named!
	________________________________________________________ Summer 2008
		Name: Amber Miller Hometown: Coldwater, Ohio University: University of Cincinnati Degree: Wildlife Biology About Me: I just recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati in June 2008 with a B.S. degree with a Concentration in Animals. My aspiration, beginning when I was very young, has always been to work with animals but more specifically Big Cats. I have always been intrigued with tigers and when I found out about the internship with CARE I knew it was perfect for me. I’ve always wanted to work in Conservation and I knew this opportunity would give me a better understanding of Big Cats so that I can apply it to conservation issues among other things. This internship has taught me a great deal about animal husbandry and animal behavior among other things. It has also put into perspective how much dedication and ultimately the amount of hard work it takes to care for these amazing animals. The things I’ve learned (and have yet to learn this summer) will definitely help me in the future in achieving the goals I have for myself. What I Like About CARE: The best part about my job is that the effort I put into it pays off at a rate ten times greater than my best efforts. The appreciation and adoration the cats show me has been worth every second of it. Every cat has different ways of showing their affection and getting to know those different aspects of each of their personalities has been very fulfilling.
	________________________________________________________ Spring 2008
		Name: Emily Merola Hometown: Hooper, Utah Age: 23 University: University of Utah Degree: Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis on Criminal Behavior About Me: Since graduating college, I’d been terminally ambivalent about which direction I should go. My degrees slated me to work with people so I tried working with inner city kids. After that experience, I realized kids weren’t exactly my forte. I then tried the nature route and was basically a lumberjack for 6 months. I didn’t like that much either. However, I’ve had one true passion all my life and that was for animals. Throughout my Americorp terms of service, I volunteered with various animal organizations such as Animal Defense League and the Austin Humane Society. I found myself happiest working with animals. Basically, with this internship, I’m starting a new chapter in the field I should have been in all along- animals. Good times- this new adventure in the life of me. What I like about CARE: I’m reminded of the Cheers theme song right now. It’s not because everyone knows my name but because they are all glad I came. Plus, nothing beats the way the cats say hello to me everyday.
	________________________________________________________ Fall 2007
		Name: Kimberly Suriano Hometown: Dix Hills, New York Age: 20 University: Delaware Valley College Major/ Degree: Animal Biotechnology and Conservation with a concentration in Zoo Science About Me: Growing up I always knew I was going to work with animals, and I dreamed of taking care of Big Cats. When I first heard of CARE I decided to go down for one of their retreats and after spending the weekend with the cats I knew I had to come back and take an internship. Favorite thing about CARE: It’s defiantly the interaction with the cats and how you get to know each one of them and all their little quirks.
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		Name: Melinda Marty Hometown: Monticello, Minnesota Age: 22 University: North Dakota State University Major/Degree: Zoology, International Studies About Me: I recently graduated with my B.S. degree, after studying for three years in North Dakota and one year in Germany. My career goal has always been to work as a zookeeper or animal caretaker, and I've been working on getting experience as much as I can! When I saw the posting for internship positions, I sent in my resume and as they say, the rest is history. After this internship is over I plan on moving back to Minnesota until I can find a full-time position in the animal caretaking field! Favorite Thing About CARE: My favorite thing about CARE is definitely the cats. I especially enjoy spraying them down on a hot day with water, watching them crouch down in the grass to stalk something, and spending time with them.
	________________________________________________________ Summer 2007
		Name: Chris Docampo Hometown: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois Age: 22 University: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Major/Degree: Integrative Biology About Me: I just graduated in December, and I am now trying to get experience working with animals, specifically Big Cats. I am so glad I found CARE, as it is really one of a kind and I don't think the person to animal interactions get much better then this! Favorite thing about CARE: We are like a big family out here, with Heidi, the volunteers and the cats, its great!
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		Name: Stephanie Maurer Hometown: Sheridan, Montana Age: 21 University: Montana State University-Bozeman Major/Degree: Organismal Biology About Me: I grew up in a small town in Montana and have known since I was a little kid that I wanted to work with animals. Late last winter I heard of this internship at the last moment and applied. When I received a call from Heidi I couldn't believe I was going to travel over 1300 miles for this experience, but I am extremely thankful that I did! I am not sure what kind of career I'll pursue but I have learned A LOT here and hope to apply these skills to a future of working with animals. Favorite thing about CARE: Obviously the residents. I love all the cats-the individual quirks of each personality and the beauty of all the animals. I enjoy watching the different behaviors of each cat, taking pictures of them, and providing for them in any way that I can.
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		Name: David Kramer Hometown: York, Pennsylvania Age: 20 University: Delaware Valley College Major/Degree: Zoo Science with a Minor in Business Management About Me: I've previously interned at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and worked with small mammals, birds of prey, small to large reptiles and amphibians, giraffes, okapi, lions and cheetahs. Then, around December I was informed of C.A.R.E. by a fellow student and looked into it and applied shortly after. A few months later, I was sitting on an airplane headed to DFW. It's a great experience to be able to compare the zoo atmosphere to that of C.A.R.E, they are the same in many ways but also very different. The main difference between the two is the amount of interaction we, the interns, get with the cats. In the zoological setting there is a sense of separation between the staff and the animals. Here at C.A.R.E. you are able to learn all the cats' personalities a bond will develop between you and each one of the cats. With my experience from C.A.R.E. and other facilities, I hope to move on to bigger and better things in the zoological community. Favorite thing about CARE: I love that fact that every morning I wake up and walk twenty-five feet out the front door to a pair of lions. 's an experience you're hard pressed to find.