http://www.aark.org/

Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center

Wildlife Care Intern

April - August 2020 • Chalfont, PA

What I liked

I loved being hands-on with all the animals each day. The experience was wonderful and I was able to learn how to care for many different species of wildlife animals.

What I wish was different

Advice

This is a great experience for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience with animals. I was able to work with a variety of wild animals such as birds, squirrels, owls, fawns, opossums, and rabbits. This experience is like no other and you will gain valuable experience helping to care for animals.
1 One person found this helpful

Wildlife Rehabilitation Volunteer

April 2016 • Chalfont, PA

What I liked

Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center is an amazing organization in which the owner and all the workers dedicate their free time to help save and rehabilitate hurt wildlife animals that are injured by anthropological forces. My duties as an volunteer include but are not limited to feeding and handling wildlife animals, along with cleaning and sanitizing the animal enclosures, helping with animal intake, medical care, and educational assistance.. This experience is the perfect way that I can gain information about proper wildlife handling and nutrition along with having a once in a life time hands on experience with wildlife animals native to Pennsylvania. Not only do I get to work with animals that many individuals may not have a chance to handle, but I get to help guide them along their way to wellness. Many animals come in the clinic as abandoned babies, so my job is to help them grow and eventually release them back into their natural environment. I loved helping out my fellow volunteers, as the clinic gets overwhelming and packed with babies and injured animals. I also have a chance to educate the public about wildlife handling, care, information regarding difference specie behaviors, diseases, and rabies.

What I wish was different

I wish the clinic had more funding to expand.

Advice

Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I've always loved animals since I was little, and I was afraid that I would become attached to the animals whom had come under my care. However through this volunteer work, it is so rewarding to watch the animals leave your care happy and healthy. Even with those who were not so lucky, I was able to end their suffering in a calm and peaceful manner so they would no longer be in pain.
1 One person found this helpful