
We all know any career field regarding animals is a tough one to crack into. You can't find a job without experience, and you can't gain experience without a job. Maybe you want to dip your toes in without fully committing to the animal world. Perhaps you even want a career change! What are you to do? How do you do it?

Well, we have the solution for you! At Tiger Creek we offer a 90-day Animal Internship. Our internships provide real-world experience at an animal rescue that houses resident exotic animals permanently, as well as rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing native wild animals. A Tiger Creek internship gives a taste of what it's like to work as an animal keeper and can help students and recent graduates determine if this is the right field for them or assist them in beginning their career. The experience also gives applicants a "foot-in-the-door" for their future in animal care facilities. Experience working in this field is what sets you apart on all future job applications, plus it looks great on your resume even if you decide not to pursue a career in animal care.

Internships generally run by seasonal terms: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Exact dates are flexible, but we require a minimum commitment of 90 days from start to finish. We are open to applicants who are at least 20 years old, including college students, college graduates, career changes at any age, and more! It's important to note, however, that our internships are a full-time commitment, and its not possible to work a part-time or full-time job while participating in the internship program at Tiger Creek.

We won't lie to you; it is hard work. Our Animal Care team works in all weather conditions; extreme heat, freezing cold, rain, sleet, and snow. 365 days a year including holidays if they fall on your schedule. But if you ask our Animal Care Team, "Is it worth it?" you will be answered with a resounding, "YES". We have a dedicated team that is passionate and willing to do whatever it takes for our residents. There is no such thing as "going through the motions" here. Every task completed is intentional with the animals' wellbeing and safety in mind.

If this sounds like a challenge you're willing to take on, apply! Visit the Tiger Creek website (tigercreek.org) and go to the Learn tab. Make sure you take the time to browse the full page and read through the FAQs; most of your questions will be answered there! When you finish researching our internship, you'll find a link to our application. Fill out the application and submit your resume by emailing internships@tigercreek.org.

Up next: The Interview. Don't panic! You will be asked about your resume, previous work history or volunteer experience, and goals for your future in this career field. Let this be a moment to let your passion shine through! You are talking to someone who is equally as passionate as you are and cannot wait to help you get started in your career! Remember, we understand that you need to gain experience to get a job, so don't let a lack of work history or volunteer experience stop you from applying; that's what we're here for.

If accepted as an intern, the real fun begins! Your first two weeks at the Sanctuary are training. You will learn the safety measures taken at the facility, how we conduct daily pick-up, and how to document anything and everything. We also teach you how to train the big cats, canines, primates, and other animals in our care! Our animals are trained for voluntary participation in their veterinary care, meaning there is less stress on them when a medical examination needs to be performed, medications administered, and their general welfare assessed. You'll participate in enrichment planning, design, and implementation - which is just as fun for us as it is for the animals! You will learn exactly how to deep clean animal spaces, toys, and other enrichment items, and everything else that is done to keep our residents happy and healthy!

Tiger Creek offers housing for interns, including fully furnished bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens, as well as bedding and towels. There are several items that you will be responsible for, including your own food, clothing (except uniform shirts), weather gear, spending money, and transportation to and from the Sanctuary. It is recommended to bring rain gear, no matter what season you will be interning. During Spring and Fall it is important to have a variety of clothing, as we never know what our weather will look like. Some days the high is almost 80 and others its closer to 45! Our Intern Coordinator will assist you with picking up groceries, medications, and any other necessities.

An internship at Tiger Creek will help you gain knowledge that will last a lifetime and will translate into a future career in the animal care world. Many of our former interns now work in zoos and sanctuaries across the United States. The memories you make with our Animal Care Team will stay with you long after your term ends, and you will leave with a heartfelt passion that comes along with working in animal rescue.
