I arrived at Critter Care in May and stayed for two months. I started out caring for squirrels and rabbits. Then, on my fifth day there, I became mom to three adorable baby raccoons – Macy, Zoe, and Logan. They became the main focus of my time, although I still helped to care for some of the skunks, squirrels, and rabbits that came in. My raccoons soon joined a group of four under the care of Vivien, another intern, and we cared for the seven together until she had to leave early due to an injury (darn those dirt piles with their devious schemes!), after which her four passed into my care as well. Raising my baby raccoons was an unforgettable and incredibly fun experience. It’s amazing how much you get attached to your babies, seeing them grow and discover new things.

 

All the other interns were awesome people to work and chill with; days at Critter Care always included some fun time. In addition, on my days off I was able to get out and enjoy my time in Canada. This included going into town to wander around and see movies, heading into Vancouver to go to the aquarium and Stanley Park, walking around Campbell Valley Regional Park, and going to Whistler to go bungee jumping (HIGHLY recommended).

 

Most times at Critter Care were great, but to be fair, I must also mention the not-so-good times. There were many other jobs to be done besides the fun work of caring for babies – laundry, dishes, sorting through produce deliveries, painting enclosures and sheds, moving dirt, etc. It was also easy to get frustrated with other people as we were living and working together constantly. In addition, I had to leave before my raccoons were fully weaned, and although I know I left them in the best of care, it was heart-breaking leaving them before they were fully ready (definitely arrange to stay until your babies are weaned!). The hardest thing, however, was when Wendy, one of Viv’s raccoons that I cared for after she left, had to be put down. Her nervous system wasn’t quite right; they suspect she got distemper in vitro, and after a while it became obvious that she would never be able to survive in the wild. It had to be done, but it was so very hard to let the life of an animal who had come to trust me wholeheartedly as a second mom end.

 

Overall, I loved my time at Critter Care and had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it.