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| 2001 - Jacinta
D'Andrea Canada, Renata Ward
Canada,
Larissa Nituch Canada,
Carla Budd, Canada; Michelle Camilleri, Canada;
Paulina Bogielska, Canada; Nicole Daugherty, USA |
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| Jacinta
- Trail, BC |
I began my time at Critter Care
Wildlife Society in April of 2001, intending to
gain some practical experience with wildlife by
doing a six week internship. My intentions, however,
quickly changed as it became evident that six
weeks would by no means be long enough and that
I would gain far more then some practical experience
by working with the society.
When I first arrived at the center there were
only a few animals and for a moment I was actually
afraid things might stay that way. Ha Ha. while
I didn't have to worry long. Once the first few
orphans of the year came in, the flood gates were
open and the babies began to pour in! I quickly
learned the different techniques for feeding and
cleaning up after the animals. I was also taught
how to give injections, administer drugs and give
a thorough examination when an animal first arrives.
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| Yet, even this list undervalues
the experience I gained at Critter Care. By raising
your own babies you are able to gain an in-depth
knowledge of the different species the center
rehabilitates and their special traits and behaviours.
You also gain a greater awareness of the effort
required for conservation of some of these species
and the frustration that often exists when trying
to advocate for the rehabbing of urban wildlife,
which as of yet are not at a great risk of extinction.
It is unfortunate that sometimes you must see
the cruelty that can exist in the ignorance of
some that feel these animals have no right to
live with people. Yet the caring and compassion
shown by the people at Critter Care vastly exceeded
any of my expectations. There are so many who
come to the center regularly volunteering far
more then just their time. They are people with
a purpose that go above and beyond, not only for
the animals but for each other and for society
as a whole.
On a different note, I had an absolute blast
with the interns that I lived and worked with
through the summer (oh yeah, six weeks turned
into all summer!) and they became dear friends
that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
It can be hard work and long hours, but it turned
out to be one of the most rewarding experiences
of my life. There is no feeling comparable to
the first time your baby raccoon looks up at
you and ever so gently touches your face with
its silky soft paws and knowing that one day
this marvelous creature will be free to run
and play in the wild, where it belongs, in large
part because of you.
Jacinta D'Andrea
Trail, B.C. |
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| Renata
- Winnipeg, Manitoba |
My experience as an intern at Critter Care Wildlife
Society began in the fall of 2001. I first learned
of Critter Care during the winter months of my
last year at the University of Winnipeg. I had
been searching for a program which would combine
my degree (in biology) with my interests in the
animal sciences (that had accumulated during my
four years of school). The internship program
at Critter Care exactly matched all that I wanted
to accomplish.
I started my time at the Critter Care towards
the end of baby season, but the last of the late
babies were still coming into the center. |
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| My first day at the center started
with syringe feeding two baby Grey squirrels (whom
I later named Arlo and Luna). Arlo and Luna eventually
made room in their incubator for a third friend,
another baby Grey squirrel. By raising these young
orphans, I was able to watch them grow into healthy
adults and see their release in early October. |
| If there is one
thing that is constant about Critter Care, it
is that things around the center are constantly
changing. The usual daily chores remain constant
(the cages need to be cleaned, and the animals
must be fed), but the methods are constantly
evolving, For through effective communication
with staff and volunteers, more effective cage
set-ups and treatment procedures are constantly
being evaluated. The management of the center
is such that everyone is willing and able to
listen and communicate in order to achieve the
highest quality of care. The staff at the center
not only go out of their way to ensure that
you (as an intern) are completely immersed in
all the aspects of the rehabilitation process,
but listen to advice and input you have with
respect and equality. One of the most exciting aspects of the rehabilitation
process occurs at the time that the animals
are released. I was lucky enough to participate
in two sets of releases during my time at the
center, During the first release (in early October)
we freed two raccoons. Eight raccoons left us
during the second release (about one week later).
Watching an animal return to its natural environment
helps to give reason and purpose to the rehabilitation
process. It’s an amazing and special experience
to be allowed to watch these animals explore
their new homes for the first time, Their apprehensions
when they first leave their kennels are quickly
replaced by curiosity and intrigue as they adapt
to their new homes in the dense forest. Any
insecurities that one might have for releasing
hand-raised animals into the environment quickly
diminishes once you observe their agility and
ease in climbing, foraging, and exploring their
new surroundings. It is an inexplicable event
that has to be experienced in order to believe,
and I feel incredibly lucky that I was able
to take pert in such an event. The only unfortunate
part of my experience at Critter Care was when
I had to leave at the end of my internship.
There is a quote by John Ruskin that states,
“When love and skill work together, expect
a masterpiece.” I think that the center
exemplifies this statement perfectly. The dedication
of the staff and the volunteers to support these
animals is truly inspirational. I feel fortunate
to have been given the opportunity to learn
and grow with these people. For anyone considering
the internship program at Critter Care Wildlife
Society be prepared to leave your experience
wiser, fulfilled, and reluctant to leave.
Renata Ward
Winnipeg Manitoba |
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| Larissa
- Montreal, Quebec |
While an internship at Critter
Care Wildlife Society promises to be an educational
and rewarding experience, it also involves hard
work. Spring and summer are the busiest seasons
at the Centre, when over four hundred animals
are admitted. An intern’s role is to help
care for these young animals, and to help keep
the centre running smoothly. The job is very intense,
fast paced, and can sometimes be repetitive, but
will also give interns the opportunity to learn
about all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation.
An intern’s day usually begins bright and
early. The first tasks of the day include hand
feeding baby animals in the nursery and administering
medications to the injured wildlife. Throughout
the day, much of your time will also be spent
cleaning outdoor cages, preparing food plates
for the animals, and performing daily maintenance,
such as cleaning, painting and construction, all
of which are essential to keep the centre running
at a steady pace. All day long you will deal with
the public, whether on the phone or when an animal
is brought in. |
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It often takes tact, and a sense
of humour, but it is also extremely rewarding
to be able to help educate the public about issues
concerning our native wildlife. Everyday is a
surprise at the centre, as you never know when
you will be called out to rescue an orphaned raccoon
from a remote ravine, or a pregnant Grey squirrel
from a chimney.
While the work is extremely hard, it is a labour
of love. I will never forget the experiences of
bottle feeding my first raccoon, seeing Anahareo,
Pippin and Grey Owl dive into their new pool for
the first time, or watching Scout grow from a
tiny frightened creature into a beautiful young
coyote, ready to be released into the wild. I
will always cherish my time spent as an intern
at Critter Care. So much that I can’t resist
coming back again next summer!
Larissa Nituch
Montreal, Quebec |
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