Meet Kayra: A Passion for Wildlife and Conservation
Back in March, we had the chance to sit down with Kayra, one of our dedicated interns at Critter Care Wildlife Society. Originally from England, in this interview, he shared what drew him to Critter Care, what a typical day looked like at the time, and how the experience was shaping his future goals. Please note that since this conversation took place in March, some of Kayra’s responsibilities and daily tasks may have changed.
Rod: What inspired you to become an intern and work with wildlife?
Kayra: I just finished college and decided to take a gap year before starting university. I’ll be studying marine and natural history photography, and I wanted to get some hands-on experience with animals before I dive into that. I've always wanted a future that involves animals, either through conservation or wildlife media.
Rod: That makes sense. What specifically drew you to Critter Care?
Kayra: I’ve always wanted to visit Canada, so I was looking online for wildlife volunteering opportunities here. I found Critter Care through a website called Working Abroad. They helped connect me, and I was able to come here as an intern.
Rod: Very cool. What does a typical day look like for you? Who are you parenting right now?
Kayra: Right now, I’m parenting the movie stars, an opossum named Boman, and a cage of wild raccoons. My day usually starts with feeding the raccoons. I visit the wild ones first because they’re a bit more energetic. Then I move on to the movie stars, who are a lot calmer, and then I spend some time with Boman. He’s a little angel. Seeing him is honestly like therapy. I really love him.
After that, I grab some breakfast and get ready for the morning meeting. The day officially begins with food prep, cutting vegetables, and getting everything ready for the animals. Then we go through the list of tasks for the day. We try to keep up with the routines and work through whatever else comes up. In the evening, we do another round of feeding, which is similar to the morning. That wraps up the day.
Rod: What part of the work do you enjoy most, and what’s the most challenging?
Kayra: I think the best part is just getting to see and care for these animals. Where I’m from in England, we don’t have this kind of wildlife, so being around them is really special. There’s so much more diversity here, and it feels amazing to be part of helping them.
The hardest part is probably when the days get long, and everyone starts to get tired. Working so closely with a group of people can be tough at times. But the work always gets done and knowing that we’re doing it for a good cause makes it worth it.
Rod: Yeah, working with about twenty people can definitely bring some challenges.
Kayra: There’s a lot of bumping into each other.
Rod: Do you have a favourite memory or story with the animals so far?
Kayra: One that stands out is when we took the movie stars to the fawn enclosure. It was a big, open, grassy space, and as soon as we let them in, they just lit up. They were running around, climbing trees, and digging for worms. It made me so happy to see them so curious and full of life.
Rod: I’ve been in the movie star cage a couple of times. They’re so friendly. I didn’t expect that.
Kayra: They really are amazing.
Rod: What are some skills or lessons you’ve learned during your time here?
Kayra: Definitely a lot of cleaning. That’s a big part of the job. I’ve also learned a lot about animal handling, diets, and behaviour. I had no idea raccoons had such big personalities. They’re hilarious. And working with so many people has really helped me grow socially. Since we all live together, you get to know everyone in different ways. It’s been wonderful to build those relationships.
Rod: And people come from all over the world to be interns at Critter Care, right?
Kayra: Yes, it’s such a cool mix of backgrounds.
Rod: You mentioned your future studies. How do you think this internship connects with your long-term goals?
Kayra: It has definitely exceeded my expectations. Being part of a conservation project like this has helped me get a clearer picture of what I want to do in the future. I’ve loved animals since I was a kid and always wanted to help them. I used to dream of becoming a zookeeper. This experience feels like a step toward making that dream real.
Rod: What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about doing an internship like this?
Kayra: I’d say go for it. It’s one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you can have. Come with an open mind. The first week might feel awkward, but you’ll settle in. And if you come during baby season, be ready for some sleepless nights. But the babies are adorable, so it’s worth it.
Rod: It’s about to get pretty busy around here.
Kayra: I know. I’m excited.
Rod: If you could go back to the beginning and tell yourself one thing, what would it be?
Kayra: Don’t worry so much. When I first arrived, I was nervous about fitting in and whether I’d be able to care for the animals properly. But everyone here is so kind and helpful. It really feels like a big family.
Rod: That’s so good to hear. One last question. How would you describe Critter Care’s impact on wildlife rehabilitation?
Kayra: I think Critter Care does really important work, especially in this region. They’re not government funded and rely on the kindness of strangers, like it says in the office. They trust people to care for the animals, and that really shows in the way everything is run. It’s a very special place.
If you'd like to become an intern like Kayra, read more here.
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