I started at Critter Care in September, being the youngest intern there at the time. It was very nerve wracking at first, not having any prior experiences like this before. I soon settled into a rhythm and grew to appreciate the hard work around the clock that is needed to help run the facility. I had made many life long connections from all over the world which felt like a bonus to being able to help rehabilitate the wildlife. The joy I felt working with my animals was indescribable. Being there just at the end of baby season gave me the opportunity to raise my own baby raccoons. It was hard at first but the knowledge the staff passed on helped in many ways. I was also lucky enough to have worked with a few other animals such as the educational skunks, an opossum and many baby squirrels. Through this experience I now have knowledge of the diets of these animals, learned their normal and abnormal behaviors, how to administer oral medications and overall how best to care for them so they can be released back into the wild. I learned so much and gained many valuable skills that will benefit me in my journey to finding a career.

Sincerely, 

-Meghan Knauer 

2021