Interning at Critter Care Wildlife Society was a life-changing experience that helped me grow as an individual. I completed an academic internship at Critter Care in the summer of 2021. After fulfilling my academic duties, I couldn’t resist extending my internship for a total of 4 months. During this time, I had the pleasure and responsibility of caring for a diversity of species including squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, fawns, a beaver, and a marmot named Daffodil. I had the honor of aiding in the safe release of otters and bears as well.

Critter Care gave me the opportunity to have hands-on experience with wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release practices. Through observation and participation, I gained knowledge and skills in animal care such as nutrition requirements, baby feeding, cage cleaning, disinfectant protocols, wound care, vaccinations, de-worming cycles, disease recognition, ethical euthanasia, administration of oral antibiotics, subcutaneous fluids, and more. As a Team Leader, I learned how to manage daily tasks within a group and strengthened my interpersonal skills.

Personally, Critter Care helped me to foster my strength of character, confidence, independence, patience, endurance and overall gave me a passion for wildlife rehabilitation. You won’t regret the time and energy you devote to these animals; most interns find themselves extending their stay as there is nothing quite as satisfying or exhilarating as wildlife rehabilitation. The supportive environment created by staff, interns, and volunteers left me feeling accomplished and more than capable to handle any situation in life.  

Vivienne Zikos 

2021