Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is striving to see the end of exotic animal exploitation and private ownership of big cats and bears within our lifetime. These magnificent animals deserve to enjoy life without fear, abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Through education, advocacy, and quality care, we are making strides in changing a nation’s mindset. TCWR is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, rescuing animals from dire situations, offering them a forever home, and providing the best animal care possible in captivity. We have created a place that these animals can finally get the attention and freedom that they deserve. With your help, we will expand our public educational outreach, education programming, advocacy work, and continue to rescue animals.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we rescue animals in need and provide them with lifetime care through our donors’ generosity. We are a strict hands-off facility, with absolutely no contact with our animal residents. As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, breed, sell, or trade, the animals in our care. Safety is our priority; we have strict safety guidelines that every team member must obey.
Job Description
Work in an Accredited Animal Sanctuary– responsible for the daily care of tigers, lions, cougars, black bears, brown bears, leopards, servals, bobcats, hybrids, and a jaguar. Duties include animal husbandry, enrichment, and record-keeping of animal behavior.
Prepare and Maintain Animal Housing– maintaining animal and customer safety through daily exhibit checks. Includes routine landscaping, cleaning habitats of underbrush, and providing animal enrichment.
Prepare Diets and Monitor Feeding– Prepare diets with consideration to specific animal needs, and monitor every animal’s food intake. Keep close records of every animal’s diet and physical health. Control food quality and hygiene standards of produce and meat.
Monitor and Maintain Animal Health– maintain daily records of animal behavior and health, identifying abnormal behavior and sign of illness. Administer daily medications. Prepare and keep quarantine areas for recent rescues.
Restrain and Assist in Moving Animals– assist animal care staff in relocating animals to more appropriate habitats. Follow all safety procedures in loading, unloading, and during the transport of animals.
Identify Behavioral Needs and Improve Husbandry– provide approved animal enrichment, including environmental and scent enrichment.
Maintain Exhibits and Assist Design- aid in designing and constructing ½-1-acre animal habitats. Maintain exhibits daily and detect/control pets.
Conduct Educational Information to Visitors– responsible for greeting customers and giving guided tours throughout the facility. Educate the public about each resident species and the direction of the facility’s future.
Requirements:
- At least a Bachelor’s Degree in an animal-related field (Zoology, Biology, Animal Psychology, Veterinary Sciences, and other animal-related areas)
- Two professional references
- The ability to lift fifty pounds
- The ability to live on-site for six months
- Standing for extended periods
Compensation:
$100 weekly food stipend and on-site housing (utilities, internet, washer & dryer, A/C & heat, and TV provided)