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Kimberly
Student
Akron, Ohio
1
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How to volunteer with wildlife ?
How to volunteer with wildlife?
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2665
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kimberly !
The way that people end up working with wildlife is that they go to college and obtain their Bachelors and Masters Degree in Zoology or Animal Science. It's not work that you can just jump into. You'll need an extensive experience with classroom work, Lab work, field work and projects and practicums in college before you will know how to be around bob cats, lions, tigers, snakes and the rest of the wild kingdom.
If you'd want to do some first-time volunteer work around animals, inquire at your local ASPCA or animal Shelter. Even then, if you have no experience, you may not be assigned to work hands on with the animals, but you can do whatever is needed around the shelter. Sometimes there are owls or snakes at shelters, so you can get a first introduction, but unless you 100% know animal science, it may be dangerous for the inexperienced to handle wildlife.
If you are of working age, I recommend applying for work at your local Pet Co or one of the other Pet Specialty venues. Not too many "wild" animals there, but at least you could get experience at a job and that would be great before college. Also consider volunteering at one of the many Dog Training venues in your city. I know dogs aren't wild, but you have to start somewhere. Call these businesses and ask if you can volunteer: Second Chance Canine, AlphA and Omega Dog Training, Papp's Dog Services, Dog Gone Smart Dog Training, The Dog Wizard, Dog Academy, All Breed Training Club of Akron, All Dogs Go To Kevin, Professional Dog Training, Behavioral Modification & Obedience and Jackie the Dog Trainer.
So, in order to safely and accurately work with wild animals such as elephants, lions, badgers, foxes, birds, reptiles, etc. you'd have to have some background, experience and the intuition it takes to handle them. Start out slow with this and once you are in college as a Zoology or Animal Science Major, lots of opportunities will begin to make their way to you ! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The way that people end up working with wildlife is that they go to college and obtain their Bachelors and Masters Degree in Zoology or Animal Science. It's not work that you can just jump into. You'll need an extensive experience with classroom work, Lab work, field work and projects and practicums in college before you will know how to be around bob cats, lions, tigers, snakes and the rest of the wild kingdom.
If you'd want to do some first-time volunteer work around animals, inquire at your local ASPCA or animal Shelter. Even then, if you have no experience, you may not be assigned to work hands on with the animals, but you can do whatever is needed around the shelter. Sometimes there are owls or snakes at shelters, so you can get a first introduction, but unless you 100% know animal science, it may be dangerous for the inexperienced to handle wildlife.
If you are of working age, I recommend applying for work at your local Pet Co or one of the other Pet Specialty venues. Not too many "wild" animals there, but at least you could get experience at a job and that would be great before college. Also consider volunteering at one of the many Dog Training venues in your city. I know dogs aren't wild, but you have to start somewhere. Call these businesses and ask if you can volunteer: Second Chance Canine, AlphA and Omega Dog Training, Papp's Dog Services, Dog Gone Smart Dog Training, The Dog Wizard, Dog Academy, All Breed Training Club of Akron, All Dogs Go To Kevin, Professional Dog Training, Behavioral Modification & Obedience and Jackie the Dog Trainer.
So, in order to safely and accurately work with wild animals such as elephants, lions, badgers, foxes, birds, reptiles, etc. you'd have to have some background, experience and the intuition it takes to handle them. Start out slow with this and once you are in college as a Zoology or Animal Science Major, lots of opportunities will begin to make their way to you ! I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
735
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kimberly,
I would recommend to look for wildlife rehabilitation centers and organizations.
Your best bet in Akron is probably Operation Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation:
https://www.operationorphanwildlife.com/
Some other contacts in rehabilitation -
Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association:
https://www.owra.org/
Ohio Wildlife Center:
https://ohiowildlifecenter.org/
Greater Akron Audubon Society:
https://www.akronaudubon.org/injuredorphan-animals.html
The zoo has a program for young professionals. Maybe there is a teen/youth program as well. Or maybe you can help start one.
https://www.akronzoo.org/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I would recommend to look for wildlife rehabilitation centers and organizations.
Your best bet in Akron is probably Operation Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation:
https://www.operationorphanwildlife.com/
Some other contacts in rehabilitation -
Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association:
https://www.owra.org/
Ohio Wildlife Center:
https://ohiowildlifecenter.org/
Greater Akron Audubon Society:
https://www.akronaudubon.org/injuredorphan-animals.html
The zoo has a program for young professionals. Maybe there is a teen/youth program as well. Or maybe you can help start one.
https://www.akronzoo.org/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP