Here’s an opportunity to hand-raise animals and release them back to the wild

Critter Care Wildlife Society is looking for interns who will raise wildlife and release it back to the wild.

Based in Langley, the society specialises in care, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife in the province. This wildlife includes squirrels, raccoons, beavers, fawns , skunks, otters, bears and other mammals.

During baby season, interns will be given the chance to hand-raise wildlife and release it back to the wild. Free food and accommodation will be provided. Credits will be given to those in college or university. The society is usually very busy from mid-March to late September.

Spring, summer and very early fall bring the majority of their admissions. Winter is spent caring for the animals that are too small to release in the fall and who have to be wintered over and late babies.

Internships will be offered all year long to interested and motivated individuals. Because interns will be raising their ‘babies’ as well as helping with the others, they need to commit to four weeks or more depending on what they want to raise.

With baby mammals it is important to wean them before being passed on to someone else.

“Once you have your own babies you will want to get them weaned and most interns stay longer so they can see them released. We supply basic housing and most of the food. You will not be paid monies,” the Society says.

Georgina McBride, who interned at the society two years ago, said looking after the babies taught her responsibility and discipline. “I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the fawns. They were difficult animals to take care of at times, but very rewarding. I was amazed at the beauty and disposition of these animals. Looking after babies provided me with lots of responsibility and in turn, taught me some discipline. You are on a tight feeding schedule with them and you are often checking on them to make sure they have enough food, etc.”