Exotic Animal Care Internship
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Northwest Arkansas
About the Organization Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) is a GFAS-accredited
non-profit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing abused, abandoned, and unwanted big cats. Located
in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, our refuge provides a lifetime home for
over 100 rescued animals, including tigers, lions, bears, and more.
Position Overview We are seeking self-motivated and passionate individuals for a full-time,
six-month internship. This physically demanding role offers an incredible opportunity to gain
hands-on experience in exotic animal husbandry. Interns are crucial members of our team and
must have a strong desire to provide the highest standard of care to our animal residents. The
ideal candidate is observant, able to keep detailed records, and works well both independently
and as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
● Animal Husbandry: Provide daily care for a variety of species including Tigers, Lions,
Cougars, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Leopards, Servals, Bobcats, a Jaguar, and a
Hyena.
● Public Education: Inform the public about our resident species and the big cat crisis in
the United States.
● Habitat Maintenance: Ensure animal safety through daily exhibit checks, routine
landscaping, clearing underbrush, and providing creative animal enrichment.
● Diet Preparation: Prepare specialized diets with prescribed supplements, maintain high
standards of food quality and hygiene, and monitor each animal's food intake and waste
output.
● Health Monitoring: Maintain detailed daily records of animal behavior, appetite, and
health to quickly identify and report any signs of illness or abnormality.
● Rescue Support: Assist with preparations for animal rescue operations as needed.
Qualifications
● A degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field is preferred.
● Relevant experience in exotic animal husbandry may be considered in lieu of a degree.
● Must be highly self-motivated, observant, and detail-oriented.
● Ability to perform strenuous physical work in varying weather conditions.
● Strong teamwork and communication skills.
Compensation & Benefits
● A weekly stipend of $100.
● Free on-site housing is provided for the duration of the internship.
● Housing Amenities: Heat, A/C, paid utilities, full bath, kitchen, washer & dryer, TV and
internet service.
Internship Schedule (Spring 2026 Session)
● Positions Available: 15
● Internship Duration: 6 months
● Start Date: February 1, 2026
● Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and two (2) letters of
recommendation by the deadline to:
Emily McCormack
Animal Curator
Email: emily@turpentinecreek.org