Howell Nature Center

Lead Intern Rehabilitation Clinic

May - September 2022 • Howell, MI

What I liked

The hands-on experience was like no other. You learn so much information about different species, along with different types of diseases and ailments that are common in wildlife populations. Additionally, the staff were incredibly kind and eager to help.

What I wish was different

Advice

Understanding how much work the internship is helps a lot. You do a lot of cleaning and other tasks that seem miniscule but are important for the facility and the animals. Additionally, understanding that many of the animals you're interacting with are wild. Taking precautions to protect yourself and the animals is essential.

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Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

June - August 2021 • Howell, MI

What I liked

You get a lot of hands on experience and learn the basics of wildlife rehab.

What I wish was different

Communication between staff and interns could have been clearer. A smaller group of interns may have allowed for more one on one instruction and learning (recommend a Fall or Spring internship).

Advice

Ask lots of questions to make sure you are properly following directions. Talk with your other interns to learn the best ways to complete tasks.

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Wild Wonders Wildlife Park Intern

May - August 2021 • Howell, MI

What I liked

I loved working with all of the permanent-resident animals in the wildlife park, and getting to know all of their individual personalities. The wildlife park directors were also great leaders and very organized with all of feeding and enrichment supplies and schedules.

What I wish was different

Advice

Don't wear your nicest clothes, and bring bug spray! It was very mucky and wet at times so don't be afraid to work hard and get dirty.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2020 • Howell, MI

What I liked

Awesome people, fun environment, and very organized camp! I learned so much about myself and how to improve as a camp counselor.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Zoo Keeper Intern

May - August 2019 • Howell, MI

What I liked

Spending everyday caring for and bonding with the amazing animals at the nature center was worth all the hard work!

What I wish was different

Advice

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Wildlife rehabilitation intern

May - August 2018 • Howell, MI

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Be prepared for hard work. This internship is not for people who like to slack off. It is long days and hard work, but it was also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

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Zookeeper Intern

January - July 2019 • Howell, MI

What I liked

I loved working with exotic animals and getting to experience hands-on workdays.

What I wish was different

Working during the winter outside was hard especially after a fresh snow

Advice

Everyone on staff was super sweet and tried as hard as they could to maximize my experience as an intern

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Camp Counselor

May - August 2019 • Howell, MI

What I liked

Working with kids was one of the best experiences. It taught me a lot about patience and controlling my own emotions. My coworkers were a ton of fun to work with and be with outside of work.

What I wish was different

It needed to be better organized, it sometimes felt like a jumbled mess of activities.

Advice

When working with kids (and people in general) staying calm and helping them better explain their problems will always help you in the long run.

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Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern

May - August 2019 • Howell, MI

What I liked

This was an amazing experience. As a rehab intern, I had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of Michigan wildlife including opossums, squirrels, woodchucks, songbirds, raptors, ducks, snapping turtles, and more. Interns assist with a variety of tasks, including clinic intakes, cleaning cages, preparing daily food, hand feeding orphans, administering medications, and releases. The clinic staff are all knowledgeable and always willing to teach.

What I wish was different

During the summer, the clinic us staffed by two full time and one part time staff members, 18-20 interns, and a few dozen volunteers. As a result, there's some inconsistencies in Information. Additionally, there's some lack of accountability for the interns. While most of my fellow interns were wonderful to work with, there's no consequences if you consistently call off for your shift last minute or don't pull your weight.

Advice

Go into it with an open mind, and be aware of what you're getting yourself in to. There's a lot of dirty work involved, including cleaning cages and power washing the duck mats as well as dishes and laundry. There's also a lot of death. Many injuries are not treatable. and some species have fairly low survival rates for orphans (especially Eastern cottontails and very young opossums). You will get out of this internship what you put into it. If you're committed to strengthening your animal care and medical skills and knowledge, the opportunities are there. Treat it like a job, and hold yourself responsible for your effort and your education.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Howell, MI

What I liked

I loved meeting the kids and being a good force of nature during my time at the camp. All the activities are really fun, and they all provide a lovely experience for counselor and child alike.

What I wish was different

I do wish that the pay could have been a bit different, and a true wish would have been to have the parking closer during the rain.

Advice

Make sure you get a lot of sleep! Working so many hours in the sun will tire you out, so making sure you get a good night's sleep is a massive benefit.

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Zookeeper Intern

May - August 2018 • Howell, MI

What I liked

It was a great hands-on experience: working with animals one-on-one (with training before to make you and the animal feel comfortable) , learning their behaviors and preferences, preparing their food and enrichments, cleaning and doing maintenance on exhibits, answering questions from the public while feeding, and assisting in raptor physicals.

What I wish was different

It was a pretty great program already though I would have to say I would have liked more time learning about the ways to better their exhibits and enrichment for the permanent residents.

Advice

It is an all around great and informative experience for people wanting to go into animal husbandry.

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Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship

May - August 2017 • Howell, MI

What I liked

I loved the experience and skill set I gained here. Every staff member was dedicated to the well-being of the animals, understanding and willing to work with you. I've never had a more fulfilling internship.