Jan 24, 2023

Intern Q&A: How Did This Internship Impact Your Learning?

SHARE:

Special thanks to our fall interns, who began training at DCHS's Wildlife Center last August and recently finished their semesters. But before they flew the nest, we asked one last question.

Kayla Salmon, Fall Intern

Thinking back to the beginning of the internship, I have had the chance to experience and learn a lot of things. I went into this internship not knowing exactly what it is that I would be doing or getting the chance to learn, but I can honestly say everything I’ve gotten to do has been incredible! I have learned so much from everyone I had the pleasure of working with. I learned that it takes a lot of heart to do what the staff does. I have learned how to do blood draws on avian species and reptiles, learned restraint techniques, positions for common diagnostic radiographs, how to do physical exams, subcutaneous fluids, and taking care of incubator birds. I’ve also learned about enclosure setups and ensuring they have proper enrichment.

This internship has had a great impact on me, and I am grateful for all of the knowledge I have received. Getting the chance to work with such incredible wildlife that I could’ve only ever dreamed of seeing, let alone holding and helping, is something I will never forget. I really appreciate everyone at the Wildlife Center for giving me this opportunity and taking me under their wing to teach me everything that I have learned.

Top Photo: Kayla tweezer-feeds an injured barred owl who can't see well due to eye trauma.

Jay assists Sathvik, a former Wildlife Center intern, with bird banding for a patient about to be released.

Jay Pettey, Fall Intern

From getting the chance to get to know my heroes to being able to live my dream even for a short while, this experience has been revolutionary for me as a human being. It has taught me skills and understanding that no textbook ever could and has fulfilled me like a large fish to a hungry pelican. I have grown so much over the past three months, and the change is palpable. I have a better understanding about the species that inhabit our area and can identify a far greater number than I originally could. I understand more about how and why these animals may need human intervention and how we are unfortunately the cause of many of the issues they suffer from. In the future, I will take many more steps to minimize my impact.

Stipends to support interns during the spring/fall term are $750, while summer terms are $1,200. Interested in sponsoring the education of an intern and helping grow the number of wildlife rehabilitators in Wisconsin?

Sponsor an Internship

Next Story

May 24th, 2023

Feline in Treatment Captures Dypper’s Heart

Maddie’s F.I.T. program healed a kitten so he could have a second chance and find his new beginning.

Full Story

Next Story

May 19th, 2023

Felines in Treatment Program Turns 20!

Help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of DCHS's innovative Felines in Treatment program!

Full Story

Next Story

May 12th, 2023

Help 50 Cats Heal

DCHS received 50 cats from a Madison hoarding situation, and we need our community's help to provide them with immediate medical care.

Full Story

Next Story

Apr 25th, 2023

Celebrating Ruth Vetter Day

April 26th marks a special day at Dane County Humane Society (DCHS).

Full Story

Next Story

Apr 21st, 2023

Spring is in the Air

DCHS's Wildlife Center staff and an intern share a few of their favorite patient stories so far this year.

Full Story

Next Story

Apr 21st, 2023

Swan Success, Pelican Pending

DCHS's Wildlife Center has exciting news to update our supporters about our social media-famous Swan and Pelican!

Full Story