Externships are available from March through September. They last a minimum of three weeks, but some externs choose to be part of the program for longer. The number of externs participating in the program varies: In the early spring or fall, there may be only two, while in late spring or summer there may be as many as six.

The Basics

• Externs must be at least 18 years of age.

• On-site dormitory-style lodging is available for a small weekly fee.

• Most externs are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, veterinary technology program, or veterinary program, though some externs have recently graduated from college.

• Students may come from anywhere in the world. We enjoy hosting students from diverse backgrounds.

• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is mandatory. Exceptions may be made for international students only at the discretion of the staff veterinarian.

• Externs must carry their own health insurance.

• Some extern duties may be considered menial labor: cage cleaning, making meals for animals (standing at the counter and chopping, stirring, etc.), cleaning wards (sweeping, mopping, etc.), and washing laundry. All externs, regardless of background or level of schooling, are expected to pitch in.

• Externs must be physically fit enough to work 10-to-12-hour days. They must be able to walk up and down stairs several times an hour, to lift up to 20 pounds, to be on their feet for most of the work day, to kneel and bend in order to help with cage cleaning.

• Externs must be willing and able to completely follow verbal or written instructions.

The Specifics

Externs are involved in nearly every aspect of the veterinary and rehabilitative care of wildlife at the Cape Wildlife Center. Externs are involved in many of the following activities and more:

• Rehabilitative care and husbandry of orphan mammals and birds.

• Appropriate handling and restraint for certain species, as cases and time of year permit. Such species may include raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, opossums, songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, seabirds (sea ducks, pelagic species), raptors, turtles, snakes, and frogs.

• Physical examination of admitted patients.

• Veterinary care of admitted wildlife—mammals, birds, and reptiles.

• Determining fluid and nutritional (kcal) requirements for admitted patients.

• Determining drug dosages.

• Venipuncture techniques and blood work.

• Taking and developing radiographs (x-rays).

• Observation of surgical procedures (veterinary students may be asked to assist in some surgeries).

• Observing acupuncture or other holistic modalities.

• Prerelease conditioning of wildlife patients and orphans.

• Release decision-making.

A Note about Euthanasia

At the Cape Wildlife Center, we sometimes euthanize wild animals. It is our mission to bring wild animals back to health and to rehabilitate them so they can resume their lives in the wild. But in cases where this is not possible, the veterinarian in charge may determine that euthanasia is the most humane option.