Wildlife: How does one encounter a career without connections?

I am desperately seeking an opportunity to work with wildlife, but I don't have any connections and I don't know where to start!!! I've contacted one place via email without any responses yet. I am a nurse, but I want to work with animals ((yes, I'd like to be like Steve Irwin was or Jeff Corwin or any of the countless other wildlife warriors)). I live in Southern New England.Wildlife: How does one encounter a career without connections?
You are most likely not going to be able to get into this type of work without some education in this field. If you want to work with wild animals in nature...you will need a degree. If you want to do zoo work, you may be able to volunteer or do an internship to work your way up to a paid position.Wildlife: How does one encounter a career without connections?
Make connections. Talk to people at wildlife rehabilitation organizations, zoos, wildlife parks, private wildlife education companies, etc. Many are in need of volunteers. You will probably need to talk to people in person or over the phone. Also look into internships. Keep in mind that the farther you are willing to travel and the more you are willing to do, the better chance you have. Remember that working with wildlife involves a lot of cleaning, preparing food, heavy lifting, maintenance, etc. There are two colleges that offer degrees in wildlife care -- Moorpark Community College in CA and Santa Fe Community College in FL, but there are many wildlife facilities that offer internships and certificate programs. You will probably need a Bachelor's Degree -- preferably in something such as biology, wildlife management, or zoology -- as well as hands-on experience, before you will be a candidate for a permanent position in the field.
Hello,





I am registered with BigCatRescue out of Jacksonville Florida.


They take volunteers all the time, although the beginners usually end up ';sweeping up poo';. Many of the volunteers work the summer and get to work with the Jaguars, Tigers, and Lions. Some eventually get to feed them and help take care of them while the veterinarians give them their shots and such.





I am deployed overseas, so I mainly make my annual contributions for the Jaguar enclosure (several acres donated by the Jaguar dealership of Jacksonville, FL)





The website is http://bigcatrescue.org/
Changing careers is like how you found your first one as nurse. Education, without that path, I would try volunteering at a zoo, or working with a vet. Find out how you get along with a large category of animals not your own. Might also try fish and game.

sebum