Kat's Fund to Work at Forest Animal Rescue in Florida

Kathryn Murphy Start Date: Aug 26, 2019 - End Date: May 25, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Florida, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Kathryn Murphy Start Date: Aug 26, 2019 - End Date: May 25, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
Hi, my name’s Kat and I’m reaching out for contributions to help fund my 4-week volunteer program at Forest Animal Rescue in Florida from June 15th - July 16th 2020.

Forest Animal Rescue is a sanctuary that provides veterinary care and a safe home for a variety of animals including tigers, bears, wolves, cougars, servals, spider monkeys, capuchins, lemurs, fruit bats, horses, tortoises, and domestic cats. These animals have come to the sanctuary from abusive captive environments where they were exploited for research, entertainment, or other unethical purposes. The sanctuary’s permanent residents were confiscated from these environments, whereas others, such as the black bears, are either orphaned or injured cubs who are being nurtured until they can be released back into the wild. The sanctuary’s philosophy is focused solely on the animals’ welfare, and none of the specimens that are rescued are bred, sold, or exploited.

Forest Animal Rescue offers opportunities for volunteers and interns to work between 4 weeks – 3months + at the sanctuary where they are trained to carry out tasks such as cleaning the enclosures and equipment (enrichments, water containers, pools, dishes), meal preparation, creating enrichments specifically tailored to the behaviour and personalities of each species, general landscaping and grounds maintenance such as gardening, repairs, habitat construction, transporting equipment or vegetation between habitats, assist or observe veterinary procedures, help with education events, monitor the animals’ behaviour and similar duties related to animal care. This is an incredible opportunity that enables both zoology students and animal enthusiasts to gain valuable experience and skills in the care of wild-captive animal management.

Although not a zoology student myself, I have applied for a full-time residency volunteer position at the sanctuary because I want to broaden my knowledge and experience in captive animal management. Since 2014 I have worked in the animal welfare and conservation sectors, taking on various responsibilities in paid and voluntary positions. Between 2014-2018 I volunteered as a Zoo Guide and Keeper Assistant at Auckland Zoo in New Zealand, and I am currently working as a volunteer at Dublin Zoo, Ireland (since March 2019). The skills I have obtained and developed during my time at Auckland and Dublin Zoo include meal preparation and enrichment design for primates, communication skills and engagement through zoo guiding and event management, a foundation level of knowledge on animal husbandry and captive animal management. I also frequently work with biofacts such as skulls, feathers, horns, and conduct behavioural assessments on zoo specimens when required (for example, when introducing animals to a new enclosure). Working in two different zoo environments has exposed me to a wide range of exotic and native species from both New Zealand and Ireland, however, I have yet to work with rescued specimens. My experience at Forest Animal Rescue will therefore help broaden my understanding of managing captive-wild animals from a wider range of backgrounds, such as the exotic pet trade, entertainment, and abusive captive facilities.

This experience will also be valuable to my current PhD research on animal exploitation in the Roman arena games which largely focuses on the behavioural and biological characteristics of captive big cats such as lions, leopards, and tigers.
  • Florida, United States of America

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