I got an Internship at a Refuge! (HUGE DUW)

Im a senior at FSU majoring in environmental studies. i found this small refuge through a family member, and after about a month and a half of emails, i finally got the thing. I am sooo excited, cause this is what I wanna devote my life to- helping animals. Today was my second day (only working 3 days a week, cause of school). its unpaid, but whatever. i just wanna help. only like 5 people who work there, so they NEED volunteers.

here are some pics.

turtles

what kind is this guy?
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1186.jpg

escape artist
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1185.jpg

huge tortoises
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1184.jpg

how cute is this guy
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1183.jpg

poor guy
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1178.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1175.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1171.jpg

dont ask!!!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1168.jpg

NEVER seen these before
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1167.jpg

weird lookin maps
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1165.jpg

red foot
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1164.jpg

What do you mean dont ask, we have to!
Those terrapins are beautiful!

snakes

the owner could tell I was interested in snakes, and I told him about how I was about to get another one, and he said "please dont buy one. take some off my hands." (!!!!!!!!!!) he even has some females...for free!!!

balls
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1161.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1162.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1180.jpg

red tail boas- 2 of em
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1159.jpg

and the rest, i dunno what they are! haha

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1174.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1177.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1176.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1181.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1187.jpg

Congrats on the Internship!!! :clap: I'm sure you'll be getting some priceless life-experiences through this!

randoms...

these are just the animals inside...there are cool ones outside too- 3 legged deer, pigs, lots of birds, opossums, an emu (in florida?), pea:cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r:...ill take those pics on friday :rolleye2:

bearded dragon
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1189.jpg

3 amigos
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1190.jpg

monitor? i am gonna ask (beg) for them to let me make him a bigger cage. some college students left him by a dumpster, and now we need to find him a new home...which sadly is the story of most of out reptiles here.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1156.jpg

is this guy starving???
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1188.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1182.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jamesw

What do you mean dont ask, we have to!
Those terrapins are beautiful!

---

i wish i knew myself. prolly a dog?

That savannah looks horrible, the ducks should go to him :)

It looks like that place could really use some help.
I'm sure it's hard being a rescue with so many animals but it looks like there is a lot of cleaning, separating of snakes, ect that needs to be done.

yea, up till now, they havent has the power to do anything, for a few reasons.

-i am the only male there, besides the owner who basically only does medical stuff. this SUCKS because alot of animals that need to be cleaned out like the heeeeeavy tortoises couldnt be adequately before, cause they couldnt pick them up.
-everyone there is scared of snakes, except the owner and me
-no one there knows how to use tools and build anything, cept me and the owner.
-now that i am "extra help", i hope to address all these things and help out more than they thought. i am a great builder, and wanna try to build a heated rack system to open up some space (NO SNAKES HAVE HEAT AT ALL, AND EITHER DO ANY REPTILES OR TURTLES) then i might be able to get some heat lamps and stuff to help the rest of the rep's, as well as build some cages in the space i saved from the rack.

ill even help with the cost if i have to.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NotAnotherHonda

yea, up till now, they havent has the power to do anything, for a few reasons.

-i am the only male there, besides the owner who basically only does medical stuff. this SUCKS because alot of animals that need to be cleaned out like the heeeeeavy tortoises couldnt be adequately before, cause they couldnt pick them up.
-everyone there is scared of snakes, except the owner and me
-no one there knows how to use tools and build anything, cept me and the owner.
-now that i am "extra help", i hope to address all these things and help out more than they thought. i am a great builder, and wanna try to build a heated rack system to open up some space (NO SNAKES HAVE HEAT AT ALL, AND EITHER DO ANY REPTILES OR TURTLES) then i might be able to get some heat lamps and stuff to help the rest of the rep's, as well as build some cages in the space i saved from the rack.

ill even help with the cost if i have to.

---

Thats a stand up thing your doing man! if i was close by i wouldn't mind giving you guys a hand! thats awesome :rockon:

Wow, I would love to volunteer like that.

Some of those snakes are just beautiful. Where is it located, if you don't mind me asking?

I wish I could get involved in something like that! You're doin a great thing!! :rockon:

Maybe there's a few people here that could help. All 3 of my snakes came from people who could no longer care for them. I don't really go out looking for reptiles to buy. The needy ones seem to find me. The only one I'm kinda looking for is a Blue Beauty.

Awesome! The little ducklings sure are cute. :aww: I know someone that keeps pea:cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r::cens0r: and peahens... theyr'e like giant chickens. :D

wow. thanks guys! this motivation helps me when i have to wake up at 7am on the only 3 days that i can (could) sleep in...

its in tallahassee florida by the way

It's great what your doing. But my concern is , why are they taking in rescues that they don't have equipment or funds to give better care? Snakes need heat, tortoises need light. Maybe they should request help from another reptile group or at the least only take in what they can properly care for. I am sure they are really thankful for your help though. Keep up the good work. We need more people that care!!!:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blu Mongoose

It's great what your doing. But my concern is , why are they taking in rescues that they don't have equipment or funds to give better care? Snakes need heat, tortoises need light

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i agree completely...what should i do? how should i ask about these things without being rude?

You could make suggestions as far as contacting another group. Or maybe you could find some way of starting a fund raiser with you and some friends pulling together. Maybe put the word out to other herpers about what they need including something about the group, their goals, practices and what they want to accomplish. It takes a lot of work, but very rewarding to see results in the animals well being. Other people are usually willing to help if there is a sincere need. :sunny:

P.S. They may want to think about setting limits on what they take in. Most people tend to shy away from groups that tend to be more collectors than rescue. Use your charm to impress on them the need to care for what they have before adding more. If your hearts in it, you can do it. Passion brings courage!!

wow. thanks alot man. im gonna talk to him on friday

Yeah I agree with Blu Mongoose...why are they taking in snakes if they are not providing heat? Is it that they don't know? If so, they shouldn't be takingthem in,

Is it that they don't have the funds? If so, they really shouldn't be taking them in.
Regardless, good luck there...internships look good on resumes...;)

And get these women some info and tell them straight up that you are just concerned for the aniamls' welfare that way you don't sound rude. I mean, if they are in it for the animals, then they will know that you just care about them and aren't being a jerk.

Oh and as for the picking up of the huge toroises.....wth??? How about getting three women to pick them up then? If it is so big, use more hands! Their enclosures need to be cleaned!

Oh, and if these people are afraid of snakes.......anacondas and burms being there kinda strikes me as funnny....I mean, balls aren't bad, I am a petite girl and I have one with no worries but huge snakes???? *sigh*



Have fun, keep us updated!

thanks for the help guys. so i was thinking...(if the owner lets me)...

i will biuld a small rack for the balls and other small snakes. then use some flexwatt. would 4" flexwatt suffice? (im tryin to save $ of course, cause i doubt they wanna spend money). i think the cheapest places are either beanfarm or reptile basics...right? i just need the tape itself. i can solder the ends and buy cheaper cord from walmart to save some more money. then just get some 28qts (maybe bigger ones for the big guys?). we already have water bowls and aspen. then ill be set. until i have to worry about a thermostat! ahh!!

and i am SET on building a bigger cage for the monitor. he is needing a good home, and ide take him, if i didnt live in a college apt...until then, im making him one...whether they like it or not!!!

You might also check around to see if BeanFarm or ReptileBasics or other suppliers would be willing to donate materials such as flexwatt and t-stats.

oh wow. do you think they would do such a thing? have you heard of those places doing things like this? i winder if i provided pics of the place, as well as showing their products in use (before and after type thing), they might be more inclined to help. thanks!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NotAnotherHonda

oh wow. do you think they would do such a thing? have you heard of those places doing things like this? i winder if i provided pics of the place, as well as showing their products in use (before and after type thing), they might be more inclined to help. thanks!!!

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I think that if you provide pics AND a clear, concise letter/business-plan from the person in charge that shows a desire AND an ability to bring the lack of husbandry up to par...they very well might donate some supplies. But just the pics alone probably won't help because how would they know their supplies would then even be used correctly or used at all?

true. im going to talk to the owner of the refuge tomorrow and get the ok before i email some suppliers. thanks!

one more question- there is a mix of all kinds of snakes, from boas to balls, big and small. how would one use flexwatt for different kinds of snakes? 2 different racks? also, is 4" too small for full grown balls? or should i try for 11"? beggers can t be choosers i know. but if 4" wide will do, ill do it...

thanks in advance

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NotAnotherHonda

one more question- there is a mix of all kinds of snakes, from boas to balls, big and small. how would one use flexwatt for different kinds of snakes? 2 different racks? also, is 4" too small for full grown balls? or should i try for 11"? beggers can t be choosers i know. but if 4" wide will do, ill do it...

thanks in advance

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it all depends on the temps of the room. 3" would suffice if the room is high enough, but i doubt it is so maybe 11"

they keep the room at like 80. whew

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NotAnotherHonda

they keep the room at like 80. whew

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That's not too bad. 3" strips would give a nice basking spot for those that need it. Most of the common colubrids wouldn't need any additional heat. If any of the giants are really big, they may need an 11" strip for a decent basking spot, but I dunno how big those are.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jamesw

What do you mean dont ask, we have to!
Those terrapins are beautiful!

---

I know what you mean. I love snakes and tortoises. I keep going back looking at the pics. If I were there I would be in deep trouble. I would have to adopt one of those big tortoises. :D Last time I worked at a "no kill" sanctuary I ended up taking home a shepard - dane cross 135 lbs. and a very nasty aggresive 3 1/2 lb. pomeranian. Every time I sat in the wrong spot on the sofa , the pom would try to bite. He was so little and such a cute pain in the behind.:sunny:

more snakes

here are some pics from today. i talked to the owner about the racks and heating. ill get into that later when i have time. for now, here are some pics of the snakes that are now his collection- not for adoption. i have no idea what any of these are.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...HPIM1188-1.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...HPIM1189-1.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...HPIM1190-1.jpg

hot hot hot!! haha
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1191.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1192.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1193.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1194.jpg

more randoms

tank before cleaning
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1204.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1205.jpg

tank after cleaning
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1206.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1207.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1208.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1199.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1195.jpg

hawks i think?
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1197.jpg

potbelly
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1203.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1210.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1209.jpg

me and the big guy haha
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1214.jpg

I usually try to not be a critic, but in this case it is warranted. Those animals are being kept in horrible conditions and many of them would probably be better off if they were euthanized.

What are these animals being rescued from? The only way it could be any worse is if they were dead.

My take on this, is that these are definately well-meaning people, who just need a nudge in the right directions. I would build them a rack; no easier way to house multiple snakes, definately.. and I bet it'd take up the footprint of one or two of their tanks..! And it is so easy; we built ours in a few hours, and I dare to say, I could have done it myself if mark was not around (and I am not a burly/strong girl, nor mechanically inclined.. hehe.)
I was floored, seeing how many BPs there are, though, and the conditions they're in.. but again, I am not mad really; the people I would be mad at, and this is not productive, are those who dumped them there.. so instead of flaing and getting irate, I would educate them, help out a ton, and maybe even get a few snakes to take home. :)
I think that you are an awesome stand-up guy for doing this.. bless your heart.

instead of me buidin racks and heating the balls and boas, i convinced him to let me put them up for adoption. as soon as i get ahold of my snake lady about 30 min away and ask if she can ship them for us, i will be taking pics of each snake and putting them up FOR FREE (plus shipping of course)on this site and on kingsnake.com...:):):)

im happy these guys are gonna have new homes. im taking 1 or 2, and the rest yall can adopt if you want! theres about 10 or so balls and a few boas that need good homes! i told him i was a member of a few sites that know their stuff about snakes and he finally agreed to let them go!!! yayy!!!

I would be a little leary of letting them go for free.. I would definately charge an adoption fee. Filters out the noncommitted and the idiotic. :)

well if i sell them on here, i know that they will probably go to a knowledgable person :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NotAnotherHonda

well if i sell them on here, i know that they will probably go to a knowledgable person :)

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That is definetly not true. Some people hang out on sights just to acquire animals. That doesn't mean it's a good home at all. Some will grab them up just to try and sell them for profit. Any time you place an animal you need to ask questions such as husbandry practices, space available or what type setups they have. Many times the uncommitted will trip themselves up in an interview. Rescueing an animal is only a actual rescue if it will be better off than the situation it came from. Good luck and be careful.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blu Mongoose

That is definetly not true. Some people hang out on sights just to acquire animals. That doesn't mean it's a good home at all. Some will grab them up just to try and sell them for profit. Any time you place an animal you need to ask questions such as husbandry practices, space available or what type setups they have. Many times the uncommitted will trip themselves up in an interview. Rescueing an animal is only a actual rescue if it will be better off than the situation it came from. Good luck and be careful.

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Great post; you said what I wanted to :)

yea you guys have a point. i was kinda figuring that the people who would want them would be the people i see talking on here all the time. i wouldnt give it to someone who ive never seen give any knowledgable info. ide wanna know that they know what they are doing.

What you may want to do before you start up with adopting out animals is just hang in there. First learn all you can, Get the animals in the best shape possible. Next get in touch with other rescue people who have done it for yrs.. Find out about all the to do's and what not to do.

First off the animals need to be in the best shape possible. Rehoming a sick or weak animal can stress it possibly causing its' death.
Learn ALL you can. That is where you will be able to help animals the most. Get to know people on the animal sights and learn what they have to offer. You will be so much better for the experience.
This world needs more people like you that care. I don't have all the answers, but have done rescue work for many yrs. If I don't have answers to your questions I will try to point you in the right direction. Many people here will help I'm sure.
Carry on and good luck. And we love pics, keep us updated.:rockon:

Bit of advice though. As much as you want to roar in there and get all the snakes and other critters sorted out, remember you won't be around to do that if you offend the people that run this place. It looks like they sure need help and maybe have gotten overwhelmed (hopefully this is not hoarders masked as a refuge but only you will figure that one out). Go slow, gently suggest changes, offer to help with things you know you can do but walk softly on their egos. If you come across too strong or "I can fix this mess for you" sort of thing...you likely won't be there long.

You might want to consider a local kids group like scouts or something that could build enclosures or do a fund raising drive for the refuge as a community project. Volunteer or find a friend who would volunteer to be a co-ordinator for community/corporate donations if the refuge would like that sort of thing done for them (unless they are trying to keep a low profile so the community doesn't go nuts about "that place with SNAKES!!!" lol)

Wish I was closer...I'm a great cage cleaner lol.

thanks guys. im takin 2 of em asap. cause ive wanted some new snakes since i got the first one! after that, we will see what happens. im in no rush. but i def wanna help these guys as soon as i can

The first thing i see today when i drive up- one of our 3 legged dear that we keep the door open for. She just hangs around.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1221.jpg

So today I got to do something different. I talked the owner into letting me take one of the large monitors out of his way-too-small aquarium and put him in a wooden cage that we have laying around taking up space. Took me a few hours, and I had to stop cause we need some materials, but heres my progress.

the future resident
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1156.jpg

starting off
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1224.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1225.jpg

cleaning out all the old stuff
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1226.jpg

new screen baby!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1228.jpg

what its gonna look like
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1227.jpg

cleared up...still have to put artificial turf down on the ladder for some grippage, as well as a nice heat lamp (which ill provide if i have to)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1229.jpg

AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TODAY!!! I was about to feed the box turtles when i saw her laying her first one! so i grabbed the camera fast!!!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1230.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1233.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1232.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1231.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1234.jpg

we have had her for a few months, with her NEVER being with a male, so these probably wont hatch...but we put the eggs in hatchling sand, cause supposedly sperm can stay inside a mother turtle for a really long time (a year we were told?)

anyways, it was fun to watch. Thanks for looking!

Weird! I never knew that about turtle sperm..
So how are the BPs doing?

we had a guy some today and adopted one bp and the jungle carpet...hopefully i can get the ball moving asap on them

UPDATE!

so the owner gave me a task...sort of a big one. he showed me this old pond that he and his friends made years ago, but never got the time to finish it...He said that he wanted me to completely re-do it, and then i can put all the turtles in there, and get them out of the tupperware they are in now!!!!! i was so excited to help them get more room to re-hab and live their lives (some of them will never leave). the owner gave me this as a full on summer project, thinking that i wouldnt wanna do it and would get it done when i didnt have anything else do to...wrong!!!. i started on it the next day!

its going to have a waterfall, a covered area to eat, live plants that ill get for free, no weeds so they land turtles can dig (the chickenwire goes down a few feet, then tucks under)...here are some pics.

the start
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1286.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1287.jpg

after ALOT of raking...the water dropped a foot just after getting the leaves out...hours and hours of raking and shoveling leaves and branches.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1293.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1295.jpg

end of day 1



day 2

more raking and taking out the water BUCKET BY BUCKET

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1297.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1298.jpg

YES!!!!!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1299.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1301.jpg

Now you all may be saying "you didnt need to get every drop and grain of sand out...but Im 22 years old...so tomorrow, IM SKATING IT BEFORE ANYONE GETS THERE! ill take pics of that too hahahah

then ill start weeding, making the waterfall, etc...prolly atleast a week before i can move anyone in. weather is perfect for them right now.

oh, and we got a new resident in! her mother abandoned her at a lot that was being cleared for houses. they let the fawn sit at the lot for a few hours and the mother never came back, so now we are going to raise her. Our deer actually have it good here.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1302.jpg


oh, and Frank had to remind me this morning to wear my deodorant.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e1...a/HPIM1296.jpg


thanks for looking.

You are a 22 year old with a vision! That's amazing work on that pond already! You deserve to skate it after all that back breaking bucket work. Can't wait to see the finished product (please take pictures along the way...and keep copies...this sort of stuff is GOOD on the resume!). Big hugs on your dedication to the refuge and it's critters. :)