New for 2020: Caretaker-for-a-Day Program
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Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an Animal Caretaker at Wolf Mountain? Are you curious as to the daily operations at a wildlife preserve? Considering a career working with wildlife?
Then this program is for you! Register to be a “Caretaker-for-a-Day” for a behind the scenes experience working one on one with Caretakers on various operational duties such as preparing food for the wolves, feeding & watering the animals, enclosure inspections & fox cleanups, maintenance jobs, and animal behavioral observations/documentations. Throughout the day learn about general animal care & public safety, role of predators in the wild, human & predator interactions, the future of coexistence between species, and the rewards/challenges of managing a wildlife preserve. |
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Volunteer or Intern with Wolf Mountain!
Volunteers are defined as those who help at the Center on a regular basis, over a long period of time, such as months or even years. All volunteers are expected to work at least 12 hours a month; however, volunteering more time is greatly appreciated. See below for typical volunteer duties. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation.
Interns should be currently enrolled in a related college program such as biology, pre-veterinarian, wildlife management, environmental conservation, etc. A minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for eight consecutive weeks is expected for interns. In addition to the volunteer duties listed below, our non-paid interns are expected to also lead tours and ecology based woodland hikes, create and/or present educational materials for bulletin boards and presentations, develop animal enrichment programs, and observe/record animal behaviors (a more complete list of responsibilities will be provided upon application). Currently we have very limited, very rustic and primitive on-site housing for interns, thus we encourage you to make other arrangements for accommodations.
Interested persons who wish to be considered to become a part of either our Volunteer and Intern Program must complete and submit an application. Please note: incomplete applications will not be honored.
Volunteers and Interns accepted into our program will be required to complete a mandatory training program provided by center staff.
Volunteers are defined as those who help at the Center on a regular basis, over a long period of time, such as months or even years. All volunteers are expected to work at least 12 hours a month; however, volunteering more time is greatly appreciated. See below for typical volunteer duties. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and have reliable transportation.
Interns should be currently enrolled in a related college program such as biology, pre-veterinarian, wildlife management, environmental conservation, etc. A minimum commitment of 15 hours per week for eight consecutive weeks is expected for interns. In addition to the volunteer duties listed below, our non-paid interns are expected to also lead tours and ecology based woodland hikes, create and/or present educational materials for bulletin boards and presentations, develop animal enrichment programs, and observe/record animal behaviors (a more complete list of responsibilities will be provided upon application). Currently we have very limited, very rustic and primitive on-site housing for interns, thus we encourage you to make other arrangements for accommodations.
Interested persons who wish to be considered to become a part of either our Volunteer and Intern Program must complete and submit an application. Please note: incomplete applications will not be honored.
Volunteers and Interns accepted into our program will be required to complete a mandatory training program provided by center staff.
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Typical volunteer duties include:
(please note that many volunteers often assist in several of the following categories as needed; so, it is not necessary to choose just one!) > admissions/gift shop: welcome guests, collect admission fees, provide basic park info to guests, ring up sales, maintain organized inventory > construction/maintenance: assist with erection & maintenance of fencing & enclosures, building benches, picnic tables, animal shelters & platforms, maintain current structures > grounds keeping/landscaping: mow, weed, plant, haul brush and stone, stack wood, spread wood chips and maintain trails > educational guides: greet and provide educational information to public, give tours, share information about the center, its animals, and the environment, create educational supplements such as power points, bulletin boards, & activities Please note: While we can certainly appreciate the desire many folks have to be able to touch and have physical contact with a wolf, animal interaction is a responsibility given only with time and experience. Staff who interact with the animals have many hours (literally hundreds!) of experience and training and have proven their dedication & dependability at our center prior to entering any wolf enclosures. Gaining a thorough knowledge of the animals is important before interacting with them. Our wolves are socialized, but we must follow very strict guidelines for both human safety and that of the animals. We are not a petting zoo; when staff enter enclosures it is for a direct purpose and not for entertainment or personal satisfaction. New volunteers will need to complete training, listen to the lectures, and learn as much about the animals as possible. Only those with experience gained at our center, approved by our Head Animal Caretaker, and listed on our DEC license can enter wolf enclosures. 
guided tours
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prepping for special events
construction/maintenance projects
educational programs
team building and fun!
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Meet some of our core volunteers at THE Wolf Mountain Nature Center!
[each has volunteered a minimum of 100 (some over 700!) hours in 2019!]
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Pam Mennis
...began helping out at the center in April 2012 as a fill-in cashier in our gift shop. Only days later, our 4 coyote pups were born and Pam immediately took on the role of assisting with bottle-feedings, cleanup, puppy sitting, and socializing the coyotes! She is one of our Animal Caretakers and has since been a "puppy parent" to a litter of coyotes, fox kits, and numerous wolf pups! Now living in a cozy log cabin located at the center, she oversees the entire gift shop, manages the volunteer program, coordinates scheduling of field trips to Wolf Mountain, organizes our summer camping programs, regularly feeds, cleans up after, and socializes with the animals, and assists with enclosure building, landscaping, providing educational tours to visitors, putting up tipis, and posts updates on our Facebook site! Pam plays the role of Red Riding Hood in the center's version of the well known children's story. Recently retired, Pam now has more time to dedicate to her family, the center, and pursueing her interests in the environment and wildlife! |
Pam socializing with Tala
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Karley getting a wolf smooch from Nakoa
Karley Bush
...first began working at the center as a college intern in the summer of 2016. A super quick learner, she mastered tours, information stations, the gift shop register, and many various animal enrichment programs! Now an Animal Caretaker, Karley played a huge role as a puppy parent, driving several hours to get here. Her exuberant personality and never ending energy is truly appreciated and contagious. She has a wonderful knack for getting things done efficiently and is fantastic with the animals. Karley also leads educational programs for visitors and has been crucial with co-coordinating our summer campout programs. Most recently, she has taken on the responsibility of Intern Coordinator. Recently Karley had the opportunity to spend several days at Wolf Park in Indiana learning wolf care techniques from their staff.
When not at the center, Karley works two full time jobs, spends time with her own dogs, and plans on returning to college in the near future.
Courtney and Dyani muzzle greeting.
Courtney Thompson
... joined our volunteer staff in 2014 after participating in one of our photography platform programs. Her first task was running the register at our very busy gift shop for the annual fundraising event--not an easy job--but she handled it with ease! Since that time, she has become one of our Animal Caretakers and has helped with the shop on a regular basis and was one of our key "puppy parents" throughout the summers of 2015 and 2017. Every week we could count on Courtney to show up and dive right into the puppy care needs; she independently did everything from feeding, filling water buckets, scooping poop, raking out old and bringing in new hay, and playing with the puppies. We even caught her napping with them a time or two!
When Courtney is not helping out the center, she works as a social worker, spends time with her busy family, hikes, and is an avid photographer.
... joined our volunteer staff in 2014 after participating in one of our photography platform programs. Her first task was running the register at our very busy gift shop for the annual fundraising event--not an easy job--but she handled it with ease! Since that time, she has become one of our Animal Caretakers and has helped with the shop on a regular basis and was one of our key "puppy parents" throughout the summers of 2015 and 2017. Every week we could count on Courtney to show up and dive right into the puppy care needs; she independently did everything from feeding, filling water buckets, scooping poop, raking out old and bringing in new hay, and playing with the puppies. We even caught her napping with them a time or two!
When Courtney is not helping out the center, she works as a social worker, spends time with her busy family, hikes, and is an avid photographer.
Dave with our Eastern Coyotes.
Dave Conner
...has been volunteering at the center since 2011. He can often be found giving informational tours at the Arctic Fox enclosure and loves to spend time with our coyotes! Another of our Animal Caretakers, he also helps out with class field trips at the center and can identify just about any tree on our wooded hiking trails! Dave assists with enclosure and building construction projects. His latest endeavor is creating carved walking sticks which he donates to the gift shop for sale to visitors. He often shows up at a moment's notice to help with special projects and is willing to do just about anything as long as it helps out the center!
Dave is "retired" from his job, but still has jobs throughout the community. He also is an avid hiker and loves to share his stories and to spend time with his family at his lake house.
...has been volunteering at the center since 2011. He can often be found giving informational tours at the Arctic Fox enclosure and loves to spend time with our coyotes! Another of our Animal Caretakers, he also helps out with class field trips at the center and can identify just about any tree on our wooded hiking trails! Dave assists with enclosure and building construction projects. His latest endeavor is creating carved walking sticks which he donates to the gift shop for sale to visitors. He often shows up at a moment's notice to help with special projects and is willing to do just about anything as long as it helps out the center!
Dave is "retired" from his job, but still has jobs throughout the community. He also is an avid hiker and loves to share his stories and to spend time with his family at his lake house.
Tala & Dean
Dean Barney
...is one of our Animal Caretakers. He joined our team in December 2016 by serving hot cocoa to visitors at our winter festival. He was new to the area and looking for cool things to do and ended up at Wolf Mountain! A rather quiet guy, he has a very contagious smile and is willing to do any and everything asked of him. Dean was one of our puppy parents to Cypress and Tauriel and continues that bond today--he is now learning what the new "wolf rules" are as the pups have transitioned to adulthood! Dean runs educational programs at all of our exhibits and has assisted with the construction of several of the animal habitats. When he doesn't feel like working out at the gym, he comes to the center and fills/hauls gravel buckets for enclosures--a grueling task to be sure!
When he's not helping at the center, Dean teaches Special Education classes at the local BOCES, works out, loves painting, and spends lots of time hiking mountains!
...is one of our Animal Caretakers. He joined our team in December 2016 by serving hot cocoa to visitors at our winter festival. He was new to the area and looking for cool things to do and ended up at Wolf Mountain! A rather quiet guy, he has a very contagious smile and is willing to do any and everything asked of him. Dean was one of our puppy parents to Cypress and Tauriel and continues that bond today--he is now learning what the new "wolf rules" are as the pups have transitioned to adulthood! Dean runs educational programs at all of our exhibits and has assisted with the construction of several of the animal habitats. When he doesn't feel like working out at the gym, he comes to the center and fills/hauls gravel buckets for enclosures--a grueling task to be sure!
When he's not helping at the center, Dean teaches Special Education classes at the local BOCES, works out, loves painting, and spends lots of time hiking mountains!
Devin showing off our Dire Wolf skull
Devin Fortman
...joined our team in summer of 2017, Devin showed up with amazing credentials and started as a volunteer almost immediately! With experience in field ecology, environmental education, trail maintenance, and degrees in Biology and Wildlife Management (he even spent time in South Africa as a Research Assistant assessing the impact of elephant and rhinoceros ranges!), Devin has become a valuable member of our staff! His first experience here was at one of our summer camp out programs where he shared some apples baked right in the campfire.
Another of our long distance travelers, he volunteers two days in a row and spends the night in our tipis. Devin often provides information at our fox and coyote stations and will assist wherever else is needed; including those exhausting enclosure building projects. In October 2017, Devin headed deep into Canada for a conference on top predators and was accepted as a guest speaker!
...joined our team in summer of 2017, Devin showed up with amazing credentials and started as a volunteer almost immediately! With experience in field ecology, environmental education, trail maintenance, and degrees in Biology and Wildlife Management (he even spent time in South Africa as a Research Assistant assessing the impact of elephant and rhinoceros ranges!), Devin has become a valuable member of our staff! His first experience here was at one of our summer camp out programs where he shared some apples baked right in the campfire.
Another of our long distance travelers, he volunteers two days in a row and spends the night in our tipis. Devin often provides information at our fox and coyote stations and will assist wherever else is needed; including those exhausting enclosure building projects. In October 2017, Devin headed deep into Canada for a conference on top predators and was accepted as a guest speaker!
Kamren Meyer
...began volunteering in spring 2016. He is willing to help out with any project and has assisted with tasks such as painting and shoveling. Most often, he can be found performing labor or manning one of our information stations. Kamren assists his dad with presentations in our classroom on various types of snakes. He also assists with wolf feeding--the kid has an incredible arm when it comes to tossing chicken over a ten foot high fence!! Kamren has recently begun learning the fox program and has been known to don various costumes such as the Grinch at our winter event and a sweet, fuzzy wolf at our fall celebration.
Currently a 12th grader, Kamren's favorite subject is English. His hobbies include drawing, reading, and writing--in fact, he is currently writing his own book! His future plans are to become a game developer or graphic designer.
...began volunteering in spring 2016. He is willing to help out with any project and has assisted with tasks such as painting and shoveling. Most often, he can be found performing labor or manning one of our information stations. Kamren assists his dad with presentations in our classroom on various types of snakes. He also assists with wolf feeding--the kid has an incredible arm when it comes to tossing chicken over a ten foot high fence!! Kamren has recently begun learning the fox program and has been known to don various costumes such as the Grinch at our winter event and a sweet, fuzzy wolf at our fall celebration.
Currently a 12th grader, Kamren's favorite subject is English. His hobbies include drawing, reading, and writing--in fact, he is currently writing his own book! His future plans are to become a game developer or graphic designer.
Shen has no problem operating heavy machinery to put
in posts for new fencing!
Shenequa Perry
...started volunteering with us in May of 2018 as a Junior in High School. With completion of courses in Honors Biology and Animal Science, experience working directly with animals at a veterinarian's office, and an active member of her local Environmental Club, Shen was a perfect match for the center! As an added bonus, she has hands-on experience with agricultural fence construction which definitely comes in handy when we are installing new fencing for our wolf enclosures! A hard worker, Shenequa has proven herself to be dedicated, responsible, and willing to learn. As a result, she recently has begun the training program to be an assistant caretaker with the Arctic Foxes. Shen is a huge asset to our volunteer team!
Shen is currently a freshman at the college of Environmental Science & Forestry with aspirations to continue her education with a focus on biology and environmental science.
...started volunteering with us in May of 2018 as a Junior in High School. With completion of courses in Honors Biology and Animal Science, experience working directly with animals at a veterinarian's office, and an active member of her local Environmental Club, Shen was a perfect match for the center! As an added bonus, she has hands-on experience with agricultural fence construction which definitely comes in handy when we are installing new fencing for our wolf enclosures! A hard worker, Shenequa has proven herself to be dedicated, responsible, and willing to learn. As a result, she recently has begun the training program to be an assistant caretaker with the Arctic Foxes. Shen is a huge asset to our volunteer team!
Shen is currently a freshman at the college of Environmental Science & Forestry with aspirations to continue her education with a focus on biology and environmental science.
Meghan with her ever present smile!
Meghan VanLoon
...visited the center for a year before deciding to apply as a volunteer in spring of 2017. She has participated in our summer camp programs and always has a smile on her face. Meghan is an Animal Caretaker which means she has earned the privilege and responsibility of going into animal enclosures to help with animal care and chores. She spent hours working with the pups as a puppy parent to Cypress and Tauriel. Currently she is learning the wolf program and recently completed a training course at Wolf Park in Indiana focusing on how to use myofacial and sacral release techniques on wolves. Meghan is always asking what she can do to help the center and then does it regardless of the task; she covers information stations, greets visitors, provides tours, works in the gift shop, and assists with landscaping tasks.
Meghan lives with her husband in Ithaca where the two share a Chiropractic office. In addition, Meghan teaches and shares her professional knowledge with others. She loves wolves and often describes Wolf Mountain as her place of relaxation and rejuvenation.
...visited the center for a year before deciding to apply as a volunteer in spring of 2017. She has participated in our summer camp programs and always has a smile on her face. Meghan is an Animal Caretaker which means she has earned the privilege and responsibility of going into animal enclosures to help with animal care and chores. She spent hours working with the pups as a puppy parent to Cypress and Tauriel. Currently she is learning the wolf program and recently completed a training course at Wolf Park in Indiana focusing on how to use myofacial and sacral release techniques on wolves. Meghan is always asking what she can do to help the center and then does it regardless of the task; she covers information stations, greets visitors, provides tours, works in the gift shop, and assists with landscaping tasks.
Meghan lives with her husband in Ithaca where the two share a Chiropractic office. In addition, Meghan teaches and shares her professional knowledge with others. She loves wolves and often describes Wolf Mountain as her place of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Skyler ready to welcome visitors!
Skyler Thompson
...joined our volunteer kid team in spring 2016 with her brother Kamren. Skyler's main task is to welcome visitors with her cheerful personality, however, she helps shovel snow and is an awesome "chicken chucker" when it comes time to feed the wolves! She has also participated several times in our Camp with the Wolves program.
Skyler is a 7th grader who loves science and hopes to become a scientist in the future. While she enjoys reading, drawing, being outdoors, hiking, and photography, her favorite past-time is figure skating; in fact, Skyler recently placed 3rd in the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid for her awesome skating skills!!
...joined our volunteer kid team in spring 2016 with her brother Kamren. Skyler's main task is to welcome visitors with her cheerful personality, however, she helps shovel snow and is an awesome "chicken chucker" when it comes time to feed the wolves! She has also participated several times in our Camp with the Wolves program.
Skyler is a 7th grader who loves science and hopes to become a scientist in the future. While she enjoys reading, drawing, being outdoors, hiking, and photography, her favorite past-time is figure skating; in fact, Skyler recently placed 3rd in the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid for her awesome skating skills!!