Who We Are
Cascades Raptor Center is a 501(c)3 nature center and wildlife hospital. Our nature center is home to over 30 permanent resident birds. Many of these birds come from conservation breeding programs or have been imprinted on humans due to members of the public performing illegal wildlife rehabilitation. Their presence allows visitors to get up close and personal with birds of prey and allows many people to see native raptors up close for the first time. Our resident birds are monitored daily for changes in their health and behavior, and exams are done on an as needed basis. Annual work ups, including physical exam, CBC/chemistry, and survey radiographs are performed every fall on each resident.
The Louise Shimmel Wildlife Hospital is a triage center for wild avians and small mammal species, that specializes in raptor care and rehabilitation. The hospital admits and provides care for over 1000 patients every year. As a triage center we accept small mammals and other avian species, provide initial care, and then transfer them to another permitted rehabilitator. We accept raptors from throughout the state of Oregon and see them through every aspect of medical care and rehabilitation until release.
Goal of the Externship Program
To introduce veterinary students and professionals to wildlife medicine, raptor rehabilitation, and care of raptors in a zoo setting.
Who Qualifies?
This experience is designed for veterinary students, licensed DVMs, or veterinary paraprofessional students or staff. Participants must be over the age of 18.
Duration
Veterinary externships at Cascades Raptor Center are 10-14 day immersive experiences into the world of raptor rehabilitation. Participants can either attend for a consecutive two-week period (10 days) or commit to a weekly shift (14 days). A two-week period allows students to experience a variety of cases and gives staff time to cover essential topics.
Topics Covered
Topics covered during the externship include:
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- Wildlife rehabilitation ethics and requirements
- Avian identification
- Case presentation and history
- Capture and restraint of birds of prey
- Physical exam of the wildlife patient
- Euthanasia criteria for wildlife
- Supportive care – Fluid administration, bandaging techniques, hand feeding, gavage feeding, managing stress in captivity
- Normal radiographic anatomy
- Commonly used drugs in wildlife patients
- Case studies: Behavior, traumatic brain injury, fractures, crop rupture, electrocution, highly pathogenic avian influenza, wound management, etc.
Externs are expected to participate in all aspects of care including cleaning, feeding, handling, assisting with treatments, and participating in the upkeep of the hospital.
Ready to Apply?
Click the button below to fill out our application, and a staff member will get back to you shortly.