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In helping big cats thrive, interns grow

By Krisha Williams Turbeville

Jarrett Sweeley, an intern at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, plays with Roulon last week. Roulon, once so thin his bones were visible, was rescued in 2002 from Quitman.

Photo by Special to the Democrat-Gazette

Jarrett Sweeley, an intern at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, plays with Roulon last week. Roulon, once so thin his bones were visible, was rescued in 2002 from Quitman.

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Much to the surprise of intern Ashley Bulla, three months of 50-hour weeks scooping tiger dung and handling raw meat taught her something: self-reliance.

The 23-year-old New Yorker who used to let mom and dad carry her luggage and do her laundry now gets by on her weekly earnings of$50 for groceries.

“I can go out and live by myself and be an independent person,” said Bulla, who scored one of a dozen six-month internships at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge just outside of Eureka Springs.

Many interns have similar revelations during their time at the refuge, seven miles south of Eureka Springs, said Emily McCormack, who is in charge of the interns and a staff zoologist.

“They tend ...

Rescue in the Rock

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This article was published November 28, 2009 at 6:27 a.m.

Arkansas, Pages 11 on 11/28/2009

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PurrfectStorm says...

What a great way to teach young adults and a wonderful opportunity for them to get the "whole picture" of the job sector they aspire to be involved in. I'd say this would separate the ones who really DO want to work in the field from the ones who just think they do. You either work and learn about the animals and their needs or you quit. Kudos to you who love big cats and stay the course!

November 28, 2009 at 8:21 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

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