08/01/2026
And finally, please meet level two intern Cameron. Cameron completed his internship in Fall of 2024 and has continued to volunteer 1-2 days a week ever since. While Cam is not currently a student, he attended an online technical school called the Animal Behavioral Institute in 2024. “Funnily enough, the field requirement for said schooling was how I came to Red Creek in the first place! Though even after I graduated from that, I stayed because of how fun it’s been.”
Before Cameron started his internship, he shares his favorite Pennsylvania species was, “definitely a North American river otter. That still holds true to some extent.” Since spending so much time with us, “despite not working directly with them as much this summer like I had in the past, Virginia opossums are easily some of my favorite animals to work with for their curious and clingy nature. From my experience, they’ve always seemed to show the most varying personalities, with some more confrontational than others. Though regardless, handling them has always been easier than other critters and they already get brownie points in my heart for already being so adorable. They also bite down on everything thinking it can be food, which I respect.”
When asked about his future career goals, “much of the past few years of my life has followed the same road. A very long, twisty, and foggy road. That isn’t to say I’ve never had goals. I hope to one day find a more permanent career within the field of wildlife education and guest experiences. Working at a zoo has already given me a taste of what that can be. But I know there’s always more to see out there and so much that I still haven’t done. No matter how many doors open and close, the important thing is that I’m moving forward, gaining experience, and making friends along the way.”
As a final sentiment to our followers, “not to sound corny or cliche, but I just want to say if there is anyone out there who might be on the fence when it comes to working with animals, I promise you it’s very fulfilling work! I was at a similar point after I graduated from High School in 2022. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue or where to even go next in terms of employment. I felt very stuck for a long time but I held on to that little flickering passion for wildlife I hadn’t really done anything with in years. I took a chance in deciding to get my foot in the door when I came to Red Creek. Don’t let not having any prior experience scare you away like the impostor syndrome initially did with me. If you really love animals, you won’t regret it.”
Cameron, as we’ve spent so much time with you now the past two years there is so much that could be said. Watching you grow from a more timid intern into a confident level two who is able to restrain animals that would’ve caused him pause back then is inspirational. Even in moments you hesitated, you have shown us time and time again you can persevere. You’ve taken on this leadership role like it was second nature, pausing any task to help with an intake or a task that needed done, and putting teaching your level 1 interns as a top priority. On the hardest shifts, you’ve done all that was asked of you and more, even checking in with staff and keeping things light. We appreciate every moment you’ve shared with us, and thank you for caring so deeply for our critters!
