Green Chimneys

Animal Care

At the Farm and Wildlife Center, youth learn domestic animal care and assistance dog training. In these programs, students learn to train and care for the animals, becoming skilled enough to work in a veterinarian’s office or in a humane animal shelter as a kennel worker. While at Green Chimneys they conduct tours for visiting groups at the farm.

Over the last year 89 birds and other wildlife were brought to the Wildlife Center for rescue and rehabilitation. Some are able to be released back into the wild, others remain in permanent care. Students work with trained, licensed raptor specialists and are able to help provide basic care to all in captivity.

The Equine program is where students are taught the required skills to work as assistants in a program for equine mental health activities, experiential learning and riding for those with handicapped challenges. This program includes the care, handling and maintenance of the horses, as well as donkeys, mini horses and draft horses.

Goals:

• Provide vocational, educational and therapeutic opportunities to work with animals and nature for over 200 children.
• Offer “Learn and Earn” positions to at least 25 of our students to provide care for domestic animals and wildlife at our Farm and Wildlife Center.
• Engage 16 students in the care and training for 16 service dogs and “graduate” all 16 as service dogs for people in wheelchairs or as therapy dogs.