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Exotic Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LIONS TIGERS & BEARS

Fundraising coordinator

Alpine, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

... of exotic animals. Through responsible rescue, high-quality animal care, community education, and legislative advocacy, the organization seeks to create a world where wild animals live free from ...

LIONS TIGERS & BEARS

Fundraising coordinator

Alpine, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

... of exotic animals. Through responsible rescue, high-quality animal care, community education, and legislative advocacy, the organization seeks to create a world where wild animals live free from ...

LIONS TIGERS & BEARS

Fundraising coordinator

Alpine, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

... of exotic animals. Through responsible rescue, high-quality animal care, community education, and legislative advocacy, the organization seeks to create a world where wild animals live free from ...

VetCor

Veterinarian - Pasadena, MD

Pasadena, MD · On-site

... Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, and Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue. What Our Clients Love ... Optional opportunity to expand into exotic medicine through partnerships with PetSmart or Petco ...

VetCor

Veterinarian - Pasadena, MD

Pasadena, MD

... Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, and Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue. What Our Clients Love ... Optional opportunity to expand into exotic medicine through partnerships with PetSmart or Petco ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus Requirements * Insured car and a ...

Vetcor

Veterinarian - Pasadena, MD

Pasadena, MD

... Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, and Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue. What Our Clients Love ... Optional opportunity to expand into exotic medicine through partnerships with PetSmart or Petco ...

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... Past experience with rabbits or other small, exotic mammals a plus Requirements * Insured car and a ...

Ohana Pet Hospital

Veterinarian

Ventura, CA · On-site

... animal rescue partners, vendors, community, and environment. This is reflected in our culture of a ... Dentistry (with digital dental x-ray) * Limited exotics medicine (reptiles, rabbits, pocket pets)

Ohana Pet Hospital

Veterinarian

Ventura, CA · On-site

... animal rescue partners, vendors, community, and environment. This is reflected in our culture of a ... Dentistry (with digital dental x-ray) * Limited exotics medicine (reptiles, rabbits, pocket pets)

Red Door Animal Shelter

Animal Care Steward

Chicago, IL

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

We also regularly help rescue domestic chickens and ducks. Every year, Red Door rescues and finds ... exotic mammals a plus Qualifications Requirements Insured car and a valid driver's license Prior ...

Ohana Pet Hospital

Veterinarian

Ventura, CA

... animal rescue partners, vendors, community, and environment. This is reflected in our culture of a ... Dentistry (with digital dental x-ray) * Limited exotics medicine (reptiles, rabbits, pocket pets)

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$48.6K

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How much do exotic animal rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for exotic animal rescue in the United States is $48,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Exotic Animal Rescue job?

An Exotic Animal Rescue job involves rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming exotic or non-domesticated animals in need. This can include reptiles, birds, small mammals, and even larger wildlife that have been abandoned, injured, or illegally kept as pets. Professionals in this field work with veterinarians, wildlife organizations, and law enforcement to provide medical care, proper housing, and behavioral rehabilitation. The goal is to ensure the animals' well-being and, when possible, reintroduce them to their natural habitats or find suitable sanctuaries or responsible homes.

What are some common challenges faced by Exotic Animal Rescue professionals in the field?

Exotic Animal Rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable or dangerous situations, such as handling frightened or aggressive animals and navigating challenging environments. They may also have to work odd hours, respond to emergencies on short notice, and manage the emotional aspects of animal distress and rehabilitation. Collaboration with veterinarians, law enforcement, and wildlife agencies is frequently required to ensure the safe and legal rescue of animals. Successfully overcoming these challenges demands resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to animal welfare, which can make the work deeply rewarding for those passionate about helping exotic species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Exotic Animal Rescue position, and why are they important?

Exotic Animal Rescue professionals require extensive knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and emergency care, often supported by degrees in zoology, veterinary science, or related fields. Certifications such as animal handling permits, first aid for wildlife, and training with animal transport and containment equipment are commonly needed. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help them adapt to unpredictable situations and coordinate with law enforcement or veterinary partners. These competencies are essential for ensuring animal welfare, safety, and effective rescue operations.

What degree do I need to work with exotic animals?

A degree in zoology, wildlife biology, animal science, or a related field is typically required to work with exotic animals in rescue roles. Relevant skills include knowledge of animal behavior, handling, and care, and certifications in animal first aid or safety can be beneficial.
More about Exotic Animal Rescue jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs? The most popular types of Exotic Animal Rescue jobs are:
What states have the most Exotic Animal Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Exotic Animal Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Exotic Animal Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Exotic Animal Rescue jobs are:
Exotic Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exotic Animal Rescue job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,581 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Fundraising coordinator

Fundraising coordinator

LIONS TIGERS & BEARS

Alpine, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Please read full description. Instructions on how to apply at end 
About Lions Tigers & Bears
Lions Tigers & Bears is a federally and state licensed nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to providing a haven for rescued exotic animals and educating the public about the dangers of the exotic animal trade. Located on a 93-acre ranch in Alpine, California, the organization provides lifetime care for lions, tigers, bears, and other rescued animals that have been abandoned, abused, or confiscated from illegal situations.
 
Founded in 2002, Lions Tigers & Bears has grown into a nationally recognized sanctuary and advocacy organization working to end the exploitation and private ownership of exotic animals. Through responsible rescue, high-quality animal care, community education, and legislative advocacy, the organization seeks to create a world where wild animals live free from abuse and exploitation.
 
Lions Tigers & Bears operates as a mission-driven organization with a passionate team committed to animal welfare, public education, and donor stewardship. The organization’s fundraising efforts are essential to sustaining animal care operations, sanctuary expansion, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives.

 
Position Summary
The Fundraising Coordinator is an early-career development professional responsible for supporting the execution of Lions Tigers & Bears’ fundraising initiatives, donor engagement activities, and development operations. This role works closely with the Development Director and Founder to help implement the organization’s annual fundraising strategy and strengthen donor relationships.
 
The Fundraising Coordinator plays a key role in coordinating fundraising campaigns, managing donor communications, assisting with special events, and maintaining accurate donor records. This position provides hands-on exposure to multiple aspects of nonprofit development, including donor stewardship, campaign coordination, prospect research, and fundraising event support.
 
This is a full-time, in-office position based at the Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in Alpine, California, with a standard work schedule of Tuesday through Saturday. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for mission-driven work supporting animal rescue and conservation.
 
Position Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising Campaign Support
The Fundraising Coordinator assists with the execution of annual fundraising initiatives, including membership drives, annual appeals, and special campaigns such as Giving Tuesday and year-end giving efforts. The position helps coordinate campaign communications, donor outreach efforts, and supporting materials to ensure successful campaign execution.
 
The role also supports the preparation of fundraising collateral including sponsorship packets, donor communication materials, and outreach messaging. The Fundraising Coordinator helps track campaign performance and fundraising activities, providing reporting support to the Development Director and organizational leadership.
 
Donor Relations and Stewardship
This position supports donor engagement and stewardship efforts by assisting with donor acknowledgment processes, including thank-you letters and impact communications. The Fundraising Coordinator helps ensure donors receive timely recognition and communication that reinforces Lions Tigers & Bears’ mission and impact.
 
The role is responsible for maintaining accurate donor records within the organization’s CRM system (DonorPerfect), ensuring proper coding, data integrity, and documentation of donor interactions. The position also assists with donor prospect research and helps coordinate donor meetings and stewardship activities.
 
Events and Community Engagement
The Fundraising Coordinator assists in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including logistics coordination, sponsorship fulfillment, and on-site event support. This includes working with staff, volunteers, and external partners to ensure successful donor engagement experiences.
The role may also assist with identifying and researching potential corporate sponsors, community partners, and donor prospects. The position occasionally represents Lions Tigers & Bears at community events and outreach opportunities that support fundraising and awareness efforts.
 
Development Operations and Project Coordination
The Fundraising Coordinator supports the Development Director in managing multiple fundraising initiatives simultaneously by tracking timelines, deliverables, and project milestones. The role helps ensure fundraising activities remain organized, on schedule, and aligned with organizational goals.
 
The position may also assist with grant-related research and preparation by gathering program information, stories, and supporting data used in grant applications and reports.
 
Volunteer Coordination
Working in partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator, the Fundraising Coordinator assists with volunteer needs related to fundraising initiatives and special events. The role may also support the development and updating of volunteer role descriptions connected to fundraising activities.
 
Candidate Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience in nonprofit development, communications, marketing, or related fields
  • One to two years of nonprofit fundraising, administrative, communications, or project coordination experience preferred
  • Experience supporting fundraising campaigns, events, or donor engagement initiatives is a plus
 
Skills and Competencies
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data management
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems such as DonorPerfect or similar donor databases
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment
  • Professional, friendly, and mission-aligned demeanor when interacting with donors, volunteers, and community partners
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for occasional off-site meetings or events
 
Personal Attributes
  • Passion for animal welfare and wildlife conservation
  • Interest in nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement
  • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn development best practices
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude with a proactive approach to problem-solving
 
Salary for this position $70,000.00 -$80,000.00 depending on experience
 
POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING
This search is being conducted by The Batten Group, a national executive search and consulting firm dedicated to serving nonprofit and mission-driven organizations.
 
All candidate inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed to The Batten Group. Candidates should not contact Lions Tigers & Bears directly regarding this position.
 
To express interest in this opportunity or to nominate a qualified candidate, please contact:
Jim Batten
President
The Batten Group
704-651-7858
james@thebattengroup.com
-or-
Courtney Johnson
Executive Recruiter
The Batten Group
980-486-5806
courtney@thebattengroup.com
 
The Batten Group and Lions, Tigers & Bears are equal-opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.Â