SWS Level 3 Volunteer

1.

How many trained volunteers are required to clean the Big Cat enclosures?

Correct Answer
2, two

Explanation
Due to the increased level of danger and chance of escaping the property, TWO trained volunteers (Level 3, or 4 AND a Level 5 must check out the keys to Cimmaron from Nancy and sign in and out for them.

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4
2.

If an animal is showing signs of increased stress, I should do the following (choose the best answer):
- A.
  
  Invite additional volunteers into the enclosure to assess the situation.
- B.
  
  Tell the volunteers I happen to see about the behavior noted.
- C.
  
  Go on about the day as if nothing is different.
- D.
  
  Make an announcement over the radio, post the "Bad Hair Day" sign on the enclosure, and write a note on the dry erase board for anyone arriving later.
Correct Answer
D. Make an announcement over the radio, post the "Bad Hair Day" sign on the enclosure, and write a note on the dry erase board for anyone arriving later.

Explanation
When an animal shows signs of stress every effort should be made to leave them alone. It is not worth the risk of a volunteer being injured. Our enclosures are big enough that if cleaning is missed for a day the animals will be fine.

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3.

Once I'm a Level 3 volunteer I can immediately start interacting with Level 4 animals like Jewel and Misun.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
You need to be a Level 3 volunteer on your own for a minimum of 50 hours prior to meeting any of the Level 4 animals. This alone does not guarantee you will be granted permission to enter Level 4 enclosures. Volunteering at SWS is a privelege and NOT a right. There are policies which everyone needs to understand to introduce a Level 3 volunteer to Level 4 animals.

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4.

A wagging tail always means they are friendly and happy.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
A wagging tail has to be interpreted with the rest of the body language as it can sometimes be a sign of uncertainty and assertiveness. If the animals tail is raised up and wagging, this is a sign of aggressiveness. Please be aware of this when you are in the enclosures.

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5.

The following are acceptable techniques for getting a reluctant animal from the lockout back into the enclosure (Choose all correct answers):
- A.
  
  Act excited about something in the enclosure to draw their attention and curiosity.
- B.
  
  Have someone outside the enclosure go down the fence an call the animal to get its attention.
- C.
  
  Grab the collar and drag the animal back in...to show him who's alpha.
- D.
  
  Take a rake or another tool and use it as a shield to convince the animal to re-enter the enclosure.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Act excited about something in the enclosure to draw their attention and curiosity.
B. Have someone outside the enclosure go down the fence an call the animal to get its attention.
D. Take a rake or another tool and use it as a shield to convince the animal to re-enter the enclosure.

Explanation
There is no single answer to this question but dominating the animal is never the correct choice. You need to elicit their cooperation or "trick" them into doing what you want them to do, safely. Don't expect the trick to work more than once, however, so preventing unwanted entry into lockouts is the best plan.

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6.

If a bite occurs (choose the best answer):
- A.
  
  It is generally always something the person has done or a warning missed.
- B.
  
  Bites are inevitable and I just need to accept it will happen.
- C.
  
  It's no big deal since the animals are vaccinated for rabies.
- D.
  
  I should deny it's a bite and make up some other story about the injury for the sake of the animal.
Correct Answer
A. It is generally always something the person has done or a warning missed.

Explanation
It has been our experience that when bites do occur it is usually something we have done (animal fear bites because it is cornered or injured) or missed / ignored (warning signs not recognized or disregarded). It is never a good idea to lie about an injury and does not help the animal or the sanctuary. Bites should never happen and are generally preventable. Learn from our past mistakes and heed all policies and safety measures. While the animals are vaccinated for rabies, it is not recognized by the USDA as being effective on wolves or wolfdogs. It will be up to the county, FWC or state veterinarian as to whether the animal will be treated as a dog (and quarantined for 10 days) or euthanized and tested for rabies (a process that requires the head to be sent to a lab). Their lives are literally in our hands!

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7.

If an animal is running in figure eights it is a sign of what?

Correct Answer
stress, nervousness, tension

Explanation
Figure eights pacing back and forth, maybe drooling means the animal is under stress. You might be the cause of the stress if you are new to the enclosure or maybe something else has happened. In this case, please leave the enclosure and report it to the staff.

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4
8.

If an animal is backing out of a collar, you should drag the animal to where you want it to go.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
If an animal is backing out of the collar, move in the direction that animal is moving. Walk a different way.

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9.

Which of the following are calming signals that the animals (and humans) can use to defuse a situation (choose all correct answers):
- A.
  
  Turning sideways
- B.
  
  Yawning
- C.
  
  Blinking
- D.
  
  Licking lips
Correct Answer(s)
A. Turning sideways
B. Yawning
C. Blinking
D. Licking lips

Explanation
All of these are techniquest that can be used in different situations individually or in combination. Additional information on this subject can be found in Turid Rugaas' book "On Talking Terms with Dogs"

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10.

When I'm a Level 3 volunteer I am free to schedule my friends and family for visits whenever I want to show them through. There is no need to schedule in the calendar and time of day doesn't matter.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
SWS remains the private residence of Nancy and Kent Smith. ALL guests MUST be scheduled in advance and written into the book. This is important for maintaining normal operations as well as accounting for educational programs, grant applications, and in tax returns.

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11.

Expect most animals to change their behavior after you put the leash on for introductions to a new volunteer.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Once you put the leash on, most animals will changed their behavior because they think they are going for a walk or it's a reason to run away and try it chew it up. If you leash an animal to be introduced to a Level 4 or 5 animal, you must be extremely careful in this situation. Do NOT let the new volunteer near the animals face, make sure they don't bend down to the animal, make sure they continue standing and determine if the situation is Perfect before you unleash that animal.

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12.

Once I am a Level 3 volunteer, I can stop having my sign-in sheet authorized before I leave for the day,
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Once a volunteer reaches Level 3, they have gained enough experience and trust from the organization to no longer require their sign-in sheet to be authorized before leaving for the day. This indicates that they have demonstrated reliability and responsibility in their role, allowing them the privilege of not needing additional oversight for their attendance.

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13.

Have you read "wolfdogs A-Z" and "On talking terms with dogs"?
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The given answer is true because the question asks if the person has read "wolfdogs A-Z" and "On talking terms with dogs". The person's response of "True" indicates that they have indeed read both of these books.

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14.

Once I have taken the Trainers Training Exam I can train new volunteers in cleaning enclosures
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The given statement is true because once someone has taken the Trainers Training Exam, they acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively train new volunteers in cleaning enclosures. This indicates that they have obtained the expertise and qualifications required to pass on their knowledge to others in this specific area. Therefore, they are capable of instructing and guiding new volunteers in the proper techniques and procedures for cleaning enclosures.

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15.

I should never wear hoodies in the winter.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
Many of our animals like to pull the hoods off of hoodies. This can be a real safety hazard for volunteers. Please do not wear hoodies in the winter. If you come in with a jacket with "fur" on the collar, they might love to get a hold of that also. Please just wear a simple jacket.

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16.

What does "whale eye" mean?
- A.
  
  Curiosity
- B.
  
  Tension, stress
- C.
  
  Playful
- D.
  
  Agressive
Correct Answer
B. Tension, stress

Explanation
Whale eye is when you can see the whites of the canines eyes. It's a sign of nervousness, tension or stress.

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17.

You are new to this particular enclosure and a wolf/wolfdog walks directly toward you, this is a sign that the animal loves you.
- A.
  
  True
- B.
  
  False
Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Wolves and wolfdogs tend to saunter their way towards you. They walk back and forth toward you. They will not walk up directly to you unless you know that animal very well.

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Sws Level 3 Volunteer

How many trained volunteers are required to clean the Big Cat enclosures?

If an animal is showing signs of increased stress, I should do the following (choose the best answer):

Once I'm a Level 3 volunteer I can immediately start interacting with Level 4 animals like Jewel and Misun.

A wagging tail always means they are friendly and happy.

The following are acceptable techniques for getting a reluctant animal from the lockout back into the enclosure (Choose all correct answers):

If a bite occurs (choose the best answer):

If an animal is running in figure eights it is a sign of what?

If an animal is backing out of a collar, you should drag the animal to where you want it to go.

Which of the following are calming signals that the animals (and humans) can use to defuse a situation (choose all correct answers):

When I'm a Level 3 volunteer I am free to schedule my friends and family for visits whenever I want to show them through. There is no need to schedule in the calendar and time of day doesn't matter.

Expect most animals to change their behavior after you put the leash on for introductions to a new volunteer.

Once I am a Level 3 volunteer, I can stop having my sign-in sheet authorized before I leave for the day,

Have you read "wolfdogs A-Z" and "On talking terms with dogs"?

Once I have taken the Trainers Training Exam I can train new volunteers in cleaning enclosures

I should never wear hoodies in the winter.

What does "whale eye" mean?

You are new to this particular enclosure and a wolf/wolfdog walks directly toward you, this is a sign that the animal loves you.