Marine mammal trainerSimona Nikoléniová

What does a marine mammal trainer really do? Train dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, walruses and other marine mammals using a

system of positive reinforcement called "operant conditioning".

Maintain and enhance the health and well-being of the animals in our care. To achieve this goal marine mammal trainers must understand and work hard to ensure that their animals are provided with the highest quality food, aquatic environments, structural habitats, social and behavioral opportunities and medical care.

Training can be an extremely powerful tool in meeting these goals.

As a result of all this training and proactive health management, our animals are living much longer and healthier lives than ever before.

What do I need to do to become a dolphin trainer?CommitmentEducation, training and/or experience are the most important factors to

getting a job as a dolphin trainer. A degree in a life sciences related field, such as: animal or marine biology, psychology, behavior or certification as a veterinary technician, exotic animal training program

You can also acquire some training or experience with animals by working, volunteering or through an internship at a zoo, oceanarium, public display facility, veterinarian clinic, wildlife rehabilitation center, or animal shelter.

Public speaking, a great attitude and excellent swimming, snorkeling

What is a typical day of a dolphin trainer? Sorting and weighing fish into buckets for each of the dolphins' diet.

DDA

Before the programs with the guests begin, the trainers have a meeting to discuss the daily animal plan, take medical samples and work on training new behaviors. When the first programs begin, the dolphin teams are assembled, and the trainers lead hands-on interactions with the guests and the dolphins. After these programs, the trainers have some time to work on new behaviors or special projects before the next programs start. Some trainers will lead the interactive programs while others will work on training behaviors with individual animals.

Finish feeding the animals, clean the fish kitchen and the lab to be sparkling clean, choose new social groupings for the animals overnight.

Rebecca

Katherine

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