The Training of Marine Mammals
By: Johnathan S
 |
 |
Marine Mammal training is
a very specialized field of work. The main task of a marine mammal trainer
is to train various aquatic mammals such as dolphins, whales, seals,
sea lions, walruses, etc. |
4 dolphins looking into the glass in the tank |
|
However, marine mammal trainers also have
various other, less exciting, jobs like cleaning the tank and the
human facilities at least once or twice a week, preparing the animal’s
food and various other tasks as needed. One needs to be open to a
variety of tasks that are typical of smaller companies with smaller
staffs. In other words, one needs to be willing to do what needs to
be done. Marine mammal trainers may also need good public speaking
skills because some institutions may provide shows to entertain and
educate the public about the animals, i.e. SeaWorld. |
 |
Trainer kissing a killer whale |
|
 |
To become a marine mammal
trainer, most of the time, one must have a four-year degree in biology,
psychology, or animal behavior. Marine mammal trainers must also have
knowledge in animal biology, behavior, water chemistry, nutrition, veterinary
medicine, marine ecology and other related fields. To become a paid
marine mammal trainer, one must have experience. This can be gained
by either volunteering or getting an internship with a marine mammal
training facility such as the Dolphin Research Center at Grassy Key
in Florida. |
4 walruses posing for the camra |
The most important characteristics
of a marine mammal trainer are patience and one must love working with
animals! |
Related Links
Information about dolphins |
|
A website that is dedicated to teaching people how
to become a dolphin trainer |
|
Another website that helps answer many questions
about how to become an marine animal trainer |
|
More FAQ's about marine mammal training |
|
The dolphin research center on Grassy Key in Florida |