Syn Alia

Comment from Phillip Chai
Time: 11 December, 2006, 9:19 pm

I want to become an Dolphins Trainer. To keep the dolphins fit for shows. How I can get a job.

Comment from Cheri Love
Time: 23 January, 2007, 5:11 pm

ive always wanted to become a dolphin trainer and it wasnt until recently when i actually swam with them for the first time i realised how much i really enjoyed it. Im from england and there isnt much here that could help me gets this career that i know of. Where would be the best place for me to go to get the best knowledge and skills required to become a trainer? i am not too bothered if it is abroad to get the neccesary training as this is something deffinately worth while. Please help me cheri

Comment from Aly Golia
Time: 27 January, 2007, 3:37 pm

I really want to be a dolphin trainer, my whole life acutally. And ive been choosing classes to get towards where I need to go like alot of science and math classes, but now Im suck, im thinking of going to the University of Miami, it sounds like a great school and everyone says that would be best to go to get a bacholars degree in marine biology, I just need some more help, if you could email me about maybe a plan to do, I am now in 10th grade and i need to know what to do next, thank you. -aly

Comment from Kayce Cover
Time: 27 January, 2007, 11:38 pm

Dear Dolphin Trainers To Be,

Work through the WebQuest to learn more about how to work with dolphins and to prepare yourself for this career.

Best,
Kayce

Comment from Devin
Time: 27 January, 2007, 11:43 pm

I’m interested in getting SASTS certification. I live in the U.S. I would like to see if you can send me details on the how I get the certification. Thanks,

Comment from stephanie
Time: 7 February, 2007, 2:54 pm

i need someone who is a dolphin trainor to email me asap.

Comment from stephanie
Time: 7 February, 2007, 2:54 pm

i need someone who is a dolphin trainor to email me asap.

Comment from lola
Time: 20 February, 2007, 11:29 pm

wow

Comment from lola
Time: 20 February, 2007, 11:29 pm

wow lolz

Comment from Jessica Johnston
Time: 26 February, 2007, 10:01 am

Hello My name is Jessica Johnston and I am writing my senior research paper on Marine Biology Mammal Training. i was wondering if I could at possible interview one of your trainers to help me with my paper. If someone could that would be great!!
Thank you for your time,
Jessica Johnston

Comment from amanda
Time: 26 February, 2007, 6:14 pm

hi, my name is amanda and I love dolphins and have wanted to be a dolphin trainer my whole life!!! I would like to know what the best college would be to attend. I also would like to know what classes i should take to further my education. I want to be a dolphing trainer but I do not so much want the marine biologist name to come along with it what is your best advice? thankyou!!
amanda

Comment from Kayce
Time: 26 February, 2007, 6:26 pm

Hi Jessica,

I replied privately about the interview. Good luck with your paper!

Kayce

Comment from Kayce
Time: 26 February, 2007, 6:30 pm

Hi Amanda,

The point of this WebQuest is for you to work through the lesson and decide for yourself the best school for you, the best job for you, and the best way to get that job! It is a lot of work, but you better be ready for work if you want into this field. The competition is STIFF. There is a very good program at Moss Landing Marine Lab, but the competition to get into that program is tough as well. Just remember, if it is worth doing, others will want to do it as well.

And the animals deserve the best we can give them. So, if you don’t like biology (which is an important field of knowledge for animal people) you need to be especially good in soom other useful area.

Best wishes,
Kayce

Comment from becky
Time: 2 March, 2007, 1:08 pm

how much does a dolphin trainer make

Comment from Mollie
Time: 14 March, 2007, 9:27 pm

Hello,
My Name is Mollie, and I’m from NH. Ever since I was about 4 I have wanted to become a dolphin trainer. I have been writing reports on dolphins ever since elementary school, and now that I am in high school all my research papers are written on dolphin training and dolphins in captivity. Because of my huge interest in this career, I have been getting A+’s on every paper I hand in. So my question to you is, what do you recommend taking for courses in High School to prepare for college, and what are some good colleges to look into that can help me reach my goal. I have enrolled in the Vet Tech program to get animal experience and knowledge, and have taken many science and math classes. I noticed on your website you had Moorpark in CA, do you recommend any colleges in FL or closer to my home state? thank you very much and any help or feedback will be greatly appreciated and will help to remove some stress from choosing colleges!
Thanks for your time,
Mollie

Comment from amira
Time: 18 March, 2007, 4:15 pm

how are the working conditions? I would like to know very much

Comment from karen
Time: 4 April, 2007, 9:50 am

What colleges could you go to????

Comment from kat
Time: 12 April, 2007, 12:48 am

I’m doing a career project in my English class and I kinda have to have a interview done by Friday, April 13. And because I’ve always wanted to be a whale/dolphin trainer that’s the career I picked but I don’t have any idea where to get an interview done…we are allowed to do it through email so if someone could possibly help me out that would greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Sincerely, Kat!

Comment from Laff attack
Time: 25 April, 2007, 5:20 pm

I Would like some info on marine biology and Dolphine training because i am considering a job in both in the future but i would like to know what i would have to do or study. What do They do?

Comment from Laff attack
Time: 25 April, 2007, 5:20 pm

I Would like some info on marine biology and Dolphine training because i am considering a job in both in the future but i would like to know what i would have to do or study. What do They do?

Comment from Christine Moncalieri
Time: 1 May, 2007, 6:10 pm

Ever since i was 5 i always wanted to be a Dolphin Trainer. I went to all kinds of Dolphin shows. I usto live in Florida and promised myself i would be one. But when i moved to New Jersey i thought it would be impossibol. I thought of other things that i might be interested in but nothing compared, everyone told me it would be to tough for me, and i wouldnt be able to. But it is my Dream, and what my heart truely wants, and i want to pruve people wrong. And ill do anything to be able to be a dolphin trainer , because that is what makes me so happy. Please, tell me everything i need to know , so i can get started with my Career and my Dream, thankyou.

Comment from rach
Time: 4 May, 2007, 5:40 pm

I have been interested in being a dolphin trainer since i was little.I have wanted to be one even more since i swam with the dolphin at discovery cove last october. I currently live in scotland in the uk. I was wondering if you could tell me where the best place to get training to become a dolphin trainer as there is not many option living in the uk. What qualifications do i need? or can i get training at ’seaworld’? is that possible. this would be my dream i will work as hard as i can please email me back thankyou rachel x

Comment from Lucie Vernon
Time: 8 May, 2007, 4:15 pm

I am 16 years old and trying to follow a career path of a marine mammal trainer. The only problem is than i live in England, about to go to college, and i am finding it very hard to study for this career in Britian. I wondered if you could guide me on what i am supposed to do and if my dream is over. The plan doesn’t seem to help me as there are not any universities i know to that studies in marine topics. I have always visited America, Orlando when growing up and fell in love over and over again with Seaworld. I have always admired the trainers and how special they must be to work with the unique mammals and one day hope to aspire to them. Please could you help me as i am very serious about this career many thanks Lucie Vernon xxx

Comment from Monika
Time: 22 May, 2007, 3:34 pm

I have always had a love for dolphins. When I was younger no one ever pushed me or guided me to start on the path in a career in dolphin training. I had swan with dolphins after already starting school for a marketing degree. I have just graduated and returned from a trip where I spent the whole week watching and observing dolphins every day and even dragging my boyfriend to watch them at night. I live in NJ and want to know how to get a job with dolphins. Im so infatuated by them that I would take any job that I could just to observe and watch and hopefully interact with them. Any advise would help. Thank you!
~Monika~

Comment from Much Trouble
Time: 26 May, 2007, 10:04 am

Im having trouble. I cant find out how many jobs there are in dolphin training. Can you please help?

Comment from Holly
Time: 4 June, 2007, 10:23 pm

I want to become a dolphin trainer and work at a place like sea world. What kind of income do dolphin trainers make? Where is the best college for something like this? Is their a camp that I can get involved in during the summer which would enable me to swim with dolphins? I want to learn as much as possible before attending college. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Comment from laxwfzetfg
Time: 3 July, 2007, 10:25 am

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Comment from kathryn
Time: 8 July, 2007, 9:39 pm

I would love to be a marine mammal trainer but I have no idea on how to get that started. I mean what would I have to do in school what kind of school should I go to and what would I do after i finshed school. Could you please help me
Thanks so much !!!!
Kathryn

Comment from Diane
Time: 1 August, 2007, 2:37 pm

Hi, my name is Diane, im 16 years old and i want to become a Dolphin Trainer. However, i am having a little trouble getting started (ok, maybe a lot of trouble). I was wondering, what kind of job should i get, at my age, that would help prepair me to become a Dolphin Trainer? I would also like to become killer whale trainer. Are the Dolphin and Whale jobs basically the same (do you have to study the same subjects), or are they completely different? If you could help me, that would be amazing, Thanks.
Diane

Comment from Alysha
Time: 10 August, 2007, 4:38 pm

okay, i’ve always wanted to be a dolphin trainer. im 15 now and i like to plan ahead. i’ve been looking for colleges to go to and i cant find any?. . i dont know what subjects to study to become a dolphin trainer. i need all the information i need to become one. pleasee help me?!!

Comment from kim
Time: 21 August, 2007, 4:53 pm

hey im writin this paper for ag buissness on being a dolpin trainer and one of the ?s we needed 2 answer was, what do they make? if u cud reply bac 2 me dat wud b great

Comment from Kleanthe
Time: 8 September, 2007, 6:30 pm

Sorry

Comment from Alekos
Time: 16 September, 2007, 6:33 pm

Cool…

Comment from Kelsey
Time: 23 September, 2007, 7:00 pm

Hi am just starting HS and for all my life I have wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I know that almost everyone wants to be one, and that it will take alot of hard work. This is something i have set my mind on and i will work extremely hard to do. I was wondering if you could give me some feedback on what clases or courses I could take to accomplish my dream! For example, What are good colleges I could attend? Any answers would be very much appreciated . Thanks

Comment from Kayce Cover
Time: 23 September, 2007, 8:03 pm

Hi Kelsey,

Did you work through the webquest above? This gives you a chance to look at a few programs, with the requirements of being a marine mammal trainer in mind.

If you have not, please give it a try.

If you try it and need further help, please write again.

Good luck with your journey!

Kayce Cover

Comment from Whitney
Time: 3 October, 2007, 3:12 pm

Hi, my name is Whitney. And I am getting ready to apply to some colleges, i’m going to major in zoology so that I can acheive my goal of becoming a dolphin trainer. What are some of the best colleges to attend?

Comment from kileigh
Time: 3 October, 2007, 10:01 pm

Hi, i want to be a dolphin trainer BADLY and am getting a bachellors degree in wildlife management, i was wondering if that would be good enough. However my classes are extremely hard and i was wondering if anyone new a etter/easier major to take and what exact requirements are to be a dolphin trainer, thank you

Comment from Angel Brandon
Time: 10 October, 2007, 3:15 pm

hi , my name is angel and ive always wanted to be a Dolphin Trainer.

I LUV DOLPHINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

thank you for ur service

Comment from lauren packman
Time: 18 October, 2007, 6:19 am

can anyone give me a college, that i can train to be a marine mammal trainer in, which is in England?

Comment from Kayce Cover
Time: 19 October, 2007, 8:57 am

I will be in the UK in March and will try to find more information. In the meantime, there is a department of Behavior Medicine at the University of Lincoln, headed by Dr. Daniel Mills, which might be a very good place to start. When preparing to be a dolphin trainer, you need specialized training, but would do well to be sure that you also get training that will help you in other jobs as well. It is challenging to find a position as a trainer, and even if you do, most people leave the field within five years.

Also note, I believe it is illegal to keep dolphins in the UK, so you will need to either help get the laws changed, or plan on working in another country, if that is true.

Regards and thanks for writing,
Kayce

Comment from megan
Time: 30 October, 2007, 12:36 pm

i need some facts about a MARINE mammal trainer like how much $ they makea week and a year, by tomorrow. could you send me some info.

Comment from nia
Time: 5 November, 2007, 7:09 pm

hey,
ive wanted to become a dolphin trainer ever since i was seven years ago, and after getting my dream to come to get to swim with them, ive been wanting this even more. im in high school right now and i live in canada. and im just wondering what university would be the best and what courses i would have to take in unviersity. if you could help me that would be great, thanks!

Comment from anthony
Time: 8 November, 2007, 3:02 pm

I want to a Dolphin trainer but I am olny 13teen

Comment from ced
Time: 8 November, 2007, 3:06 pm

i want to be one of the Dolphin trainre but i am olny 12

Comment from rachael
Time: 23 November, 2007, 10:35 pm

ive always wanted to become a dolphin trainer. Im from england and there isnt much here that could help me gets this career that i know of. ive applied for a course in marine biology at liverpool university, its a honours degree for 3 years. is there anywhere else that would be the best place for me to go to get the best knowledge and skills required to become a trainer? i am not too bothered if it is abroad to get the neccesary training as this is something deffinately worth while. please email me i need help as for where to go so i get the best training required. i am really passionate about it and have been all my life rachael x

Comment from Cody James
Time: 1 December, 2007, 9:02 pm

Hi my name is Cody James. I am from Oklahoma and I have never been to the ocean yet. Although I have been to many aquariums. I really would like to pursue a career as a dolphone trainer. Please send me as much information as you can to help me get started. I am a senior now and am getting ready for college.

Comment from Rebecca
Time: 10 December, 2007, 6:56 pm

Hey, ym name’s Rebecca! I’m 13 (14 this March) and I wanted to know what would be some good jobs to start with. I live about 20 minutes from a Humane Society and was wondering if maybe volunteering there and then working there would be some good practice. I am also looking out for colleges that would be good starters, I have heard of MoorePark college but I don’t think I can travel all the way form Florida to….wherever ther heck that is. Could you help me?

Comment from Kayce Cover
Time: 10 December, 2007, 7:20 pm

Hi Rebecca,

I used to live in Sarasota, and Mote Marine Lab there is a good place to see about volunteering. If you are in Tampa, think about Busch Gardens, Lowry Zoo…. You may still be a bit young to get into their programs, but now is the time to start checking these things out, as the competition for these opportunities is often fierce. Mote and other institutions sometimes have stranding programs in which you can get involved. Also, there is much to be gained from an aquarium membership, and a lot of time spent simply observing the animals. I noticed young people who were seriously interested in the animals and would go out of my way to offer opportunities to them.

Good luck and please keep me posted on your progress.

Best wishes,
Kayce Cover

Comment from Sandy
Time: 20 December, 2007, 7:06 pm

Hi there,

I’m a third year at UC Irvine (Irvine, CA), working on requirements for veterinary school. I’m interested in finding some type of internship in the area of exotic/marine animal training or care. I’ve worked at a veterinary hospital and am looking into volunteer work with the Marine Mammal Center, but am really interested in an internship that allows for interaction with the animals. (MMC deals with rescue animals).

I’ve tried looking through links for sea world and zoos in the area, but opportunities are normally for camp counselors and things of that nature. I’m certainly not above cleaning and feeding as most of my work so long as I have involvement with the animals as well as with a professional in the field.

Thanks so much for your time,

Sandy

Comment from Mariah
Time: 2 January, 2008, 2:09 pm

Hi my name is Mariah I am currently 15 and a sophmore in high school, I was born in Minnesota and raised in Texas. ever since Kintergarden I’ve been in love with dolphins, but it wasn’t untill i was 11 and I swam with dolphins for the first time in my life that I considered dolphin training as a career option. Now I have been spending a lot of time researching and studing what I could do to make my dream a reality. Last year I had the oppertunity to swim with dolphins a second time and I had a private lesson where I learned about the structure of a dolphin and was able to discuss what it takes to be a dolphin trainer with one of the trainers at Dolphin Discovery. I do realize that dolphin training isn’t just playing and swimming with the dolphins but it is a lot of work too. I was wondering if you could further enlighten me on this profession. If you can, could you e-mail me with information?
Thank you so much for your time,
Mariah

Comment from ciara
Time: 12 January, 2008, 7:31 pm

i was wondering what the current sallary is for dolphin trainers!

Comment from Megan
Time: 17 January, 2008, 7:28 am

Hi, i’m very interested in becoming a dolphin trainer. I am in love with dolphins, always have been. I am just wondering what is best to major in for this career? Is biology the best choice or is there something else? I am already in college and almost done with my general ed, so i need to make up my mind what im going to major in..so please help! thank you much!

Comment from Micah
Time: 22 January, 2008, 7:01 pm

I love dolphins so much that I am considering becoming a dolphin trainer. And I was wondering how much dolphin trainers get paid.Thanks!

Comment from Mika
Time: 22 January, 2008, 7:06 pm

I would love to become a dolphin trainer some day. I was just wondering how long I would have to go to college and what I would get paid for being a dolphin trainer.Thank you for your time.

Comment from danielle
Time: 1 February, 2008, 9:55 am

i live in the uk and i really want to become a dolphin trianer, i’ve swam with them when i was 10 and ever since and before that time i really want to become a trainer who specializes in dolphins. i am a great swimmer and i have done many swimming courses and i work with animals on a farm. i was wondering if you coulod help me/let me know how to get started. i am 16 and im still in school. however living in the uk there isnt really many areas which accomodate this.
please help,
thanks

Comment from Leslie
Time: 23 February, 2008, 1:24 am

I am currently a biology-ecology major at a university. I am dating a U.S. Marine and was wondering if jobs would be limited for me because of possibly having to relocate every few years? I would like to know if this would be an obsticle in obtaining a job in any area of animal care.

Comment from Kayce
Time: 23 February, 2008, 8:46 am

Hi Leslie,

Jobs are always limited. It is not like being a teacher, nurse or secretary where there are jobs everywhere you go. However, there are usually animal jobs, and certainly animal activities, wherever you go. We need shelter managers and workers, dog walking volunteers at shelters. We need dog trainers and pet behavior counselors, we need horse trainers, farriers, vets, vet assistants. We need zoo docents and interpretors. We need naturalists who are willing to help monitor local wildlife, and wildlife rehabbers (licensed to care for injured wild animals). We need people who make their lifestyle more friendly to animals, including making bird and butterfly gardens, feeding the birds, lanscaping to support wildlife, xeriscaping and more. And here is a job available EVERYWHERE: teachers who are knowledgeable about our environment and animals and can lead our young people to understanding and appreciation - whether in school, 4-H, Scouts, church, or wherever we are priveleged to help guide the interests of others, especially the young.

Without any ties to anyone, the odds against getting a job with marine mammals are astronomical. (Whether or not your location is tied to someone else, or you are required to move regularly.) Even if you land the job of your dreams, most people leave the field within 5 years, last time I saw the statistics. There are many wonderful ways to interact with animals which will not interfere with making family plans.

Regards,
Kayce

Comment from Sohie
Time: 1 March, 2008, 8:06 am

hi i am from england i swam with dolphins last year at discovery cove and would love to get a jod were you swim with dolphins but i dont no what qualifacactions you need to be one. Its always been my dream. Please write back. Thank You for your time. From Sophie X

Comment from Lindsay
Time: 18 March, 2008, 3:51 pm

I am fifteen years old, I will be sixteen in June, and I just recently discovered how much I would truly enjoy being a dolphin trainer. I have been to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom quite a few times and just fell in love with the dolphins and the idea of training and being with them. I also believe I have the ability, determination, and the right attitude to very possibly make this dream job a reality. So I followed your resource job preparation process posted on this website and learned a lot of valuable and cool information. But I noticed that most of the job preparing apllies to 18 year olds and older. So do you have any advice for a sophmore in highschool on how to get ahead of the pack in say job experience, education (like high school level courses and classes to take), and just simple steps I could be taking right now to prepare for this job?

Comment from Megan
Time: 20 March, 2008, 11:32 pm

Hello Kayce!
Wow, thank you for this resource! It helped a bundle, especially for someone like me who has just recently been interested in this career path and came to this site with a large amount of questions!

I do have one question for you though….

I currently am a student at the University of Arizona majoring in Animal Sciences (BS), because that option has courses in psychology, communication and also public speaking, which I understand is what SeaWorld prefers when looking at applicants. Although this major is the area of interest that SeaWorld is looking for, will it make a difference where I obtained that degree from? In other words, will it matter that I got my degree from UA or will another school look more impressive?

Also, I’ve been involved in my community with working with the local Humane Society, and am looking to get a job at one of the veterinary clinics in town. I am SCUBA certified and am searching for an internship to give me more experience and knowledge in the field. I basically want to have the leg-up on other applicants, so I am incredibly dedicated and motivated to go above and beyond the expectations of others and myself. This career is my dream and I am willing to give whatever it takes to get it. What other advice to you have to offer about boosting my resume and making my experience and drive look impressive when compared to others? Is there any other ways to get “brownie points”?(haha!)
Thank you so much for your time Kayce and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Bets Wishes,
~Megan

Comment from Harley
Time: 27 March, 2008, 6:03 pm

Hi Kayce
My name i harley and i am going to graduate next year and i would love to become a dolphin trainer. I really dont know where to start in starting my career as a dolphin trainer. What majors do i need to take in college? Do i need to go to a university or community college? What classes to i need to take? Thank you so much for you r time will you email me at www.harleygurl_09@yahoo.com.
thanks alot,
Harley

Comment from George
Time: 29 March, 2008, 2:21 pm

Hi Kayce
I’m doing a project on careers at my highschool, and I have chosen marine mammal training as my career. I have to interview two people of that respective career and I was wondering if you could answer the ten questions I have.Thank you.
1) Is the career field very competitive?
2) Aproximately how many years would it take to become a trainer?
3) What are the benefits of being a trainer?
4) What are the cons?
5) With your schooling, could you train other animals?
6) How is the salary?
7) Do you have to be able to perform with your animals?
8) What are your best moments doing this job?
9) Have you ever gotten emotionally attached to an animal?
10) How many hours do you spend training an animal?
If you answer these questions, could you send it to my email. Thank you so much.

Comment from Beci
Time: 29 March, 2008, 7:57 pm

I’ve always wanted to be a dolphin/whale trainer but I don’t know how to get into this career. i live in England i can’t find out how to become a marine mammal trainer as we don’t have that kind of job here and no places for work experience. i can’t train abroad as i am 16 and have a little boy so it isn’t praticle at this moment. please help me and tell me what qualifications i need i have looked all over the internet for this information and i just can’t find it. thankyou.

Comment from Natalie
Time: 1 April, 2008, 6:25 pm

hello my name is natalie, im 15 and im from the South of England.
Ive always wanted to be a dolphin trainer from when i was younger. i swam with them in discovery cove in orlando florida about 3 years ago. i saw all the people working with them and i thought they must have so much fun doing this job. it must be a dream come true for them. i would love to be working with dolphins, as it would be a dream come true for me. there isnt much for this job over here, and when i have done my GCSE’s and left school i would love to do it. even if it was a summer time job where i could work abroad and do it. that would be amazing. but i want more information on how i could do it. what qualifications do i need? what would i have to go into to do it? please could you help me with this and give me some information, i would be ever so gratefull if you could, thankyou x

Comment from Raven
Time: 9 April, 2008, 10:36 pm

i always wanted to be a dolphin trainer but never knew what to do but now thanks to this website i can pursue my dreams. WOW!!

Comment from Jessica Beth
Time: 11 April, 2008, 5:32 pm

Graduating from High School and picking a career to study is much more difficult than I have ever imagined. I still do not know if marine training is right for me, but I am very interested. All my life I wanted to be an artist and help people in theropy. Although, I have strongly been considering animals as my new plan. I want to make a difference. I want to help. I want to be important and matter! So basically all that I am asking for is some guidance. I need an outsiders point-of-view to help with my decision making. My Mothers voice has been heard and I don’t know if what she is telling me is who I am or who I want to be. Please help. Thank you.

Comment from Kayce
Time: 11 April, 2008, 6:39 pm

Hi Jessica,

A dear friend of mine is named Jessica. It means “wealthy”. Beautiful name.

Now, about your career/life purpose/vocation and avocation:

1) You are likely to have at least 5 “careers”.

2) Every one of them will bring your challenges and gifts that will enrich the rest of your life in ways you can never imagine during the experience (I often thought some of my most valuable experiences would never be “of use” while I was in the middle of them.)

3) Your life’s mission in one phase of life will evolve as you grow - so you must always listen to the little, quiet voice within, which always tells you your particular truth.

4) You can never please everyone else so you might as well please yourself.

5) Most decisions you can change later. In addition to being a professional animal trainer for most of my adult life, I have also been a waitress, medical records clerk, medical transcriptionist, medical research assistant, cellular phone sales person, herbalist, licensed mortgage broker, tutor, greenhouse worker, livestock technician, and technical expert. I advise anyone to get out there and intern/volunteer/interview any job you think you are interested in. I initially wanted to be a vet and then realized that I prefer to work with well animals that like to see me and that I have a relationship with. I like medicine and have worked in close association to medicine and medical research for most of my career.

6) Your living and spending habits will have more to do with your financial success than your salary will. Check out “The Millionaire Next Door”. I wish I had read that book much earlier than I did, but I did read it and it made me feel great about my life and choices. No matter what you do, budget, save, and live below your means, if you want to be free from financial worry.

But, unless you have been deeply driven to work with marine mammals, I don’t recommend pursuing dolphin training. If you are not passionate about it, you will find you focus on the fact that you make little money, have few to no benefits, no job security, little room for advancement, always smell like fish and pick fish scales off your hands at a candlelight dinner because they glitter glaringly in the candlelight.

However, you might really enjoy working with therapy animals and possibly in an art context. There is also a huge market for special ed instructors, and some states (Va for example) will pay for your masters degree if you will teach these children - and they make a higher salary than most teachers (did I mention that I also worked in teacher services and have a masters in education but decided not to teach high school science).

Oh, and if you firmly set the intent that you will be a blessing amongst people, follow your truth accordingly, you cannot help but become that.

Regards,
Kayce

Comment from Andrea
Time: 27 April, 2008, 5:39 pm

Hi.
My name is Andrea and I have just recently decided that I want to be a dolphin trainer. I think that they are the most beautiful creatures that God created! I’ve been looking over your info and researching other sites for the requirements. This is really going to be a lot of work!! When did you decide what you wanted to do for you career? I’m fifteen and homeschooled. Do you think that that will be a problem? I go to co-op classes though, and just finished biology and am going to do marine biology next year. I’m not very good at math and I noticed that mathematics were preferred. Hope that’s not a problem.
Also, I would love to get some first hand experience working with dolphins. I know that there’s not a very good chance for that since I’m so young and inexperienced. Where would you suggest maybe a summer job or something that would at least put me in that enviroment? I live in Texas right around Austin.
Any comments or suggestions that you might have would be greatly appreciated. I know that this is going to be alot of work but this is a dream that I am not going to give up on and I’m willing to work toward it.
Thank you!
Andrea

Comment from Marlon Coley
Time: 14 May, 2008, 1:13 pm

I am a Jamican and am a Veterinary assistant and a Dolphin Trainer and would like to study behavioural science online

Comment from ASHLEY
Time: 22 June, 2008, 7:30 pm

What are some hand singles that dolpines trainners use at San Daigo sea world?

Comment from Nicole
Time: 26 June, 2008, 3:44 pm

I have done research on becoming a dolphin trainer and many times I see that majoring in psychology is more popular than majoring in animal science or biology. Why and does that seem accurate? Thank you!

Comment from Kayce
Time: 26 June, 2008, 3:56 pm

Hi Nicole,

I think it is that many trainer positions emphasize people skills
rather than research skills. A few good trainers can create all the
behaviors that the presenters work with, but each presenter needs to
be a good “outreach” person. However, you can sure get a job with a
science degree, and you may have a richer selection of jobs later, if
you leave the training field.

Keep in mind that there are many important auxiliary skills: computer
software, typing, video editing, water quality control, filtration
systems, marine mammal husbandry and diseases, fish purchase, storage
and prep, environmental conservation, animal legislation, and for some
parks, most of all SWIMMING!

Good luck!

Kayce

Comment from emily callantine
Time: 3 July, 2008, 1:01 pm

ever since i was a little girl… i dreamed of working with sea life…to me theres nothing more exciting about being able to interact with a whole different world of beauty. now ,i know that alot of people would love to work with dolphins. but for me its more then that. its more the just a “cool” job. its apart of me, i feel whole when im working in that enviroment, its almost like working with thease amazing creatures makes me who i am. not only do i want to provide a loveing careing atmosphere and teach them what i can. but i know that evrytime i interct with them, they teach me more about life then i couldve ever even imagined. in life there are so many things that can come crashing down on you, and so many things to take in.. but with thease mammals there world is peaceful, there is somthing so soothing and calm about it, when im involed in that, life to me can not get any better….this to me would not be a “job” but life long adventure that never ends, it would be my dream come true….

Comment from Makenzie
Time: 6 July, 2008, 7:33 pm

Hi,
I would like to ba a dolphin trainer when im older im in
7th grade.. but can you tell me some classes i need to take or something??

Comment from Christina
Time: 16 July, 2008, 8:15 pm

Hi,
My name is Christina I am 13. I was wondering what I should do to prepare my self to become a dolphin trainer because I just love dolphins so much!
Thank you

Comment from Christina
Time: 16 July, 2008, 8:15 pm

Hi,
My name is Christina I am 13. I was wondering what I should do to prepare my self to become a dolphin trainer because I just love dolphins so much!
Thank you

Comment from libby
Time: 19 July, 2008, 3:14 pm

i just want to full fill my dreams and come wat i want to become and my mum says ur will neva do that but i still think inside my mind i could do this if i tryed hard enought i just want it bad .
and how hard is it to move to amercia and become a tranier in sea world >>?
thank you
x

Comment from Louise Radford
Time: 31 July, 2008, 9:32 am

To Kayce.
My name is Louise Radford, I’m 13 years old living in England, and for as long as I can remember I have wanted to work with some form of Marine life, preferably Marine Mammals. I have done swimming for years, and have recently started scuba diving lessons. I have Australian citizenship, as well as family living over there, and hope to one day work at Seaworld on the Gold Coast in Australia. I already have accomodation to stay in Australia until I finish my courses. I am thinking of either doing marine biology, animal psycology or zoology, and then an honours degree for another 12 months. I have no problem with getting dirty or wet, and I have no problem with the lower salary. I would just like to know which of the previous courses would be best, and if you know how long it takes to work your way up to becoming a MMT. I’ve heard that for many trainers, they started out selling popcorn, and ended up getting right in with the animals.
Thank you for posting all this information, as it has really helped me, and I’m sure it will help me in the future if I end up fulfilling my dream.
x
Louise

Comment from ashley
Time: 15 August, 2008, 10:45 pm

hi,
my name is ashley and i was wondering, how much do you get paid to train dolphins at San Deigo seaworld? And what do you need to know to get the job? What class whould i take i collage and how long whould it take to become a dolphin trainer? thank you
ashley

Comment from mexSmalmLah
Time: 26 August, 2008, 2:55 am

ball excise, notional.

Comment from anonimous
Time: 15 October, 2008, 6:11 pm

OK just so everyone’s clear, I know biology, marine biology, calculus 2, algebra 2, trigonomatry, geometry, psychology, and how to swim very very well. i could get into most colleges easily now. except for pre-algebra and most of my LA, i have learned all this in one year of homeschooling using for dummies books. i have already taken and aced at least ten SAT’s i found online. now that you know my background here is my comment

I am 14. i can go to practically any college i want and if it wasn’t for my age and the fact i need some diplomas i could start the career of dolphin training right now. if i go to college now i will graduate with the proper degrees for marine mammal training when i’m 18, just old enough to get a job.

Or, i could start highschool with all of my friends from my seventh grade year and with all the other fourteen year olds, Acing all my classes and only gaining a strong background for college and perfecting my swimming skills. I’d start college at the age of either 18 or 16. i wouldn’t be able to start searching for a career until i am 20 or 22.

I don’t know what i should do, college and my dream career at the age of 18, or highschool.

i have full confidence in handling the career after graduating college either way but what i’m worried about is what about during college.

plz tell me what i should do

please don’t email me, or tell anyone on the site my real name, if my dad found this comment while the virus protection software on my computer was down, he’d kill me.

Comment from ananimous
Time: 15 October, 2008, 6:26 pm

Actually, my name is keenan eriksson. i am 13, not 14 and am only in algebra 1 and geometry right now. that last post is what i will hopefully (and probably) have learned by the end of everyone elses school year( since i homeschool i will probably still be studying through summer break). I do live in texas, do not mind getting dirty, covered in fish, or cleaning tanks. i practically live in the pool(and have a small goal of getting an olympic gold medal in the mens freestyle when i turn 17).

Now since most of you doubt i’ll know enough to go to college when im fourteen (my birthday is in april) i have done an SAT before, not the real deal, but one they had all the honors kids take last year and i would be able to get into an ok college.

I suppose the question now is, if you could get into any college you wanted at the age of fourteen and be able to start a job as dolphin trainer at the age of 18, would you do it, or would you go to highschool, 9th grade, and wait until your 18 to start college
and easily ace everything in highschool and college.

Keep going straight to college would mean most likely not knowing anyone who goes there, being 4 to 9 years younger than everyone else. And not knowing how to cook very well.

Comment from ananimous
Time: 15 October, 2008, 6:53 pm

To everyone who really truly wants to train dolphins as a career. You can’t… y-o-u…CAN’T!!! Y-O-U CAN NOT GET T-H-I-S J-O-B T-H-E E-A-S-Y W-A-Y

dolphin training is not something you can achieve the easy way.

if you really really want it, really want it. go to the store sometime this week and buy marine biology for dummies, marine biology workbook for dummies, 10 pens, 20 pencils, a completely empty notepad, and some wordless folk music on itunes. spend at least half an hour a day studying that book (i spend two hours a day minimum), notetaking. spend at least another half hour researching online what you’ll need to know for your job. study every single type of job that happens at a marine mammal training facility. by the time you graduate college you want to be able to be a trainer, meal preparer, Marine mammal veteranarian, and husbandry expert. in most facilities thes are all separete jobs but in some, in order to be the trainer, you must do all the jobs.

You can’t support a family of even 1 child only on dolphin training. dolphin training usually pays 18-20,000 american dollars a year. someone with up to about 10 years experience can earn up to 40,000 a year. alone you might be able to afford a 1 room apartment near your job.

and a 1 room apartment is all you should need, the training facility should be your life, you should spend more time there than anywhere else in the world. your apartment is only needed as a place to sleep and maybe eat.

Not up for it? believe it or not i could go through a long list of other things but i have a feeling that you get the point.

P.S, I am only 13 and plan on going to college next year.

Comment from Keenan Eriksson
Time: 15 October, 2008, 10:11 pm

Does anyone know if their is a specific book on training dolphins or some book that contains all the information on (a) dolphin(s). i’m most interested in finding a book on the biology of a dolphin that would include their diet and whatnot but if their is a book on their biology, psychology, different tricks to train them, how to train them, etc.

so far i’m having to find the info book by book or online.

Comment from kayla
Time: 24 October, 2008, 9:43 pm

Hi im kayla. im only eleven years old. when i was ten i went to sea world in san diego california with my grandma. we watched all the dolphin and whale shows and ever since then i have figured out what i want to be when i grow up! i want to be able to work, have fun, and train marine mammals. but for now i just want a summer job at one of these places. oh and i need to know how much they pay.Thanx, Kayla

Comment from Michaela
Time: 29 October, 2008, 10:15 am

I’ve always loved dolphins but working with them would be miracle i think i would be a fine dolphin trainer. And thats the thing i will become a dolphin trainer i am determined to succeed to be a dolphin trainer, what ever it takes i will do. And then some day which wont be to far i will be a dolphin trainer. Watch out all dolphins Michaela Gomez is coming soon.

Comment from Keenan Eriksson
Time: 31 October, 2008, 12:31 pm

Hey everyone, i have a small dilema. as you probably assume from previous comments that i’m really serious about the job of training dolphins. unfortunately i wear glasses and contacts because i have poor vision. neither of these can be worn in water and the trainers don’t wear goggles. underwater without goggles my vision is the same as anyones but when im just floating there, how am i going to see the fish the other trainer is throwing to me. or other stuff i’d need glasses for?
Unless you know of contacts that are made not to fall out in water, laser eye surgery seems to be my only option other than wearing my glasses and hoping they don’t fall off when i’m underwater.

To Kayla. Dolphin training usually pays 18-20,000 dollars a year for your first ten to twelve years. a person whos been working or has up to 12 years experience can earn up to 40,000 dollars a year, this isn’t a problem for me as i only plan on having a crappy apartment (i don’t even want a tv) and will only need the money for food but for people who want a full home you’ll need a second job.

Comment from Keenan Eriksson
Time: 31 October, 2008, 12:33 pm

Kudos to micheala, way to go. a positive attitude and a little bit of work can get you anything

Comment from sophie
Time: 2 November, 2008, 12:19 pm

hi.
im 13 and im going on to year 10 soon so what gcse would i need to be aming for and what subjects shoul i take because i want to work at sea world orlando florida
please help

Comment from Keenan Eriksson
Time: 6 November, 2008, 3:01 pm

sophie, i don’t know what you mean by going on to year ten or what gcse means but i can answer your question.

the different things you need to learn to work with dolphins are marine biology, phsychology, and knowledge of dietary needs.

whitch one is most important depends on which one of the many jobs you may want. if you want to be a dolphin trainer, the best thing to get a degree in would be phsychology and you should spend most of your time studying it. you wont need a degree in it but the biology of your animal is good to know as some trainers also need to prepare food other than fish. you probably don’t need to know about vitamins and such because normally there is another person, known as a husbandry expert, who doesn’t train the dolphins but makes sure they are healthy, however, the trainer may be required to do this job.

also, i knew a sophy who would be about thirteen right now, sophy hampton, and if you are her, i hope you’ve either become way more mature and tolerent of gross stuff and more fit. the sophy i’m thinking of would never be able to hold a dead fish, much less inspect it for cuts or gut it. she was the kind of person who i’d believe would want to be a dolphin trainer but would only want it but wouldn’t realize she’d need to wake up early, clean tanks, handle fish, exercize, swim a lot, and keep the dolphins fit.

although she probably wouldn’t go to a site to figure out what to learn either, she’d just wait till she was eighteen and expect to get the job.

in case you do get this, I’ll be on this site at around 8:00 to 1 or 2:00 at night ( i know its late but thats when i do all my studying on dolphins, my parents don’t exactly know of my interests and wouldn’t aprove anyway)

Comment from Kelly
Time: 11 November, 2008, 9:12 pm

Hello, Kayce.

I have been reading some of the blog entries and cannot help but notice that most are from young people attempting to choose their first career. In contrast, I have already had several careers but have an enduring love of marine mammals. My background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and Registration as a Dietitian, a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing with one year left to complete my Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. I have worked in numerous settings as a Registered Dietitian and as a Nurse. Currently, I teach undergraduate nursing students. My concern is that pursuing this very different career may be nothing more than dreaming and my age will hold me back (37). I have read about the competitiveness and understand the physical, scheduling, and “dirty” challenges that are a part of the job. So, I guess my question is - when does age become a hindrance? I live in Western Pennsylvania (no marine parks, zoos, or oceans within a realistic daily driving distance) so volunteering somewhere would be challenging at best. I have volunteered at the local animal shelter as a dog walker. I have multiple animals of my own also.

Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. I am currently reading two books about marine mammals - one discusses bottlenose dolphins specifically and the other discusses beginning your career as a marine mammal trainer. I have looked online at different certificate programs (noting that they are more expensive than graduate school!) and would also like to know if that type of certification would be helpful. Should I complete a minor or another major in Psychology?

Thanks for any and all input.
Kelly

Comment from Jessica Hunnicutt
Time: 29 November, 2008, 10:34 pm

Kayce,
I would love to receive more information about the steps, classes and any extra things i can do to get a job in marine animal training. I have wanted to work with whales since I was a child. I have already received my general associates degree from a local community college now I just need to know where would be the best place to finish my schooling, I live in Florida near seaworld and marineland. any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Jessica Hunnicutt

Comment from Justina Rush
Time: 10 December, 2008, 11:41 pm

I wanna be a dolphin trainer.I have always wanted to do that my whole life. But, I never thought I was smart enough to do it.But , I love dolphins to the extreme.I wanna work with them. Is there like a place in Fort Walton Beach area where I can be a helper or volunter

Comment from Edda Katrine
Time: 29 December, 2008, 9:42 am

Hello! My name is Edda Katrine, I’m a 13 years old girl, from Norway. I’ll always want to work with animals. But a little while ago I found out, that I want to work with dolphins! I know it’s very hard work, and I’m thinking of study in Orlando. I want to work at Sea World in Orlando. But what do you guys, think I shoud study? Marine biology, phsychology or knowledge of dietary needs, or every one? Is it possible to study phsychology and knowledge of dietary needs in Norway? How long do all the necessary study’s take? Thanks!
- Edda Katrine
(Sorry for my quite bad English ..)

Comment from Kailey
Time: 31 December, 2008, 9:15 pm

Hey everyone! I’ve decided for years that I’m gonna be a dolphin trainer or marine biologist. Im 11. This summer i am swimmin with the dolphins! i hope this experience really helps me be certain this is the right dream job for me!

Comment from Mackenzie
Time: 2 January, 2009, 4:59 pm

Hello! I’m currently 11, I know, I know. But my last vacation was to San Deigo and I visited sea world. I became extremly interested in the dolphin exhibt. I was wondering how much dolphin trainers make and what college to go to if i was to apply in marine biology. Thanks so much for your time.
Yours truly,
mackenzie

Comment from Alexandra
Time: 15 January, 2009, 11:56 pm

Hello!
My name is Alexandra or Alixia, I am currently in college and planning to transfer from Virginia to South Carolina to follow a Marine Science Program in order to get into the field of Marine Mammals. I know you’ve already heard it but I have wanted to work with Marine Mammals since I was very young. I’m basically a fish myself I thrive off swimming underwater and scuba diving. I try to put myself in any position to do so. Also my reasoning to move to a beach besides school for my career. I know it would help a great amount to “know” people, so I was hoping you could help me get some references. I do not know who you are but I see you trying to help all these young kids and its inspiring. So please help me, i’m 18 years old and will also be working at the aquarium in SC once I move down there. Thank you for your time!
Alexandra

Comment from Samantha
Time: 20 January, 2009, 11:50 pm

Hi,
My name is Samantha, I am a Junior at Moapa Valley High School and I have been researching Marine Biology. All of my life, so far, I’ve wanted to work at a place like Sea World and train the dolphins or even to just work with the exotic animals. If somebody could please e-mail me and give me any information that would help me to get a job at Sea World in San Diego, California and if there are any schooling opportunities there that could help me. That would be the best. Thank you.

Samantha

Comment from Cheyanne
Time: 21 January, 2009, 4:43 pm

hello.i’m in the 7th grade.even seence i was five i wanted to be Marine Biologist.But i don’t know where or what to do for it.i want to study dolphins.take pictures,flim them,write about then,swim,and do resreach.can someone help me?i wanted to know what the best or a good collage is for the job i want.i live in the heart on the USA.Missouri.in a small little town called Cadet.someone can mail m at dream_catcher1027@yahoo.com.please it would help me a lot.it would fafill my dream seence i was a little girl.but i just wanted to know what kinds of stuffs Marine Biologists do and things like that.thanks for your time.oh also if you mail me put someyhing like dolphins or water.

Comment from millie
Time: 22 January, 2009, 2:19 pm

i am doing a school essay and need to know all about being a dolphin trainer as that is what i want to be when i grow up i am 11 can u please help me by posting on your website what the salary is ????

Comment from millie
Time: 22 January, 2009, 2:22 pm

umm to help me with my school essay could you please have someone email me asap to be interveiwed if that is possible ???? please please please please xxx

Comment from Laura Millar
Time: 28 January, 2009, 3:14 pm

Hey! i am 12 years old from Scotland, and i used to want to be a Vet now i am set on being a Dolphin trainer in Sea World Orlando. i have been visiting Orlando since the age of 2. So i know pretty much all the shows by heart Though i want to be a trainer i dont know what Qulifictions are needed.. help me please.. and also how long is the course? and What Univercitys Can i goto? Help me!

x

Comment from Emily Ward
Time: 3 February, 2009, 3:58 pm

Hi, i am currently searching the interent looking at websites to do with animal behaviour and marine trainers such as dolphin trainers. I am 22 and have 10weeks left of my degree in Creative Arts in Bath, England. I have always been interested in marine life and Orcas and Dolphins inparticular. I have an AS level qualification in biology. I am looking to do a 2 year foundation course in animal behaviour and welfare possibly in Bournemouth, England. I was just wondering if i could have your advice on how to try and get into this area of work because i am very interested in working with marine mammals for the rest of my life and working very hard to get achieve this. I understand i am alot older than the other people looking to you for advice on this web page ut i would appreciate hearing your advice on this.
I look forward to hearing from you
Thank you
Emily Ward

Comment from cody flynn
Time: 4 March, 2009, 12:11 pm

im lookin to get into a care in training dolfins and was hoping you could send me a list of classis i should get in. i been out of high school for to years. Because i thout i wanted to do a care in construcshin but i didnt like it. But working wiht anaumals is what i wanted to do sents i was in kindergardin and im hopeing that you will be abull to send me info on the class i need and how much traners make and if they get benafits and if so what they are thanks

Comment from Emily
Time: 7 March, 2009, 12:43 pm

I LOVE DOLPHINS!

They are my favorite sea-mammal and I would really like to be a dolphin trainer.But….how old do you have to be to do it?

Comment from Aidan Crawford
Time: 19 April, 2009, 12:38 am

Dear Employers
Hi this is Aidan Crawford age 21 and Lauren Crank age 20 both born in the UK, were currently working at Atlantis, Dolphin Bay, Dubai. We would love to come and work with you if you have any positions available? and so we have attached a little bit of information about ourselves and our current situation.
Lauren has also worked as a volunteer in Antigua, Dolphin fantaseas/discovery a few years back, were looking for a new facility so we can expand our horizons and gain further knowledge and experience, increase our area of expertise and further our careers within training.
Dubai has given us a good foundation in training but is restrictive in how we can progress. Atlantis being a large corporation, it is difficult to progress. We are very keen to work in a more intimate environment, where we can expand our knowledge, experience and gain more responsibility.
We have gained great experience working hands on in the field with dolphins from building relationships with the animals, knowing there natural behaviours, what not and what to accept, husbandry and training methods with green animals. Taken Care of sick Dolphins and other marine life, being involved in procedures handling the animals, doing interactions with guests, also in the daily running, care taking and operation of a dolphin facility, preparing the Fish for the day, Observing new born calves for nine hours throughout the night, five days a week at times, with all aspects of what is involved in being a marine mammal specialist. We are also in the top of our class getting 83% and 95% in exam
We have been looking at many different facilities worldwide and your company is our favourite, we would be so happy to work alongside you. We are available to move as soon as a position comes up; we are also open and very interested in all fields of training whether it’s Dolphins or Sea Lions.
All our Life’s we have been loured in to the field working with animals and now we are doing it, we never want to leave. We promise you will not be disappointed with our motivation to learn and work ability. Hope to hear back from you if there are any positions available or not, thank you for taking the time to read this email.
If you want any more information just Email
CV’s & references available on request.
Thank you,
Aidan Crawford
Lauren Crank
aidan.77@live.co.uk

Comment from Josh Melquist
Time: 22 April, 2009, 7:30 pm

I am 15 and a freshman in high school. I have always wanted to be a Dolphin Trainer. At my school we have to do a presentation about the career we want to pursue to graduate. My project I received today and is due on the 30th. I was wondering if you may let me interview you by phone if possible. I do understand if that is not an option. I have to have a phone interview with someone in the profession to complete my project. I really appreciate your consideration and hope to hear from you. Thank you for sharing this great website and information .
Thanks,
Josh M.

Comment from dolphintrainer101
Time: 15 May, 2009, 1:00 pm

I LOVE DOLPHIN TRAININGGG!!!! MY NAME IS COLE AND I JST LOVE DOLPHINSS(:
CAN YOU HELP ME WORK NOWW AT SEAWORLDD?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!\
THANKS GOD BLESS

Comment from Amber Forthman
Time: 5 June, 2009, 1:40 pm

Hello! My name is Amber Forthman and i am currrently fourteen years old, and I am freshmen in high school. Ever since my first wonderful visit to Sea World I have wanted to accomplish one goal…become a dolphin trainer. I live in Kentucky so there are no colleges that would give me the knowledge and education that i need to become prepared for being a dolphin trainer. I have always dreamt of being a dolphin trainer at Sea World, and I know it is not goin to be an easy task,but I know I have what it takes.I am willing to give everything that ive got into the work and education I need in order to become a successful dolphin trainer. thanks for your time…Amber Forthman

Comment from Heather Duvall
Time: 26 July, 2009, 6:04 pm

Hello all!
I’m on here because I need to ask a dolphin trainer some questions. I have always wanted to be a dolphin trainer and this passion was intensified this summer with a visit to SeaWorld and swimming with dolphins. Firstly, I am going to be a freshman at Virginia Tech this summer with a major in animal and poultry sciences. This is the only animal major and later branches off into a specialization in Pre-Vet. Is this major class helpful for becoming a dolphin trainer? What other classes should I take? Psychology? Also, should I go to grad school for animal behavior or apply for the Virginia-Maryland Regional Veterinary College? I live in Virginia, so there’s not many opportunities with careers relating to aquatic mammals, but I really want to follow my dream. I would greatly appreciate and email or you can contact me on my facebook!!! Thank you sooooo much!!
-Heather

Comment from Heather Duvall
Time: 28 July, 2009, 9:05 pm

This webquest is a truly valuable source for anyone who sincerely wishes to become a dolphin trainer! I highly recommend that anyone who is considering in following this career path read over this. Kayce spent a lot of time compiling such extensive and useful information into one site and it has helped me realize that marine mammal training is the career for me. Please take advantage of all that is provided on this webquest, because I know that it provided me with a great deal of knowledge and was a joy to read over!
-Heather D.

Comment from peace out
Time: 11 August, 2009, 8:01 pm

i love dlphins

Comment from Samantha
Time: 6 September, 2009, 9:47 pm

I love this website. It’s so factual and I’ve loved marinebiology since I was eleven.

Comment from Renee
Time: 22 September, 2009, 4:22 am

Which would be better to pursue a career as a marine mammal trainer, a bachelors of science in biology or marine biology?

Comment from Renee
Time: 23 September, 2009, 11:22 pm

Thank you!!!

Comment from Harmony
Time: 4 October, 2009, 6:21 pm

Hello there!
My name is Harmony, I am 13 years old from the Gold Coast, Australia.
I am hoping to get a job working with marine animals when I am old enough at Sea World, Australia and one day become my ultimate dream as a dolphin trainer. I am aware of some of the things I need to do to get there, but I don’t really know where to start. Should I get a job in retail or food and beverage perhaps? Please help me.

Thank you and looking forward to hear from you,
Harmony

Comment from catherine
Time: 16 October, 2009, 1:25 pm

hello. I am 15 and I really want to be a dolphin trainer right from an early age. But this is a big problem as I live in England no where near dolphins!
I’ve swam with dolphins before at discovery cove orlando and I asked how to become a dolphin trainer. I know I need to be a strong swimmer, which I am, have experience with working with animals and I think the trainer said something about taking serology or something? And maybe sucba diving? Please can you help to help my life long dream become reality to help my what I need to do and mabye any courses or subjects I need to study!

Thankyou so much! Your a big help:)

Comment from ZOE BATES
Time: 21 October, 2009, 6:42 am

Training/ working with Dolphins, this has been something that I have always wanted to do job-wise. I am 28 years old, living in the UK and I have a family. My life path has taken me to jobs that I would never have even considered taking when I was younger, for example, Office work and Bar work. But now that I am older I would like to gain more control of my life choices and do a job that I know I am going to LOVE and ADORE, gain something out of it and feel like I am making a difference. Please could you point me in the right direction to making this dream of mine a reality.
Thank you.

Comment from Alexandra Lemen
Time: 21 October, 2009, 11:01 am

I have always been interested in marine biology ever since I was little. Dolphins and marine life are my favorite animals. I live in Indiana and I don’t have the experience of sea/oean life. I am excelent in psychology, anatomy, biology, and health or english. I am a varsity swimmer and have scuba certification also lifeguard. I have great public speaking skills since I am in show choir and taking speech classes. I am only a Junior soon deciding majors and colleges. Should I pursue my dream of becoming a dolphin trainer? I don’t have much skills working at a zoo but more a pool. I’m worried if I go to Californa it would be too big of a risk for my education of pursuing a real paying job. I might be able to take a mojor at purdue in indiana but not get the real training. Can you please offer information on colleges or and other advice with my future. Thanks for the website!

Comment from Alexandra Lemen
Time: 21 October, 2009, 11:04 am

Also you can contact me on my facebook of Ali Lemen.

Comment from Zool Hilmi
Time: 26 October, 2009, 8:49 am

Dear Sir/Madam,

We have found out that you are one of the expert and qualified person in dolphin training. For your information, we are one of the company in Malaysia, which have and are currently assiting state government in developing their tourism attractions and products. It is the intention of the government to provide a dolphin show in Malaysia to add to its tourism product. We hereby would like to seek your advice and assistance to develop a dolphin show. We could also like to visit your facilities or any other dolphin show arena facilities in your country. We would like to quantify the construction costs, animal costs and maintanence costs, should we venture into this activity. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank You.

Regards,
Zool Hilmi
+60193836600

Comment from brittney
Time: 14 January, 2010, 3:50 am

i just want to be a trainer!!!!!!!!!!! =( help

Comment from emma
Time: 14 January, 2010, 7:46 pm

i just want to be a Dolphins trainer=]

Comment from Tara
Time: 15 January, 2010, 10:17 am

Has anyone not seen ‘The Cove’??
Dolphins are not to be used as circus toys. They are emotional and wise creatures, beyond what an average person realizes. Most dolphins that are in captivity suffer from severe depression and are continuously medicated for ulcers.
Growing up, I too wanted to be a trainer. Now, I realize this is so very wrong.
Dolphins are like humans. They can feel, cry and are consciously aware.

Please do the right thing.

Comment from Kayce
Time: 15 January, 2010, 11:32 am

Hmmm… On what do you base your opinion? The Cove is about the slaughter of dolphins in Japan, for food. Many, if not most of the dolphins in dolphins shows now, are bred in captivity. Some are stranded and cannot be returned to the wild. I actually personally know a number of captive dolphins, none of which seem depressed and none of which are being treated for stomach ulcers, or which have untreated symptoms of stomach ulcers. In fact, dolphins that have access to the ocean and their work site, will choose, on their own, to come to work. Particularly dramatic are the experiences of the US Navy, who has repeatedly tried to retire animals after service. These animals work in the open ocean all the time. They know the area, catch their own fish, etc. However, they apparently like their work with people. Why not? We LOVE our work with them. They refuse to stay in the wild, and if relocated to a distant spot, still return, sometimes faster than their releasers.

HSUS is an activist organization that believes and has stated in print on their website that animals should not be directly with people. They are not objective, they have an agenda.

I feel differently. I feel if we are to ensure that others, like the Japanese, who have been eating dolphin like we eat cows, for a long time, start to see dolphins as more t han meat, it is really helpful to be able to show them more about dolphins.

I was at Harderwijk Dofinarium recently, and it was thrilling. Those dolphins LOVE working with their trainers, who in turn love working with them. They bring the beauty and ability of dolphins to thousands and thousands of people -maybe millions - every year. They are ambassadors for their species and judging from what I saw, including a play session back stage, they are loving their lives.

Comment from Rachel
Time: 21 February, 2010, 10:49 pm

Hi! I was intruiged by your website since I have recently decided I would LOVE to work with dolphins for the rest of my life. I was wondering if a dolphin trainer is anything like what a zoologist or marine biologist. Do dolphin trainers study the animal or do they just do the training?

Thanks,
Rachel

Comment from Natasha Howden
Time: 22 February, 2010, 8:21 pm

hi my name is Natasha Howden and i am 15 almost 16 and i have been interested in marine animal training for years as i have been visiting Orlando Florida since i was very young and my parents said that i was always the one insisting that we go and swim with the dolphins…i have done a trainer for the day course in the Bahamas which gave me a tester of what it would really be like and i loved it! the problem (like many others on this site are having) is that i am from England and there aren’t any captive dolphins in England, although i was born in America so i have duel nationality (an English and an American passport) this means that i wouldn’t encounter any problems when it comes to traveling. The problem i face is that my holidays are shorter then American school holidays and so any internship that i get interested in are when i am at school meaning that i can’t take them which is really annoying… i was wondering if anyone could get in touch to help me with the following problems:
1. which universities provide the correct courses to help become a dolphin trainer.
2. if you know of any courses that are in the summer but that are not too long (as i may not be able to go to one that is long due to the times of my holidays).
3. where i could possibly have work experience or an internship during the summer?
also i took a test which is meant to give a rough outline to what career i may be interested in and a very large majority of them headed towards marine biology and working with animals and i am taking this as a sign because i thought that i wouldn’t be able to before but now i am driven to become a trainer because animals and water are my passion!
thank you
Tash

Comment from Christine
Time: 26 February, 2010, 5:49 pm

Hi, my name is Christine, I’m 13 and pretty much all my life I have wanted to have a job including animals. A few years ago I decided I wanted to concentrate on a career of either marine biology or a career of dophin/orca training. I know training marine mammals like orca’s and dolphin requires lots of expiriance, and also lots of hard work and dedication, but i would really like to pursue this career. I know it is a very hard career to get into because of the many people who want to do this but I am determined to at least try it. I was wondering what is the salary per week? Is this career very rewarding? How would you start this career? What classes should I take in high school? I have done lots of research but I still want to know what it is really like to be a dolphin or orca trainer.

What is a day in the life of a dolphin trainer?

I’m sorry for probably wasting your time but i just really want to know what it is like

Comment from Alexandra Fredericks
Time: 28 February, 2010, 11:10 pm

Hello Kayce!
Long time no talk! Sorry for such the delay, I was just trying to get a hold of putting my life together. If you’re having a hard time remembering me, we talked last year about becoming a dolphin trainer and your training program. I decided not to go to CCU and I am still at Northern Virginia Community College. I decided to stay instate, and because there is select few schools here in Virginia for Marine Biology, I decided to go to Old Dominion University! I applied late in 2009 and just recently recieved my acceptance letter! I am planning on moving to Norfolk mid-July. Hopefully we can meet up to follow up on our previous discussions if you’re available! I hope to hear from you soon!

Thanks,
Alexandra

Comment from Bethany
Time: 4 March, 2010, 2:15 am

Hello,

I have a few questions that I would like privately answered about some of the prerequisites and some of the details of marine mammal training if possible. Please email me back when you have a moment.

Thank you ,

Bethany J