Main menu:


Subpages for ...Dolphin Trainer! :

    …Dolphin Trainer!

    Are you SURE you want to do this work????? Trainers have been injured and killed, working with orcas, dolphins, seals and sea lions. Even more have been killed working with other exotic animals - especially elephants, but also including bears, and big cats, such as lions, tigers, jaguars, mountain lions or pumas, and leopards.

    click here for DANGERS and CHALLENGES

    If you are still interested in working directly with marine mammals or other exotic animals…

    READ THIS CAREFULLY, FIRST: Below is a “WebQuest” which is a self-contained online lesson for high-school level students. LINKS are BLUE (GREEN if already visited)

    The subject: Landing a job as a dolphin trainer.

    This WebQuest helps YOU to answer 2 questions:
    â—Ź DO YOU WANT to do this? Follow links to find job requirements, salaries, working conditions and career options
    â—Ź CAN YOU get the job? Successfully compete for the job YOU WANT.

    TIPS

    â—Ź When writing, ditch cutesy emails and use your real name. Capitalize correctly, use standard English and correct grammar. Every interaction is a possible interview. Make the most of it and respect yourself and others in your interactions - be professional. If you want an answer, take the time to write intelligibly.

    â—Ź Other people are busy making their own dreams come true. They will not do the work to make yours come true.

    â—Ź The competition is fierce and the animals deserve the best. If you are up to the challenge, get to work and get out there. If you are not, stay home and stay comfortable.

    â—Ź Be careful what you wish for. I worked for years with no heat in the winter, no cooling in the summer, very long hours, very jumbled schedules, very low pay, and the constant aroma of fish, even at home.

    I have had wonderful adventures with amazing animals. I have swum with dolphins, whales, seals and sea lions (and other animals as well). I have watched them have their babies and rear them, court one another, and die while I kept vigil. I have had them come to me in pain, with problems, with news, with jokes. I have kept daily company with aliens from our planet - people of other nations, fellow travelers, and I have been informed by their wisdom, courage, generosity, humor and the gift of their unique perspectives and abilities. I wouldn’t trade it for any other experience I can imagine earning or buying. I don’t want you to the get the job unless you deserve it, and will be the best possible ambassador between our people and theirs…

    Only you have the power to make your dreams come true. Use the guideposts below to start your journey to create your own destiny. Is it your DREAM?? Then make it your reality!

    May you create a masterpiece of your life! May others bless your path.

    Yours,
    Kayce Cover
    PS: click here for free directions for starting animals on bridges and targets and get a head start on training animals, as some of the best professionals do. Send your first and last name, email and the word “SATS”, and directions will be emailed to you.




    Be a Dolphin Trainer!

    Plotting Your Dream Career: a Web Quest® for biology careers; Please work through Web Quest® before writing with questions!


    dolphin head

    Introduction
    | Task | Process | Evaluation
    | Conclusion
    Webquest Archives

    Introduction

    What career do you want to have? Do you want to be active and engaged in your work and not be stuck behind a desk? What kind of lifestyle do you want? Consider being a dolphin trainer! Before choosing a college, a major, or a job route, take some time to figure out how to make your career dreams come true. In this Webquest, discover how to land a one-in-a-million job – learn how to become an exotic animal trainer!

     

     

    Task

    Landing a job in the exotic animal training field is not easy, but you can use this Web Quest to find all the information you’ll need to be ahead of the rest of the pack. To succeed, you will need to write a job description, describe your preparation process, identify proper employment training facilities and programs, plan your job search, and learn about the animals you hope to train. At the end of this lesson you will be fully prepared to pursue and earn your position in this dynamic field.

    Training Marine Mammals

    Process

    There are a number of steps you will need to take in order to complete this task:

    * This is an individual assignment (and tailored to your specific career goals), so be sure to organize information so that it will be useful to you later.
    * Acquaint yourself with the five major objectives of this assignment.
    * Write a job description.
    * Describe your preparation process.
    * Plan your schooling.
    * Plan your job search.
    * List your animal’s characteristics.
    * Review the grading rubric in the evaluation section. (for WebQuest assignments)
    * These questions can help you focus your research.
    * Be aware that a single resource may have answers to more than one question.
    * Organize your findings so that the information is easy to access and follow
    (you could use a table, outline, list, etc.).

    Write a job description:

    Why be a trainer?

    What does it pay?

    What kinds of trainers are there?

    Describe preparation process:

    What are the skills and abilities required?

    What physical condition do trainers need to be in?


    Plan your Schooling:

    Where can you go for training and apprenticeship?


    Plan your job search:

    Who offers the jobs?


    What professional organizations might be of help/interest to you?


    Learn something about the animals you would be training.

    What is the scientific name of the animal?
    What are the physical characteristics of the animal?

    What are the habitat preferences of the animal?

    What are any special adaptations/sensory capabilities of the animal?
    Additional References

  • Allen, Sonny. "Proceedings of the International Marine Animal Trainers
    Association Conference". November 4-8, 1991. Compiled by Kathy Rose.

  • Hediger, H. "Wild Animals in Captivity". Dover Publications, Inc.
    New York. 1964.

  • Marshall, Anthony D. "Zoo: Profiles of 102 Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife
    Parks in the United States". Random House. New York. 1994.

  • Schusterman, Ronald J., Jeanette A. Thomas, and Forrest G. Wood, eds. "Dolphin Cognition and Behavior: A Comparative Approach". Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers. New Jersey. 1986.
  • Wood, Forrest G. "Marine Mammals and Man: The Navy’s Porpoises and Sea Lions". Robert B. Luce, Inc. New York. 1973.

    Evaluation

    You will be graded on an individual basis. The minimal requirements are shown and will earn you one point per objective. Further contributions and requirements are necessary to earn you more points. Your teacher will use the "score" column to record your earned points. Maximum score is 25 points.

    Objective
    Column
    A Minimal
    1pt
    Column
    B Adequate
    3 pt
    Column
    C Optimal
    5 pts
    Score
    Write a
    job description
    Outline
    contents of job.
    Column
    A plus list average pay.
    Column
    A + B plus
    list perks and job conditions.
    Describe
    preparation process
    List the
    non-academic job preparation requirements.
    Column
    A plus name your plan of attack.
    Column
    A + B plus make a preparation schedule (time line of goals).
    Plan your
    schooling
    Find out
    which institutions offer programs and how most trainers prepare.
    Column
    A plus outline the differences between those programs.
    Column
    A + B plus choose a program. Explain your choice.
    Plan your
    job search
    Identify
    where to find job listings.
    Column
    A plus identify which institutions/facilities have the animals and will
    hire trainers.
    Column
    A + B plus identify professional organizations available to trainers.
    Summary
    of animal attributes
    Identify
    the most common captive dolphin and its scientific name, physical characteristics,
    and diet.
    Column
    A plus identify pod structure, mating season, and natural habitat description.
    Column
    A + B plus describe echolation (how is information emitted and received),
    and other aquatic adaptations.

    Conclusion

    Congratulations! You have now created your own resource for pursuing your dream career as a dolphin trainer! You know what kind of job you are looking for, how to prepare for it, where to find the job, and how to interact with and care for the animals you work with. Hopefully, you have also encountered other questions - you can always go back to many of these resources for further and more detailed information. Keep in mind throughout your career that some of the most important questions may never be concretely answered: Why do you want to train? What goals do you set for yourself? How can you improve? These questions will continue
    to push you forward.

    return
    to top

    For other Web Quests, click here.

    Syn Alia logo is property of Kayce Cover, Syn Alia Training Systems.

     

    Copyright 2004 by Syn Alia Training Systems ®



    Comments

    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

    Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! nlcxkadgpijmjd

    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

    Write a comment