Dolphin Training
Dolphin training is one of those jobs that many young people dream about. It seems like a fantasy rather than work, really, to be able to play with those adorable dolphins all day long. But dolphin training is more than just tossing fish to flipper. Being a dolphin trainer is a highly responsible position that requires commitment, hard work and a true love for dolphins.
Since dolphin training is only accomplished at marine mammal theme parks and research centers, there are a limited number of jobs available to potential dolphin trainers. As such, most marine mammal training positions are in specific geographic locations, like Florida or Southern California. In Florida, two of the most popular places to work as a dolphin trainer are SeaWorld and Discovery Cove in Orlando. Both of these marine mammal theme parks employ a large number of animal care specialists and dolphin trainers. Some of these trainers also branch out to other areas of animal training, including killer whales, sea lions and birds.
The first step to getting started as a dolphin trainer would be to move to an area, like Orlando, where there are animal training opportunities. While a college education is not a requirement, it never hurts. Many dolphin trainers have degrees in marine biology, zoology or even pre-vet. Although the fields vary, it is not uncommon for trainers to have this type of experience.
One of the major requirements of every marine mammal trainer is the ability to swim extremely well. As a dolphin trainer, you spend a good deal of time in the water, whether it be during training sessions or cleaning the dolphin's habitat. At SeaWorld and Discovery Cove, even the starting positions require applicants to pass a swim test before they are hired.
A physical fitness program is also a good idea for anyone who wants to enter into the field of animal training. Besides helping you become a better swimmer, being strong and healthy aids in other job requirements, like carrying heavy buckets of fish during feeding times. Being in contact with the dolphins is one of the benefits of working as a dolphin trainer. It is important to remember, though, that there are many other duties involved with a career in marine mammal training. Above we mentioned cleaning, and that is a big part of being a dolphin trainer. It is vital for the dolphin habitats to be meticulously cared for, and anyone who works in the vicinity of these animals will be expected to do their part to keep things clean and healthy for the animals.
Another major job duty is food preparation. The diets of dolphins in captivity must be observed very closely, so their food is strictly prepared and administered on a schedule and recorded. This takes time and patience, and it is no where near as much fun as diving in and taking a swim.
While working as a dolphin trainer is extremely rewarding and a great career, these are some of the considerations that must be thought out before a commitment to this type of responsible position is made.