How to Become a Dolphin Trainer | California Travel Tips
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Veronica Hill learns the basics of becoming a dolphin trainer in this episode of "California Travel Tips."
Today we're at San Diego Sea World where we're going to learn how to become a dolphin trainer.
One of the world's most sought-after careers, dolphin trainers are a talented lot, combining a deep understanding of these intelligent ocean mammals with strong swimming and public speaking skills.
To find out more, I joined Sea World's Dolphin Interaction program, where dolphin trainer Mary Sears showed me some basic training signals with resident dolphins Sandy and Ripley.
After some fun moments in the pool, Mary explained some of the requirements for becoming a dolphin trainer.
"What we look for here at Sea World are people who are very strong swimmers, at least 18 years of age who know how to scuba dive, people who are very comfortable with public speaking and we look for people who have a 4-year degree and possibly other animal experience."
"Most of our trainers have backgrounds in either psychology or biology fields, but our training here is all on-the-job training. So there are some trainers who sometimes have a variety of backgrounds and then they come here and they learn it.
According to Sea World, "Killer whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine mammals are trained using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. Operant conditioning is a method of behavior modification in which a subject is taught to behave in a desired manner and is then rewarded. SeaWorld animal trainers acknowledge a desired behavior with a positive reinforcement: the blow of a whistle, some fish or maybe a rubdown. Animals are never punished for incorrect behavior. They are taught that failure is OK, and that trainers will continue on through application of a training tool called the 'least reinforcing scenario.' Participation is completely voluntary."
How many tricks, or behaviors can dolphins learn?
"Endless! How ever many we can train them. So training for the dolphins is ongoing, throughout their whole lifetime. So it's a really good stimulation for them. After they learn a lot of behaviors, we can start pairing behaviors together to give them extra stimulation and more things to learn.
What exactly goes into the swim test to become a trainer here?
The swim test has three main components. There is a freestyle swim of around 125 yards, there's an underwater portion of the swim thats around 120 feet. You have to make it all the way across dolphin stadium without any breaths. And then a surface dive from the water down to the bottom of our 26-foot deep pool. In 60-degree salt water!
Can you tell me any stories about the dolphins, anything that's been particularly rewarding for you?
In addition to physical strength, trainers also must have a good understanding of animal psychology and behavior.
I think the most rewarding thing here is getting to build a relationship with the animals and seeing how you spend more and more time every single day with them, they get to know you. And you have that history with them, and they respond well to you. That's the best thing I have about this job. That's the most rewarding. And then getting to share that with other people who come here to meet the animals."
To learn more about dolphin trainer jobs, sign up for Sea World's Trainer for a Day program or specialized camps where you can work alongside a real dolphin trainer.
"We have some day camps and we also have a week-long resident camp. The campers live in our dormitory facilities and they do a variety of activities so they understand what the trainers do on a daily basis, what our animal care team does, what our aquarium departments do, just to learn about all the different parts of Sea World."
A dolphin trainer salary averages between $40,000 - 60,000 per year, but dolphin trainer jobs are hard to come by. Just study, work hard, volunteer when you can, and maybe one day your dream will come true.
Sea World Dolphin Trainer Requirements:
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, scuba-certified and must pass a physical test in order to even qualify for an interview;
• Physical strength, a love and understanding of animals and a flair for showmanship;
• Upbeat personality and strong swimming and public speaking skills
• Willingness to perform less glamorous duties including feeding, cleaning, observing and caring for the animals
• Four-year degree preferred in animal psychology or biology;
• Swim test that includes carrying two 30-pound buckets 50 feet, a 250-foot freestyle swim to be completed in 1 minute, 20 seconds; 125' underwater swim with no breaths; 26-foot surface dive to retrieve a flag; memorize and perform an excerpt from one of the shows.
To learn more, visit www.seaworld.org
on my way, i just turned 16 and got hired as a volunteer. my dream will soon be a reality 💙💙🐬🐬
OceansWillow ohh that's awsome ;) and you are going to work as a professional ?
OMG YOUR SO LUCKY
Magda omg this was two years ago, how is it going? My dream is also to become a dolphin trainer 💙💜
me too :(
ToxxicFox same 💕
I went to the Bahamas this summer and went to Dolphin Cay. It was an expirence I can never forget. You got to kiss the dolphins, feed the dolphins, take plenty of pictures with the dolphins. You get divided into groups of about 10 and you get to play with your dolphin! You also got to see atlantis which was beautiful. Go Bahamas!
I am going to be a dolphin trainer when I grow up I dreamed of being one
Seriously this video already motivating me to become dolphin trainer despite of engineer XD!
I was so set on being a dolphin trainer until I heard about the underwater swim across the rink. -.- i know I can't make it more that a couple of feet without taking a breath so I am going to have to practice !!!
It's always been my dream to be a dolphin trainer, so whenever i do a report on animals, i always choose dolphins!
I would love to become a Dolphin trainer its one of my dream goals
Sounds like a great experience! Thanks for commenting! Veronica
MY DREAM IS ALWAY BEEN TO BE A DOLPHIN TRAINER!!!🙌😆🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬
+Creeper Kitty mine to!!!!
hope your dream comes true
james cvrtasin Thx
Creeper Kitty me too
me tooo
Straight from SeaWorld: "Youll live your dream of gliding through the water with amazing dolphins. Get an intimate look at dolphin feeding and behavior patterns and then get face-to-face with the SeaWorld pod to hear exclusive dolphin communications. Share lunch time with these friendly creatures and learn about animal health from experts. "
I'm going to university of san diego and getting my degree in marine biology and exotic animal trainng if I'm aloud o get a degree in those then I'm good with the rest im scuba certified
Cetacean Project has it happened??
@BlueVoiceOrg I totally agree, Marine mammals have an entire ocean as their living space
For all the people complaining about how 'extremely cruel' dolphin training is: don't you think that if the dolphins didn't want to do something that they didn't want to, then they would fight it? I mean, you don't see people trying to tame crocodiles, do you? Even in school you learn that dolphins enjoy human attention, so why should this be any different? Plus, it's not like the trainers seperate the dolphins at night; they are still in very large groups when not performing in a small group.
lilybug134 so they only do tricks because the trainers give them blowjobs & jack them off on there faces that's how they get the dolphins to participate in "Sea Prison World"
Just study hard and learn all you can about sea life and marine mammal care. I wish you the best of luck!
Veronica
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! We sure had fun there.
My dream job ever :) But u know it's really a DREAM because I am not good at swimming T T
@bluereflektor You're welcome. Thanks for the nice comment. :)
At the end of the world in 2012, I'll go to the Dolphin Centre and play "So long and thanks for all the Fish" from Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy.
Interesting, I'm a second year psychology student and I came across this video. It sounds like an exiting job and dolphins are very noble creatures.
Yes, psychology and zoology are also fine degrees. I have all of the specifics under "more info."
Thanks for your nice comment! Veronica
California Travel Tips
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH for this video cause MY DREAM IS ALWAY BEEN TO BE A DOLPHIN TRAINER!!!🙌😆🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬
I would love to share my experience once I'm back : ) I will also post some videos hopefully. See ya in a week! :D
I love seaworld dolphin show
1:45 LOOOOOOL!!!! surf with Orca??? Just respect to the guy who loves theese great dolphins-friends!!!!!
amazing animals, you get so much positive emotions from them
That's my favourite animals.I love them so much.They're more different than other animals and fishes.Amazing! I love them!!!!!!!!
It would be sooo fun to be a dolphin trainer. :)
In a week I'm going to Sea World Career Camp! I Can't wait to go!!! SO excited! I've wanted to go for 7 years. Now I finally am :) In the future I hope to a marine biologist. Gahh! I love the ocean!
Hi, I wish I had more. Look at the "more info" text on the right of this screen for additional tips. Hope it helps. Good luck!
You have to swim across dolphin stadium without any breaths. You also have to dive down to the bottom of the pool.
Thanks for your comment! Stay on the swim team and practice the requirements in your own pool. My advice is to also major in the fields mentioned in the video. Good luck!!
Have you majored in marine biology or the related fields we mentioned? At 19, seems like you may still need to go to college/university. This education will definitely give you an edge, along with very strong swimming skills.
Check out our Swim with Dolphins video on this channel. It shows exactly what they do during the Sea World dolphin swims.... Hope you enjoy it! Veronica
i really want to be come one
Research Taiji
I love dolphins a lot !!!
Good luck and have fun!
@Mrnaturefriend Sure I will. My two thumbs up for those great animals - dolphins!
I love dolphins..such amazing creatures :)
How wonderful! Would you mind sharing your experience with us and our viewers when we get back? It would be neat to have a first-hand account to share with other aspiring marine biologists. Have a super time! Veronica
I really hope all those dolphins are happy =)
@CaliforniaTravelTips You have to swim 125 ft underwater with one breath. It doesn't matter how deep you go during the swim, but your head cannot come out of the water. So basically, you can't just swim at the surface. You have to be completely submerged.
how old do u have to be to work with dolphins I think I can take it on I'm ten and that's my only wish
28 it's said in the vid DUH
18 it's said in the vid DUH
kaci paige you can edit a comment DUH
you are going to need to dive about 38 feet, not 9. You also have to swim to the bottom, and pick up a weight. Also swim from one side of the pool to the other and back in under 1:20, and swim from one side to the other in one breath. good luck!
Cool! Looking forward to hearing all about it!
You're welcome!
When I was a kid I really wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I more than meet the requirements...I just prefer programming. ><
This does make me wanna go swimming though. A 26 foot surface dive isn't so bad. I've gone 30. I can also swim quite a distance without taking a breath (when im not sick!).
Me too! Veronica
I was at SeaWorld Orlando yesterday!!
Thanks for this nice video.
Just go to college and get a degree in marine biology. The rest will come with experience. Hope this helps! Veronica
i have wanted to be a dolphin trainer my whole entire life :)........dolphins are beautiful creatures....i love seeing them when i go on my dad's boat....whenever someone says the world dolphin my heart stops and i get so exited...if anyone see's this comment can you please give me some info on how to become a dolphin trainer...please :)
i love dolphines so so so so much
its my dream to work at Believe! Thank you sooo mjuch for posting this vid! It helps alot!
@kleanthis1000 The dolphins used for the interactions are tame and gentle.
That would be an incredible and fun job!
When I grow up I wanna be dolphin trainer🐳🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐳🐳🐳🐳🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬🐬❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡💛
Research Taiji
When I heard that song at the beginning all I could think of was Daily Grace dancing...
First I thought to be a horse trainer but I love dolphins is I will be a dolphin trainer.definitly anywhere available
Thanks, and good luck becoming a trainer!
i have one problem is thw swimming tests because i can only go down to 11 feet but im still learning
Wow, I don't think I could do it either. I think you have to train in stages. Try 8 feet, then 10 feet, etc. I think you have to practice breathing techniques as well so you can hold your breath longer and longer.
Hope you realize your dream. Good luck and keep training!
Excellent video! Thank you for this!
The dolphin interact program is for ages 8 and over
thanks for the video
@BlueVoiceOrg Agree completely. Have you seen the documentary The Cove? Heartbreaking.
@metalka181181 They are amazing animals. So intelligent and gentle.
@oceansdoor Too funny. I can't imagine diving that deep either!
@brinmcphin you should volunteer anywhere you can right now pet shelters, bird sanctuaries,zoo's,vet offices, or anything like that. any bit of animal experience helps :) you should try and go to the sea world camps during the summer and maybe find some internshps maybe at marien land canada or somewhere in the US. good luck :D
I can't hold my breath for long but I am a strong swimmer
@myreview THANK YOU! ITS ABOUT TIME SOMEONE SAID THAT!
yeah i wondering also,is it good for the dolphins?im sure they like to learn an enjoy the games but do they have enough space there?is it the pool big enough for them?do they have better life there with people who care about them ,or they better of in the see where people hunting them?Let me know people an professionals what u think..
im going to be an orca trainer! woo!!!!
@TATOORXPX What about your dog/cat? Do you have a fish? Maybe another pet? Same thing. How do you feel about animals in the zoo?
@LavenderFlowers8 Yes.
i wanna be dolphin trainer and always play with dolphin everyday to heal my depression😭
@chriskhleo It's in the video.
i am going to learn animal management in college in September but still thinking of what to do for a career, its hard to decide because i will be spending the rest of my career life doing the job that i choose >.
Can I ask what you now do? I hope it's something you enjoy:)
SO CUTE 💜
@alexklam23 Stick with the sciences :) Marine Biology would be a great way to go! if u have any other questions ill do my best to answer
Trainers (majority) break the animal's spirit it many ways. It's called "breaking" and it gets the animal to do whatever you want it to do on command. The trainer kind of becomes a puppet master.
@MrAtomicBond - you said it!
who love dolphins put thumb up if you agree
@Cranma5678 who do you think goes over to Taiji, Denver and all those other places to pick out theyre favorite dolphins for show? Go watch the cove and then flip.
Thanks. :)
I really would like to become a dolphine trainer but the dive to 26ft. really gave me a reason not to! please can i have andvice on how to overcome the dive!
they ara a wonderfull animals i hope i just can swim with them someday
@CaliforniaTravelTips I really want to go to sea world
ok thank you but wat do u do while ur doin it
how do u learn how to freestyle swim and swim like that because i cant hold my breath that long and i want to be a marine mammal trainer so bad
I agree with Jammy
I got into dolphin training for the girls, not the dolphins. I was the only guy in all my dolphin training classes, and let me tell you something, it's the field to be in if you wanna meet women.
dolphin is the best friend to human .....
thats so cool and fun(: i love to be one
@OfficiallKatara oh my gosh i have the same issue! i dont know if i want to train dolphins,sealions,orcas, or work at the san diego zoo and help with the elephants their or the sea lions there
Cute video
I lvoe dolphins and want to become a dolphin trainer.
I'm goina be a dolphin trainer when I grow up.because I'm only 8 years old.
Want to learn more about marine biology? Search for Marine Odyssey on the net!
I would really want to be a Dolphin Trainer. I love dolphins. But.. I can't swim. I can't scuba dive, snorkel etc. I have ocean phobia. :(
thats so cool and fun(: i