What it Takes to be a Dolphin Trainer
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Courtesy of seaworlddolphintrainerpics.com
“With the dolphins it’s not always fun and games. It gets really messy, and takes a lot of work and patience,” stated Laurie Richards, Sea World San Diego dolphin educator/trainer in an interview with the Matador Messenger.
“The first thing that can help people become a dolphin trainer is having a good degree,” explained Richards who has been a trainer for 18 years.
“For example, studying zoology, animal behavior and theater will help with your chances of becoming a trainer. You will have knowledge on the skills you must know,” Richards added.
The swim test is the next requirement for potential trainers. They have to be able to swim a 225 foot freestyle underwater, dive 24 feet underwater while picking up a 5 pound weight and bringing it to shore with no wet suit in 70 degree salt water, according to seaworld.org.
An important part of training dolphins is to be able to call them to the trainer. For a marine mammal that command is a tap of the water with the open palm. Trainers must also be very familiar with specific diet requirements of each dolphin they train, according to understand dolphins.tripod.com.
“While feeding the dolphins, the trainers must prepare their fish while thinking of the dolphins’ diet. Each dolphin has to get their own type of fish. For example, one dolphin, named Sandy, has to get extra protein in her fish because they found her stranded and sick a few years ago. Sandy wasn’t eating enough fish that contained protein,” Richards explained.
“Don’t let anyone hold you back from your dreams,” Richards stated in the interview.
Savannah Bloom • Feb 3, 2017 at 10:26 pm
At first when I read this I was surprised to read that you need a degree to be a trainer.
Nathan Le • Feb 2, 2017 at 9:08 pm
I enjoyed reading this article, because its my favorite animal. I didn’t know it took that much work to become a dolphin trainer.
Ryan Short • Jan 25, 2017 at 10:27 pm
I enjoyed reading this article, and it surprised me on how there tests and training is, it is very interesting!
Josh Moore • Jan 25, 2017 at 5:31 pm
I enjoyed reading this article because I now know what it takes to be a dolphin trainer.
Adalantra White • Jan 20, 2017 at 9:47 am
Thanks! I didn’t know it took that much to become a trainer.
Ella Harshman • Nov 12, 2016 at 7:32 pm
I enjoyed this dolphin trainer article because it brings back memories and I also really enjoyed it because I think it was incredible to know you got an interview to be able to tell such great information.
Hannah Arritt • Nov 10, 2016 at 8:32 am
I was surprised to learn from reading your article that you have to be able to swim a 225 foot freestyle underwater and dive 24 feet underwater while picking up a 5 pound weight. You have to do a lot to become a dolphin trainer! Your article is very interesting.
Krissy Kuwahara • Nov 8, 2016 at 10:50 pm
I enjoyed reading your article because it was very interesting and I have always loved Dolphins.
Spencer Richmond • Nov 8, 2016 at 11:21 am
I enjoyed reading your article because I learned that it takes a very high level of skill, patience, and dedication to become a dolphin trainer.
Elise Eckburg • Nov 7, 2016 at 5:15 pm
I enjoyed reading your article because I learned all of the different tactics to know when wanting to become a trainer in the future.
Ashlee Holmes • Nov 7, 2016 at 5:11 pm
I enjoyed reading this article because it reminds me of the time when I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I was happy to see that you were able to get an interview to describe the requirements needed to become a trainer.
Nikita • Nov 4, 2016 at 1:22 pm
This is really interesting. I think that trainers at Sea World are really well trained and experienced. Becoming a dolphin trainer is like more than a career, it’s a really cool skill from my perspective.