Do i need a marine science degree to be a whale or dolphfin trainer like at see world?

Question

Do i need a marine science degree to be a whale or dolphfin trainer like at see world?

Answer 1

http://www.dolphintrainer.com/career_gui...

http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/ZooCar...

5. Training

Animal trainers have one of the most visible jobs within a zoological park--the one most people ask about, and one of the most difficult to get. There are a very limited number of openings in this field. Background experience helpful for a position in this department would include courses or knowledge in zoology, behavioral and experimental psychology, animal behavior, public speaking, communications, education, and theater.

http://www.theswig.com/FAQ.htm (The Sea World Information Guide Frequently Asked Questions)

How do I become a trainer?

Obviously, you're going to need to be enrolled in a science program, either Marine Science or Marine Biology. Marine Science, while a fair amount of work to get through, will not adequately prepare you for a career working with animals. Most Marine Science majors end up on oceanographic missions such as charting marine weather patterns, currents, tides, etc. Marine Biology would be best for those wishing to work as a trainer or with animals in general. In addition to learning about the marine environment and its inhabitants, expect to take a lot of math classes, as well as Physics and Chemistry.

The requirements to be a Sea World trainer include a friendly, outgoing personality, the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, SCUBA certification, and STRONG swimming skills.

In general, you will not hire in as a trainer. When a position opens on the training staff, Sea World prefers to promote or transfer from its existing pool of employees. That means that today's popcorn vendor can be next year's Shamu trainer. Well, assistant anyway. Being a trainer is more than just wanting the job. You will start off by slinging fish and cleaning the facilities. It can be as long as two years before you are actually in the water with the animals. Although they are cute and seem friendly, they are wild and can react instinctively at any time. Even a 4-foot long common dolphin can readily kill a human.

Oh, and one final thing. There are no rich marine scientists or marine biologists out there. The pay at Sea World is not far above minimum wage. You will work, long, hard hours. You may not get to be a trainer, even after several years on the job, or you may end up working with animals you'd rather not.

Did I scare you off yet? If not, then may you have what it takes: An undying love of animals that is foremost to everything else in your life. It's not a financially rewarding career, but the emotional payoff can be incredible.

http://www.marinemammalogy.org/strat.htm...

How to become a marine mammal trainer:

Most marine mammal trainers start by volunteering at an oceanarium or zoo. Often people work in other departments, such as operations, maintenance, or education, before transferring to a job in animal training. For the best advice about a career in marine mammal training, contact the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association.

...also look in to Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program. They have a "hands-on" program that teaches you how to train exotic (and domestic) animals.

http://www.moorpark.cc.ca.us/~eatm/faqs....

FAQ 16

Will the EATM program give me an advantage over any other schools or programs?

...Many of our students want to train marine mammals - we send graduates all over the world to do this. Especially to the Caribbean - a new Dolphin Program hired 4 graduates in the summer of 2001, and more in 2002, 2003 & 2004.

The May 2003 graduates currently have many wonderful jobs. One is working in Shamu Stadium at Sea World Orlando, training the Killer Whales! (His photo is to the right)...

As well as education you should also work on getting as much hands-on experience as you can. Try to volunteer at a Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center. Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks (Sea World is one of them) offer students a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience while working in a fun and exciting environment. They employ High School and college students. http://www.becjobs.com/Scripts/Student.a...

http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources...

CATCH 22?

1. To get a job working with animals, you need experience with animals. This bit of truth seems to create a frustrating circle. You need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience unless you have a job, right? Well, yes and no.

VOLUNTEER

1. To begin a career caring for animals, you should be prepared to start with a volunteer or entry-level position. Call your nearest zoo or aquatic park and ask for details on becoming a volunteer (also called a docent or intern). Humane societies, animal rehabilitation clinics, and some veterinary clinics also welcome volunteers. Although your duties with a humane society or veterinary clinic will most likely involve working indirectly with animals (cleaning cages and preparing food), volunteer duties at a zoo or aquatic park range from filing or answering phones to being trained to make educational presentations or feed newly hatched birds.

Volunteering your time shows that you're serious about your commitment to animals. Develop a reputation for being an eager, cooperative, hard-working person, and your volunteer effort may help you get a job in the future. Supervisors are often asked to give character references for volunteers who've worked for them.

SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

1. A strong background in zoology is necessary for most of the jobs that involve working closely with animals. Ask your school counselor to help you work out a course list that will prepare you to earn a degree in zoology, biology, chemistry, botany, or psychology. Take your classes seriously; zoological parks are more interested in hiring a hard-working, knowledgeable person than someone who "loves animals."

Don't wait until you have a degree before you apply for a job at a zoological park. Some of the curators, supervisors, aquarists, and others got their start by working at snack stands and gift shops before moving into their present careers. An entry-level position will help you establish a name for yourself as a dedicated employee, and introduces you to how hiring is handled within that zoological institution.

Lastly, many of the professional organizations listed in the Appendix have special membership rates for nonprofessionals and students. You'll be able to learn more about animals and zoological careers through their newsletters. Also, by attending local workshops and even national conferences, you might make some good contacts and get more information on how to chart your path for your zoological park career.

Answer 2

Yes, you definately do.

Answer 3

Im pretty sure you do, but Im not positave.

Hah, sorry.

Answer 4

No.  You need to know how to train advanced mammals and have a rapport with them.  You can't learn animal training at a university.  The best trainers have sort of an innate ability.  So if you don't have that nothing else is gonna help.