How to Become a Dolphin Trainer

By Tarek Khaleel

There are few things in life that carry the unparalleled exhilaration and excitement than the dolphin experience, it is no wonder it is a fantasy to many young hearts to become the avid and experienced Dolphin Trainer. The dolphin trainer has one of the most privileged positions in the marine animal world, and that is the hands on interaction with the aquatic wild life themselves. However, the misconception that this is a relatively easy field to access and that competitiveness is small within this community couldn’t be more wrong. Realistically those trying for positions that do not possess a college degree in some field pertinent to Marine Biology have little to no chance of successfully integrating themselves into the system. Even those with unparalleled amounts of experience, people who simply have done swimming with Dolphins and Whales their whole lives are being turned down for lack of the proper degrees. Simply put, a well-rounded solid education is a must if you are seriously considering committing to become a trainer.

Skills Needed to be a Dolphin Trainer

So one of the most important questions to ask is how to become a trainer is? How can you prepare to enter this field? There are many ways to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The marine mammal field is constantly growing and changing. It is important to do as much research as you can. The skills needed to be a dolphin trainer is take classes that will advance your public speaking skills and knowledge of the marine animals and environment in which you will be working. If you are going to be working with animals, the abilities to think clearly, quickly and with common sense are unspeakably important. Physical fitness is also a definite prerequisite. You will probably spend a great deal of time in or near an aquatic environment making strong swimming skills essential. In addition, if you are not already certified, you should probably take SCUBA lessons. Most facilities require that you pass a swim test and be SCUBA certified before they will hire you.

However, before any of this, you need to have the strong rounded formal college education majoring in the field of Marine Biology, any of these fields are fair game and would be considered beneficial to expanding your resume and impressing potential employer. These educational degrees can include courses in Zoology, Ecology, Animal Behavior, Veterinary Medicine, Zoo Keeping, Regulatory Careers and most importantly and the essential, Marine Mammal training. Among these courses, Marine Animal Training is the most relevant and essential to a solid foundation in becoming a trainer and even grasping an opportunity at an internship. Marine mammal training is a conditioning process through which animals receive mental stimulation, physical exercise and husbandry care. Animal trainers are responsible for the total mental and physical health of the animals in their care. This includes the hands on work with the animals as well as pool maintenance, water quality, and diet preparation. Marine mammal trainers often participate in the production of educational programs for visitors and guests. Ultimately, it is the education that allows the public to develop an understanding and respect for marine life, which will help to ensure its survival.

Two other critical and vital degrees you absolutely must have some experience with is Marine Biology and Oceanography. These two fields solidify and mold the trainer into highly knowledgeable characters in the field of general Aquatics. Marine Biology is engaged in all studies of marine organisms from whales to algae, While Oceanography applies to many different areas, which study the oceans and the processes taking place within them. It is a complex field that has many divisions. A chemical oceanographer researches the chemical changes at work in the sea, tracing pollution and dealing with its removal and prevention. A geological oceanographer studies shorelines, ocean floors, sediment layers and mineral content. Physical oceanographers study the physical properties of the oceans, currents, tides, and waves and how they are affected by atmospheric events. A biological oceanographer studies animal communities in the open ocean.

Ultimately and in closing, the bottom line is that to become a trainer is a very competitive field most definitely in relative comparison to most other popular fields like Engineering and Computer design. The key is to get involved, get in the flow, become a trainer for the day, start early and gain experience! On a more national level, you should consider joining at least one of several professional organizations. The best way to learn about job opportunities is to become a member of an established reliable professional organization. And in terms of experience, it is actually relatively easy to gain practical experience and knowledge before you professionally enter the field of your choice. Volunteering and interning provide you with experience in hands on setting before you make your final decision on which career to pursue, and in which what path to direct your ultimate destiny.