Marine Mammal Trainer

A marine mammal trainer works with large marine mammals usually in a zoo or aquarium setting. Usually training large animals is done using a team approach, so several marine mammal trainers will work with the same group of dolphins, whales, seals, otters or other marine animals and mammals. The marine mammal trainer is responsible for both the mental and physical care of the animals under their care and supervision and therefore works with the animals every day.

A marine mammal trainer usually starts and ends the workday with feeding and cleaning. This means cleaning the areas that the mammal lives in. After feeding there is usually a training session where the marine mammal trainer works to shape the animals behavior into a specific task. A marine mammal trainer may work for days or even months teaching a desired behavior, only using positive rewards to encourage the animal.

In most aquariums and zoos that have marine mammals the marine mammal trainer provides both educational information to the public as well as presents the animals in scheduled shows or events. The current trend is to try to keep the training more natural and inclusive of what the various mammals would do in the wild, rather than having them do a series of tricks. Marine mammal trainers must be very safety conscious both for themselves and the animals under their care.

Common work activities include:

• Preparing specific foods and diets for the various marine mammals within the facility and ensuring that animals are eating and healthy on a daily basis.
• Charting and recording any changes in behavior, issue with health or diet, or monitoring marine animals that are being treated for a health related condition.
• Presenting the marine mammals in shows or educational forums to help educate the public about the various types of marine mammals and their place in the ecosystems in the wild.
• Cleaning and maintaining the living environment of the marine mammals and assisting with developing modifications or changes in the environment.
• Assisting veterinarians or other professionals in the treatment of captive marine mammals both in the facility and those that are rescued from natural settings.

Programs related to Marine Mammal Trainer careers

Top Online College Degree Programs

	Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University has a wide range of programs available for individuals who want to make a career change or improve their job prospects. As a leader in online education, Kaplan delivers innovative, relevant, and convenient education.
	Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University aims to make education accessible and affordable for every kind of student. Students can enhance their career opportunities without sacrificing commitments to work, family, or the military.
	University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctorate Degrees. University of Phoenix is an outstanding university with programs offered both online and on campus. Phoenix is committed to helping students develop intellectually and personally in order to reach their career goals.
	Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Liberty University is an evangelical school that offers programs online and on campus. Individuals who want to change career fields or advance in their current field will be able to obtain their degree in a flexible and affordable manner at Liberty.
	American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. AIU is a career-oriented education that prepares students to take on today's fastest-growing jobs. With students all over the world, AIU is able to cater to the individual needs and career goals of every type of student.
	DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. DeVry University provides students with a practical, hands-on education from instructors who are accomplished in their respective field. DeVry has programs for students on campus and online so students can get their degree in an affordable, flexible way.
	Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University designs degree programs for today's fastest-growing job markets. For this reason, Everest graduates are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
	Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College is a career-oriented college that prepares students to meet the needs of today's fast-changing job market. Students can advance or change their career without putting the rest of their lives on hold.