Comments for World Sea Adventures http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com Sea Ventures for the Modern Explorer Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:40:11 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 Comment on ADVENTURE CAMP AT SEA WORLD (career camp)? by Louise http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/adventure-camp-at-sea-world-career-camp#comment-395 Louise Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:38:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/adventure-camp-at-sea-world-career-camp#comment-395 Not me, but I agree with the person above me.<br><b>References : </b><br> Not me, but I agree with the person above me.
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]]> Comment on ADVENTURE CAMP AT SEA WORLD (career camp)? by climber_off_her_rock http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/adventure-camp-at-sea-world-career-camp#comment-394 climber_off_her_rock Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:29:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/adventure-camp-at-sea-world-career-camp#comment-394 I went to this camp three years ago. It was a lot of fun. You spend every day in a different area of the park interacting with the animals. There is a lot of food preparation involved. Be prepared to have fish guts underneath your finger nails. The camp isn't so much educational as it is immersive. You get to explore all the backstage areas and feel like you actually work there. The best part is exploring the penguin habitat and feeding them. You also get a lot of time to enjoy the park like a guest. Remember to wear lots of sunscreen. Its extremely uncomfortable to spend the week sunburnt. The residential housing for the campers is very nice. You stay in dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. They serve very good meals and have spacious outdoor areas for playing soccer or four square. There were some things that could be improved, however. The counselors promise a beach day then take you to one of the worst beaches in San Diego. As a local southern californian I was embarrased that Sea World was showcasing some of the ugliest locales for the international campers. Furthermore at one point we visited the aviary where we were asked to clean the flamingo food bins. Typically the camp works on a play/work formula. You have to perform some grunt task, such as cleaning or preparing food, then you are rewarded with an animal interaction. At the aviary we were shoved into a smelly back room for what felt like more than an hour and given the task of dishwasher. It wouldn't have been that bad if we were rewarded with a guided tour of the aviary exhibit or some special lesson on the tropical birds. Instead we were relieved from our duties by some worker on break and led straight back to the dorms. This bad experience happened only once and I suspect that in recent years that aspect of the camp has been improved. Overall it was a wonderful experience. I encourage any animal lover to try it out. <br><b>References : </b><br> I went to this camp three years ago. It was a lot of fun. You spend every day in a different area of the park interacting with the animals. There is a lot of food preparation involved. Be prepared to have fish guts underneath your finger nails. The camp isn’t so much educational as it is immersive. You get to explore all the backstage areas and feel like you actually work there. The best part is exploring the penguin habitat and feeding them. You also get a lot of time to enjoy the park like a guest. Remember to wear lots of sunscreen. Its extremely uncomfortable to spend the week sunburnt. The residential housing for the campers is very nice. You stay in dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. They serve very good meals and have spacious outdoor areas for playing soccer or four square.
There were some things that could be improved, however. The counselors promise a beach day then take you to one of the worst beaches in San Diego. As a local southern californian I was embarrased that Sea World was showcasing some of the ugliest locales for the international campers. Furthermore at one point we visited the aviary where we were asked to clean the flamingo food bins. Typically the camp works on a play/work formula. You have to perform some grunt task, such as cleaning or preparing food, then you are rewarded with an animal interaction. At the aviary we were shoved into a smelly back room for what felt like more than an hour and given the task of dishwasher. It wouldn’t have been that bad if we were rewarded with a guided tour of the aviary exhibit or some special lesson on the tropical birds. Instead we were relieved from our duties by some worker on break and led straight back to the dorms. This bad experience happened only once and I suspect that in recent years that aspect of the camp has been improved.
Overall it was a wonderful experience. I encourage any animal lover to try it out.
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]]> Comment on Adventure Camps at Sea world and Busch Gardens!!!!? by Super Pup! http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/adventure-camps-at-sea-world-and-busch-gardens#comment-393 Super Pup! Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:37:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/adventure-camps-at-sea-world-and-busch-gardens#comment-393 They are tons of fun, I did a couple before, now if your just going for a day camp or weekend camp its not worth the flight but if you are doing a resident camp then it will be a blast. All the camps are fun but only the resident camps are worth traveling that far for.<br><b>References : </b><br> They are tons of fun, I did a couple before, now if your just going for a day camp or weekend camp its not worth the flight but if you are doing a resident camp then it will be a blast. All the camps are fun but only the resident camps are worth traveling that far for.
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]]> Comment on Chessington World of Adventures - Whats included in ticket price? by Lisa C http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/chessington-world-of-adventures-whats-included-in-ticket-price#comment-392 Lisa C Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:09:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/chessington-world-of-adventures-whats-included-in-ticket-price#comment-392 Your entrance fee includes EVERYTHING. you do not need a separate ticket fot the Zoo OR Sealife Center. I know this as i went as recently as a month ago (I live on the route and it's damn easy to get there lol). If you have a B.O.G.O.F ticket then you'll have a cheap day out :-) If not, buy your tickets online for a discount. http://www.chessington.com/tickets/ticket_prices.asp Of course, if you want to make the most of your weekend then why not book into the hotel adjacent to the park?? You'll have a great time together, ignore the ones that say it's crap. It's what you make it. Anyway, they are most probably the ones that say Disney is crap too! Have fun, check out the website for more info. And go and see the sealions being fed! If it's thrills your after though - try Thorpe Park rather than Chessington. They are not that far apart (and you could base yourself in the hotel and do both parks) but Thorpe is more for adults.<br><b>References : </b><br>http://www.chessington.com/ Your entrance fee includes EVERYTHING. you do not need a separate ticket fot the Zoo OR Sealife Center.

I know this as i went as recently as a month ago (I live on the route and it’s damn easy to get there lol).

If you have a B.O.G.O.F ticket then you’ll have a cheap day out :-) If not, buy your tickets online for a discount.
http://www.chessington.com/tickets/ticket_prices.asp

Of course, if you want to make the most of your weekend then why not book into the hotel adjacent to the park??

You’ll have a great time together, ignore the ones that say it’s crap. It’s what you make it. Anyway, they are most probably the ones that say Disney is crap too!

Have fun, check out the website for more info. And go and see the sealions being fed!

If it’s thrills your after though - try Thorpe Park rather than Chessington. They are not that far apart (and you could base yourself in the hotel and do both parks) but Thorpe is more for adults.
References :
http://www.chessington.com/

]]> Comment on Chessington World of Adventures - Whats included in ticket price? by Deni S http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/chessington-world-of-adventures-whats-included-in-ticket-price#comment-391 Deni S Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:57:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/chessington-world-of-adventures-whats-included-in-ticket-price#comment-391 No the sea life is free. And yes you need to go to the zoo section and get a completly sep ticket for that<br><b>References : </b><br> No the sea life is free. And yes you need to go to the zoo section and get a completly sep ticket for that
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]]> Comment on Chessington World of Adventures - Whats included in ticket price? by jamand http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/chessington-world-of-adventures-whats-included-in-ticket-price#comment-390 jamand Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:35:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/chessington-world-of-adventures-whats-included-in-ticket-price#comment-390 Don't bother mate - it is a crap hole - you can queue for hours to get on the only decent ride and then when you are about to get on the staff tell you that you can't because it is for disabled people only. Then they make you queue again. The place is a run down crap hole out of the 1970's. It is truly an awful place<br><b>References : </b><br> Don’t bother mate - it is a crap hole - you can queue for hours to get on the only decent ride and then when you are about to get on the staff tell you that you can’t because it is for disabled people only. Then they make you queue again.

The place is a run down crap hole out of the 1970’s. It is truly an awful place
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]]> Comment on i want to be a killer whale trainer at sea world san antonio, what colleges and stuff should i attend? by Heather H http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/i-want-to-be-a-killer-whale-trainer-at-sea-world-san-antonio-what-colleges-and-stuff-should-i-attend#comment-389 Heather H Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:16:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/i-want-to-be-a-killer-whale-trainer-at-sea-world-san-antonio-what-colleges-and-stuff-should-i-attend#comment-389 You need to work on your swimming skills, become scuba certified, improve your public speaking and performance skills (when you watch the SeaWorld videos and animal shows notice how energetic, engaging, and animated the trainers are. You will be a performer and educator for the public as well as a trainer for the animals), and get as much experience with animals as you can. Volunteer at a shelter, with a domestic animal trainer, at a marine mammal rescue, etc. Zoos and Aquariums also usually offer volunteer opportunities for teens and college students. Some have keeper positions, some offer camp counselor positions, other offer jr docents/guides; any of these will give you good experience for a zoological job. There are also camps, classes, and other volunteer opportunities that will give you the experience you need. Start learning what you can about animal training, animal behavior, psychology, and other subjects that may relate to being an animal trainer. It would also be good to join the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA). The IMATA also has a list of recommended books. Some college degrees: * http://www.seaworld.org/ask-shamu/faq.htm#animal-training ...applicants that have a degree in marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, psychology, or related fields are almost always the ones that get interviews. * http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_students/teaching_zoo/FAQs.shtml Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program * http://animalscience.calpoly.edu/areas_of_study/zoo/careers.asp Animal Science with a focus in the area of Zoo and Exotic Animal *or a similar degree Along with the courses required for the degree, perhaps, take some courses in: speech; drama; CPR; swimming; scuba; psychology; animal behavior; animal management; education; zoology; marine bio; etc. After college, you might not be able to get a job right away as a marine animal trainer. You may have to work a different job or work with other animals till a marine animal trainer position becomes available. It might also be a good idea to do some sort of internship before applying. An internship is a good way to get experience and it may help get your foot in the door. With so many people applying for so few positions, you need to do what you can to give yourself the edge over your competition. Here are some links. Good Luck. http://becjobs.com/Scripts/JobSearch.aspx Associate Trainer, Trainer or Senior Trainer Park: Sea World San Diego Type: Seasonal Description: Basic Job functions: Enthusiastically represents SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. Assists the Animal Training staff in providing proper nutrition, appropriate sanitary living conditions, constant care for animals and water interaction depending on need. Principle Duties: Maintains safe and sanitary working areas and living conditions. Prepares daily animal diets, maintains safe and sanitary food preparation and storage areas. Administers animal vitamins under close supervision as required. Develops speaking skills and stage presence for performing supportive roles in education and general public shows. Assist in the training of animals. Develops an awareness of guest satisfaction with the SeaWorld product. Maintains facility pools with the use of SCUBA gear. Maintains excellent physical condition as needed to perform job functions. Required Skills Knowledge: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have SCUBA certification at the time of applying. Must be able to lift 60 lbs. Must be able to work weekdays, holidays, and nights. Must have at least 6 months of paid animal training experience. Must pass a swim test. Theatrical experience strongly preferred. Required Training Education: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Degree in psychology, performing arts or theater, or marine, biological or zoological sciences is desirable. http://www.seaworld.org/ask-shamu/faq.htm#animal-training How do I become a marine animal trainer? The following information is SeaWorld's basic job description, requirements, and background information on an entry-level animal trainer position. ANIMAL TRAINER Responsible for the daily care, feeding and maintenance of show animals. Develops and trains animal behaviors and performs in animal shows for the public and educational shows for school groups. An apprenticeship period of at least a year is required for all trainer positions, even with previous experience. Our requirements for animal trainers include: ° must be at least 18 years of age ° prior experience training animals ° public speaking, drama, or other performance and communication skills (a microphone test is part of the interview process) ° experience working with animals ° scuba diving certification ° CPR certification ° an ability to interact with the public ° academic coursework in zoology, marine biology, animal behavior or psychology (preference is given to those applicants with a college degree) ° strong swimming skills (part of the interview process is a rigorous swim test that includes a 200 ft. freestyle swim, a 100 ft. underwater swim, and a free-dive to the bottom of a 26 ft. pool.) ° excellent physical health and the ability to lift 50 lbs. In addition, even with previous training experience, new trainers are hired as associate trainers, and learn about SeaWorld’s training methods and animals in at least a one-year apprenticeship period. HOW TO GET EXPERIENCE To try and see if a career in animal training or animal care is for you, SeaWorld offers a weeklong Career Camp for grades 9-12 during the summer at all three parks. Check online at SWBG-AdventureCamps.com for more information. Many colleges and universities offer internship opportunities along with the local zoos or aquariums as part of a zoological science or similar type of degree program. Moorpark College in Southern California offers a special Exotic Animal Training and Management program designed for those who want to enter into zoological careers. In Florida, Santa Fe Community College and Pensacola Junior College offer similar programs. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, veterinarian, or wildlife rescue facility is another great way to get experience. In addition, many zoos and aquariums have docent or other volunteer positions available. It is also helpful to gain experience at the park or facility that you’re interested in working for. At SeaWorld, many of our openings for trainer and animal care positions go to applicants that have worked at the park in another department such as education - so this is a great way to get your foot in the door. Another thing to keep in mind is when position openings are available. At SeaWorld, we have most openings for trainers and animal care in the early spring, and usually post these positions on our website (www.becjobs.com ) in late winter. During this time we hold the swim tests and microphone tests as the initial parts of the interview process. As you can imagine, we get hundreds of applicants each year for trainer positions. For killer whale trainers there may only be one or two openings each year— so this is an even more competitive area to get into. While a college degree is not currently required, those applicants that have a degree in marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, psychology, or related fields are almost always the ones that get interviews. Also, the swim test and microphone test are critical parts of the interview process. Most people who take these tests do not pass the underwater swim portion of this test, so it is critical to practice for this. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (www.aza.org ) also posts career information and job openings on its website. We also have a lot more info on our website (www.swbg-animals.org ) about training and other animal careers. Other great sites to check out are the websites for the International Marine Animal Training Association (www.imata.org) and the Society for Marine Mammalogy (this has an excellent section on pursuing a career in marine mammal science at http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=84 http://www.usc.edu/org/seagrant/pdfs/Guide.pdf http://www.swbg-animals.org/connections/shared-video/on-the-job/index.htm?vID=v5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGxyG6Ixz4 http://www.swbg-animals.org/connections/shared-video/on-the-job/index.htm?vID=v2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MulfGFInDyw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNL0l6tBEIc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syh1OW5xxBY http://www.dolphintrainer.com/career_guide.htm http://www.imata.org/cms.php?13 http://www.imata.org/cms.php?17 http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/training/index.htm http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/training.htm http://www.theabma.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=10075 http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Behavior-Active-Paul-Chance/dp/0495095648/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233260598&sr=8-3 http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Training-Successful-Management-Reinforcement/dp/0961107499/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221245175&sr=1-1 http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Shoot-Dog-Teaching-Training/dp/1860542387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233260697&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Lads-Before-Wind-Dolphin-Trainer/dp/1890948047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233261071&sr=8-1 http://www.clickertraining.com/node/381 http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsZn1OX3r056K67EHuZLaM_ty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090331172013AAsqEF8&show=7#profile-info-dkTAIowwaa What Is The Day In The Life Of A Dolphin Trainer?<br><b>References : </b><br>Some camp or volunteer ideas. Even being a camp assistant or tour guide can be helpful in pursuing a trainer career. http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_faq.html http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/soyouwanttobeazookeeper/ http://swbg-adventurecamps.com/adventure-camps/2007video.htm http://www.swbg-animals.org/connections/podcasts/pod_vid.htm?vID=v8 http://marinemammalcenter.org/get_involved/volunteer/teen_volunteer.asp http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/aa/aa_jobs/jobs_vol_role.asp http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?cid=270 http://www.houstonzoo.org/teen/ http://www.dallaszoo.com/subnav/volunteer/Vol_2_aquarium.htm http://www.mysummercamps.com/cgi-bin/camps/page.cgi?g=Detailed%2FSEACAMP_San_Diego_L14440.html;d=1 http://www.mysummercamps.com/cgi-bin/camps/page.cgi?g=Detailed%2FSeacamp_L5692.html;d=1 http://www.mysummercamps.com/cgi-bin/camps/page.cgi?g=Detailed%2FCamp_Broadway_L21116.html;d=1 some colleges http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/school-&-university-programs.htm http://www.aazk.org/zkcareer/training.php http://marinemammalcenter.org/learning/education/careers/colleges.asp http://marinebio.org/MarineBio/Careers/USschools.asp http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/ Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program. http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_students/teaching_zoo/FAQs.shtml 16. Will the EATM program give me an advantage over any other schools or programs? YES! There are facilities which contact us first when they have openings, because they prefer to hire our graduates. ...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 in San Diego, training the Killer Whales! (His photo is to the right) Several others are with Universal Studios - both in Orlando and Hollywood. Others are with various Marine Mammal facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Graduates from the class of 2004 are working training Guide Dogs in California, with marine mammals at Sea World Orlando, Sea Life Marine Park in Hawaii, Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California - and many other facilities. Graduates from the class of 2008 have jobs at - Sea World San Diego, the U.S. Navy training sea lions, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, Universal Studios Hollywood - and many other places. EATM graduates get jobs everywhere... http://students.vcccd.edu/cats/mc_09-10_catalog.pdf (Exotic Animal Training and Management) http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/teaching_zoo/ http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6497367692325564878&ei=hw7rSJKZN6Ky2gKK2LydCw&q=EATM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH-vcr-AmWQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUxQGXKWfZQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebO4t0Ojqz0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl-CHykT2P8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8AKB8Jgvco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1pILm93dg8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifTtBYCF-mw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfHCOUEKjkY http://www.aazk.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=134 http://www.aazk.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=490 http://www.amysutherland.com/kbs-synopsis.aspx Chapter: Dolphin Dreams pg 216 ...He [a trainer at SeaWorld] tells them to get scuba- and CPR-certified, to join the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA), and to get a college degree. In interviews, he tells them, don't say you only want to work with dolphins. You may have to work with sea otters, even walruses, to get your foot in the door. Don't mention any spiritual connections you might have with cetaceans. "If someone says in an interview, 'I was a dolphin in a previous life,' uh, they're out of here," he says. Give yourself any edge you can, because "everyone wants to be a dolphin trainer. They'll kill you for it."... Santa Fe College's Zoo Animal Technology Program http://dept.sfcollege.edu/zoo/PROGINFO.HTM http://www.sfcollege.edu/docs/catalog/2009-10.php (Zoo Animal Technology) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm3VLxn0IPA http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=santa%20fe%20teaching%20zoo&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv#q=santa%20fe%20teaching%20zoo&emb=0 http://www.aazk.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=780 http://animalscience.calpoly.edu/areas_of_study/zoo/careers.asp What steps did you take to get to where you are? I have always loved animals and I knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity. I came to Sea World when I was growing up and after seeing the shows I knew animal training was what I wanted to do. I have always been a swimmer, which is one of the major requirements of the job. Having a love for the ocean, I was more than happy to get my SCUBA certification, another important requirement. While in school I took courses in animal management, biology and psychology. I also got my foot in the door at Sea World by doing an internship for the Sea World Orlando education department. What advice would you offer current animal science students with an interest in exotic animals? Most zoos and aquariums offer some type of internship or volunteer opportunity. When applying for these jobs upon graduation (internship and volunteer) experiences are invaluable. Any hands-on experience with any type of animal is helpful. The International Marine Animal Trainer's Association is an organization that many animal trainers, keepers and veterinarians are members of. The IMATA organization provides a lot of information about training, education and job opportunities around the world. some places to intern or work http://www.becjobs.com/Scripts/Student.aspx http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/internship/index.htm http://www.seaworld.org/education-programs/swc/jobs/index.htm http://www.seaworld.org/education-programs/swt/employment/index.htm http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/wdw/students/roles/animal_programs/animal_programs.html http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/wdw/students/roles/animal_programs/animal_program_roles/pi_animal_marine_mammal.html http://www.aza.org/joblistings/ (look up trainer, dolphin, sea lion, etc) http://www.sheddaquarium.org/marine_mammals_internship_information.html http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/info_programs_int.html#exp http://www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals/interns.html http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?CID=668 http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/gulf%20world/Pages/marinejobs.asp http://www.miamiseaquarium.com/visitor_info/Jobs_Detail.asp?ID=4 http://www.dolphins.org/help_volunteer_info.php#care http://www.dolphinsplus.com/dolphin-education.htm#intern http://www.theaterofthesea.com/intern.html http://www.hswri.org/getInvolved/volunteers.cfm You need to work on your swimming skills, become scuba certified, improve your public speaking and performance skills (when you watch the SeaWorld videos and animal shows notice how energetic, engaging, and animated the trainers are. You will be a performer and educator for the public as well as a trainer for the animals), and get as much experience with animals as you can. Volunteer at a shelter, with a domestic animal trainer, at a marine mammal rescue, etc. Zoos and Aquariums also usually offer volunteer opportunities for teens and college students. Some have keeper positions, some offer camp counselor positions, other offer jr docents/guides; any of these will give you good experience for a zoological job. There are also camps, classes, and other volunteer opportunities that will give you the experience you need.

Start learning what you can about animal training, animal behavior, psychology, and other subjects that may relate to being an animal trainer. It would also be good to join the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA). The IMATA also has a list of recommended books.

Some college degrees:
* http://www.seaworld.org/ask-shamu/faq.htm#animal-training
…applicants that have a degree in marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, psychology, or related fields are almost always the ones that get interviews.

* http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_students/teaching_zoo/FAQs.shtml
Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program

* http://animalscience.calpoly.edu/areas_of_study/zoo/careers.asp
Animal Science with a focus in the area of Zoo and Exotic Animal

*or a similar degree

Along with the courses required for the degree, perhaps, take some courses in: speech; drama; CPR; swimming; scuba; psychology; animal behavior; animal management; education; zoology; marine bio; etc.

After college, you might not be able to get a job right away as a marine animal trainer. You may have to work a different job or work with other animals till a marine animal trainer position becomes available. It might also be a good idea to do some sort of internship before applying. An internship is a good way to get experience and it may help get your foot in the door.

With so many people applying for so few positions, you need to do what you can to give yourself the edge over your competition.

Here are some links. Good Luck.
http://becjobs.com/Scripts/JobSearch.aspx
Associate Trainer, Trainer or Senior Trainer
Park: Sea World San Diego
Type: Seasonal

Description:
Basic Job functions: Enthusiastically represents SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. Assists the Animal Training staff in providing proper nutrition, appropriate sanitary living conditions, constant care for animals and water interaction depending on need. Principle Duties: Maintains safe and sanitary working areas and living conditions. Prepares daily animal diets, maintains safe and sanitary food preparation and storage areas. Administers animal vitamins under close supervision as required. Develops speaking skills and stage presence for performing supportive roles in education and general public shows. Assist in the training of animals. Develops an awareness of guest satisfaction with the SeaWorld product. Maintains facility pools with the use of SCUBA gear. Maintains excellent physical condition as needed to perform job functions. Required Skills Knowledge: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have SCUBA certification at the time of applying. Must be able to lift 60 lbs. Must be able to work weekdays, holidays, and nights. Must have at least 6 months of paid animal training experience. Must pass a swim test. Theatrical experience strongly preferred. Required Training Education: Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Degree in psychology, performing arts or theater, or marine, biological or zoological sciences is desirable.

http://www.seaworld.org/ask-shamu/faq.htm#animal-training
How do I become a marine animal trainer?

The following information is SeaWorld’s basic job description, requirements, and background information on an entry-level animal trainer position.
ANIMAL TRAINER
Responsible for the daily care, feeding and maintenance of show animals. Develops and trains animal behaviors and performs in animal shows for the public and educational shows for school groups. An apprenticeship period of at least a year is required for all trainer positions, even with previous experience.
Our requirements for animal trainers include:
° must be at least 18 years of age
° prior experience training animals
° public speaking, drama, or other performance and communication skills (a microphone test is part of the interview process)
° experience working with animals
° scuba diving certification
° CPR certification
° an ability to interact with the public
° academic coursework in zoology, marine biology, animal behavior or psychology (preference is given to those applicants with a college degree)
° strong swimming skills (part of the interview process is a rigorous swim test that includes a 200 ft. freestyle swim, a 100 ft. underwater swim, and a free-dive to the bottom of a 26 ft. pool.)
° excellent physical health and the ability to lift 50 lbs.
In addition, even with previous training experience, new trainers are hired as associate trainers, and learn about SeaWorld’s training methods and animals in at least a one-year apprenticeship period.

HOW TO GET EXPERIENCE
To try and see if a career in animal training or animal care is for you, SeaWorld offers a weeklong Career Camp for grades 9-12 during the summer at all three parks. Check online at SWBG-AdventureCamps.com for more information.
Many colleges and universities offer internship opportunities along with the local zoos or aquariums as part of a zoological science or similar type of degree program. Moorpark College in Southern California offers a special Exotic Animal Training and Management program designed for those who want to enter into zoological careers. In Florida, Santa Fe Community College and Pensacola Junior College offer similar programs. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, veterinarian, or wildlife rescue facility is another great way to get experience. In addition, many zoos and aquariums have docent or other volunteer positions available. It is also helpful to gain experience at the park or facility that you’re interested in working for. At SeaWorld, many of our openings for trainer and animal care positions go to applicants that have worked at the park in another department such as education - so this is a great way to get your foot in the door.

Another thing to keep in mind is when position openings are available. At SeaWorld, we have most openings for trainers and animal care in the early spring, and usually post these positions on our website (www.becjobs.com ) in late winter. During this time we hold the swim tests and microphone tests as the initial parts of the interview process.

As you can imagine, we get hundreds of applicants each year for trainer positions. For killer whale trainers there may only be one or two openings each year— so this is an even more competitive area to get into. While a college degree is not currently required, those applicants that have a degree in marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, psychology, or related fields are almost always the ones that get interviews. Also, the swim test and microphone test are critical parts of the interview process. Most people who take these tests do not pass the underwater swim portion of this test, so it is critical to practice for this.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (www.aza.org ) also posts career information and job openings on its website. We also have a lot more info on our website (www.swbg-animals.org ) about training and other animal careers. Other great sites to check out are the websites for the International Marine Animal Training Association (www.imata.org) and the Society for Marine Mammalogy (this has an excellent section on pursuing a career in marine mammal science at
http://www.marinemammalogy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=84
http://www.usc.edu/org/seagrant/pdfs/Guide.pdf

http://www.swbg-animals.org/connections/shared-video/on-the-job/index.htm?vID=v5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGxyG6Ixz4
http://www.swbg-animals.org/connections/shared-video/on-the-job/index.htm?vID=v2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MulfGFInDyw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNL0l6tBEIc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syh1OW5xxBY

http://www.dolphintrainer.com/career_guide.htm
http://www.imata.org/cms.php?13
http://www.imata.org/cms.php?17
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/training/index.htm
http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/training.htm
http://www.theabma.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=10075
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Behavior-Active-Paul-Chance/dp/0495095648/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233260598&sr=8-3
http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Training-Successful-Management-Reinforcement/dp/0961107499/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221245175&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Shoot-Dog-Teaching-Training/dp/1860542387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233260697&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Lads-Before-Wind-Dolphin-Trainer/dp/1890948047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233261071&sr=8-1
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/381

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AsZn1OX3r056K67EHuZLaM_ty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20090331172013AAsqEF8&show=7#profile-info-dkTAIowwaa
What Is The Day In The Life Of A Dolphin Trainer?
References :
Some camp or volunteer ideas. Even being a camp assistant or tour guide can be helpful in pursuing a trainer career.
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/jobs/keeper_faq.html
http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/soyouwanttobeazookeeper/
http://swbg-adventurecamps.com/adventure-camps/2007video.htm
http://www.swbg-animals.org/connections/podcasts/pod_vid.htm?vID=v8
http://marinemammalcenter.org/get_involved/volunteer/teen_volunteer.asp
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/aa/aa_jobs/jobs_vol_role.asp
http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?cid=270
http://www.houstonzoo.org/teen/
http://www.dallaszoo.com/subnav/volunteer/Vol_2_aquarium.htm
http://www.mysummercamps.com/cgi-bin/camps/page.cgi?g=Detailed%2FSEACAMP_San_Diego_L14440.html;d=1
http://www.mysummercamps.com/cgi-bin/camps/page.cgi?g=Detailed%2FSeacamp_L5692.html;d=1
http://www.mysummercamps.com/cgi-bin/camps/page.cgi?g=Detailed%2FCamp_Broadway_L21116.html;d=1

some colleges
http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/info-books/zoo-careers/school-&-university-programs.htm
http://www.aazk.org/zkcareer/training.php
http://marinemammalcenter.org/learning/education/careers/colleges.asp
http://marinebio.org/MarineBio/Careers/USschools.asp
http://www.abcanimaltraining.com/

Moorpark College’s Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) Program.
http://www.moorparkcollege.edu/current_students/teaching_zoo/FAQs.shtml
16. Will the EATM program give me an advantage over any other schools or programs?
YES! There are facilities which contact us first when they have openings, because they prefer to hire our graduates.
…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 in San Diego, training the Killer Whales! (His photo is to the right) Several others are with Universal Studios - both in Orlando and Hollywood. Others are with various Marine Mammal facilities in the U.S. and abroad. Graduates from the class of 2004 are working training Guide Dogs in California, with marine mammals at Sea World Orlando, Sea Life Marine Park in Hawaii, Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California - and many other facilities. Graduates from the class of 2008 have jobs at - Sea World San Diego, the U.S. Navy training sea lions, Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, Universal Studios Hollywood - and many other places. EATM graduates get jobs everywhere…
http://students.vcccd.edu/cats/mc_09-10_catalog.pdf (Exotic Animal Training and Management)
http://www.thefutureschannel.com/dockets/realworld/teaching_zoo/
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6497367692325564878&ei=hw7rSJKZN6Ky2gKK2LydCw&q=EATM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH-vcr-AmWQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUxQGXKWfZQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebO4t0Ojqz0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl-CHykT2P8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8AKB8Jgvco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1pILm93dg8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifTtBYCF-mw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfHCOUEKjkY
http://www.aazk.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=134
http://www.aazk.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=490
http://www.amysutherland.com/kbs-synopsis.aspx
Chapter: Dolphin Dreams
pg 216
…He [a trainer at SeaWorld] tells them to get scuba- and CPR-certified, to join the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA), and to get a college degree. In interviews, he tells them, don’t say you only want to work with dolphins. You may have to work with sea otters, even walruses, to get your foot in the door. Don’t mention any spiritual connections you might have with cetaceans. "If someone says in an interview, ‘I was a dolphin in a previous life,’ uh, they’re out of here," he says. Give yourself any edge you can, because "everyone wants to be a dolphin trainer. They’ll kill you for it."…

Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology Program
http://dept.sfcollege.edu/zoo/PROGINFO.HTM
http://www.sfcollege.edu/docs/catalog/2009-10.php (Zoo Animal Technology)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm3VLxn0IPA
http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=santa%20fe%20teaching%20zoo&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv#q=santa%20fe%20teaching%20zoo&emb=0
http://www.aazk.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=780

http://animalscience.calpoly.edu/areas_of_study/zoo/careers.asp
What steps did you take to get to where you are?
I have always loved animals and I knew I wanted to work with them in some capacity. I came to Sea World when I was growing up and after seeing the shows I knew animal training was what I wanted to do. I have always been a swimmer, which is one of the major requirements of the job. Having a love for the ocean, I was more than happy to get my SCUBA certification, another important requirement. While in school I took courses in animal management, biology and psychology. I also got my foot in the door at Sea World by doing an internship for the Sea World Orlando education department.

What advice would you offer current animal science students with an interest in exotic animals?
Most zoos and aquariums offer some type of internship or volunteer opportunity. When applying for these jobs upon graduation (internship and volunteer) experiences are invaluable. Any hands-on experience with any type of animal is helpful. The International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association is an organization that many animal trainers, keepers and veterinarians are members of. The IMATA organization provides a lot of information about training, education and job opportunities around the world.

some places to intern or work
http://www.becjobs.com/Scripts/Student.aspx
http://www.seaworld.org/career-resources/internship/index.htm
http://www.seaworld.org/education-programs/swc/jobs/index.htm
http://www.seaworld.org/education-programs/swt/employment/index.htm
http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/wdw/students/roles/animal_programs/animal_programs.html
http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/wdw/students/roles/animal_programs/animal_program_roles/pi_animal_marine_mammal.html
http://www.aza.org/joblistings/ (look up trainer, dolphin, sea lion, etc)
http://www.sheddaquarium.org/marine_mammals_internship_information.html
http://www.sealifeparkhawaii.com/info_programs_int.html#exp
http://www.spawar.navy.mil/sandiego/technology/mammals/interns.html
http://www.indyzoo.com/content.aspx?CID=668
http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/gulf%20world/Pages/marinejobs.asp
http://www.miamiseaquarium.com/visitor_info/Jobs_Detail.asp?ID=4
http://www.dolphins.org/help_volunteer_info.php#care
http://www.dolphinsplus.com/dolphin-education.htm#intern
http://www.theaterofthesea.com/intern.html
http://www.hswri.org/getInvolved/volunteers.cfm

]]> Comment on i want to be a killer whale trainer at sea world san antonio, what colleges and stuff should i attend? by Carrie S http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/i-want-to-be-a-killer-whale-trainer-at-sea-world-san-antonio-what-colleges-and-stuff-should-i-attend#comment-388 Carrie S Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:29:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/i-want-to-be-a-killer-whale-trainer-at-sea-world-san-antonio-what-colleges-and-stuff-should-i-attend#comment-388 Im 16 too, I would just ask your school conselor, they would know best. That would be an amazing thing to do with yourself though. =)<br><b>References : </b><br> Im 16 too, I would just ask your school conselor, they would know best. That would be an amazing thing to do with yourself though. =)
References :

]]> Comment on OUT OF THE 4 THEME PARKS IN DISNEY WORLD IN ORLANDO FLORIDA AND SEA WORLD WHICH THEME PARK HAS THE MOST RIDES? by Joshua http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/out-of-the-4-theme-parks-in-disney-world-in-orlando-florida-and-sea-world-which-theme-park-has-the-most-rides#comment-387 Joshua Mon, 31 May 2010 05:36:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/out-of-the-4-theme-parks-in-disney-world-in-orlando-florida-and-sea-world-which-theme-park-has-the-most-rides#comment-387 SeaWorld has the MOST rides.<br><b>References : </b><br> SeaWorld has the MOST rides.
References :

]]> Comment on OUT OF THE 4 THEME PARKS IN DISNEY WORLD IN ORLANDO FLORIDA AND SEA WORLD WHICH THEME PARK HAS THE MOST RIDES? by Whoam http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/out-of-the-4-theme-parks-in-disney-world-in-orlando-florida-and-sea-world-which-theme-park-has-the-most-rides#comment-386 Whoam Mon, 31 May 2010 05:23:59 +0000 http://www.venture-thorpt-211.com/world-sea-adventures/out-of-the-4-theme-parks-in-disney-world-in-orlando-florida-and-sea-world-which-theme-park-has-the-most-rides#comment-386 It kind of depends on the kinds of rides you are looking for. Disney's rides are often geared toward families and Universal offers more thrill rides.<br><b>References : </b><br>I frequent Disney. It kind of depends on the kinds of rides you are looking for. Disney’s rides are often geared toward families and Universal offers more thrill rides.
References :
I frequent Disney.

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