You can make a living training dolphins.
If dolphins' grace and playfulness captivate you, a career as a dolphin trainer may seem like a dream. Yet people all over the world make a living as dolphin trainers, so this is a dream that may be more achievable than you think. While no one degree is required to become a dolphin trainer, there are various that will give you a good foundation for working with dolphins and give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
Biology and Marine Biology
A degree in biology will give you a solid grasp of how living things work. This is necessary for working with any animal, including dolphins. Marine biology is a more specialized biology degree dealing with only those living things that inhabit the oceans. Both types of biologists may have areas of specialization, such as anatomy and behavior. A specialization in animal behavior may be best suited for someone seeking to become a dolphin trainer, since training these creatures requires an understanding of what motivates them.
Psychology
Studying Freudian theory may seem very far removed from allowing you to work with dolphins. However, degrees in the field of psychology are actually well suited for those seeking to work as dolphin trainers. After all, to train a dolphin you must be able to understand why it does what it does. Some colleges allow psychology students to choose a specialization in animal psychology, which can be particularly useful for aspiring dolphin trainers.
Veterinary Science and Zoology
A dolphin trainer's job is not solely to train dolphins. These individuals are also responsible for helping with overseeing the care of those dolphins they train. They may be called upon to prepare fish for feeding time, keep records of their habits and health, and clean tanks. They are also often responsible for educating members of the public about the dolphins under their care. Degrees within the veterinary sciences or zoology prepares individuals to care for these animals.
Exotic Animal Training
Exotic animal training programs are few and far in between. Typically, they last two years and end in a diploma or certificate. Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training and Management Program is a popular one; some facilities that employ dolphin trainers routinely hire graduates from this program. A degree in exotic animal training, will equip you not only with the knowledge needed to train animals, but also the knowledge needed to ensure their overall well being.
Additional Certification & Training
While not an educational degree, dive certification is equally important. Some facilities may have their own, in-house certification and require only that applicants pass a swim test. At other facilities, however, you may need to show proof of scuba certification. Scuba certification allows you to dive with dolphins in large tanks and in their natural environment for more true-to-life interactions.
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