How to become a Marine Mammal Trainer

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  • čas přidán 7. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 77

  • @melainawalsh1020
    @melainawalsh1020 Před 5 lety +34

    Im a freshmen in high school and already know I've always wanted to work with aquatic animals.Animals are my passion!I can't decide if I want to be a marine mammal trainer or a aquatic vet tech.what subject should I study in college?

    • @leahgood8436
      @leahgood8436 Před 5 lety +3

      If you going to be a marine mammal trainer then animal behavior majors work good but there’s also psychology and marine biology that work too

    • @melainawalsh1020
      @melainawalsh1020 Před 5 lety

      CetaceanRei Cool to know.Tha nk you so much!!X

    • @kellyjohnson6288
      @kellyjohnson6288 Před 4 lety +4

      Hey Melaina! sorry for such a late response! But in all honesty if you are stuck pondering between both then I would highly recommend looking at your strengths and what you excel in! I find that if you are good at a subject, it makes you want to work even harder at it and in turn you continue to crush it! If your mind completely understands and masters the subjects in psychology then I HIGHLY recommend going for a degree in psychology (98% of the trainers I know, and I know at least one trainer in every major facility in the country, have a psychology degree because they were good at it and they knew for a fact they wanted to be a trainer!) ON THE OTHER HAND if you are good at biology and the sciences I would recommended majoring in a science field, mainly biology, that focuses on marine life- this is what I did. But please also know its okay NOT to know what to do or what major to pick! The average college student changed their major 7 times (I changed mine 6 times and of those 6 times, 3 of them were back to marine biology and thats what I ultimately graduated with). All of that being said too, I have a friend thats in vet school right now in Florida to be an exotic vet to work with marine mammals and she majored in Biology as well and worked at a local vet clinic to get experience to get into vet school! Everyone has different paths and stories but the moral of this advice is to NOT PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF! Try taking a Psych class and a Bio class and see which one you enjoy to learn about more! -I hope this helped!

    • @dot5218
      @dot5218 Před 3 lety

      study life science cause Im pretty sure that works for both, try studying topics that relate with both of those cause who knows maybe in college you'll want to be an aquatic vet tech but in high school you only studied to become a marine mammal trainer.

    • @kendalllewis3992
      @kendalllewis3992 Před 3 lety

      I realize it is kind of randomly asking but does anybody know of a good site to stream new series online ?

  • @anna_grace_
    @anna_grace_ Před 3 lety +6

    I would love to train dolphins and beluga whales also maybe killer whales!! Any tips for those species?

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety +2

      All phenomenal species. I would recommend getting in with sea world! Once you’re a trainer there you can have an opportunity to work with all three!

    • @anna_grace_
      @anna_grace_ Před 3 lety

      @@supersaltykelly thank you so much!

  • @supersaltykelly
    @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety +1

    Your girl is back and ready for action! I’m taking a poll on video ideas you would like to see from me! Let me know :)

  • @TheThemeParkTeacher
    @TheThemeParkTeacher Před 3 lety +4

    Hi thanks for the informal video!! I have a degree in education, do you think if I get experience with marine mammals I would be able to eventually become a trainer?

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety +1

      Yes! I absolutely do! Unfortunately to first get experience you would probably have to get an unpaid internship- I know how nerve wracking that could be especially after already having your degree! But it can DEFINITELY still happen for you, just with a little be of hard work!

  • @marilu3614
    @marilu3614 Před 5 lety +3

    Love this video, the public REALLY needs to hear two sides of the story presented to them. I'm taking a gap year and saving money for internships while also volunteering at a marine mammal rehab center. Any advice on how much experience facilities look for entry level applicants? Can't wait for your next video!

    • @leahgood8436
      @leahgood8436 Před 5 lety +1

      Marilu volunteer at dog shelters and internships with aquariums will have good experience

    • @kellyjohnson6288
      @kellyjohnson6288 Před 4 lety

      So sorry for the late reply!! BUT GOOD FOR YOU FOR KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT AND GOING FOR IT!! Normally for an open level position, facilities look for 1-2 years of experience but at the same time, I got hired with less than 6 months experience at my first paid position at a facility. Most facilities like to make sure you have done an internship before hand in the marine mammal world just to make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into BUT as long as you have animal care experience, THATS what matters! Hope everything is going well!

  • @stephenbeta6712
    @stephenbeta6712 Před 4 lety +2

    I like Beluga Whales 💕

  • @shade8751
    @shade8751 Před rokem

    what kind of dog whistle did you use with the dolphin

  • @abbyroshaven7277
    @abbyroshaven7277 Před 3 lety +3

    Is it possible to get into this field if my bachelor's is not science specific? I'm sure it's more difficult, but just want to know if it's possible with volunteer work and experience!

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety +3

      Absolutely!! This field is ALL ABOUT experience! Though your bachelors aides you in understanding the animals and environments they come from and sometimes more pleasing to the eye on a resume, but you can always learn about it on the job! In my opinion, experience trumps your major.

  • @nuterrrbuterr
    @nuterrrbuterr Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much for this video! It's a dream of mine to work with Dolphins!
    I'm a freshman in college down in St. Petersburg, FL (I just started 4 weeks ago) and I plan on majoring in Animal Studies with a minor in either (or both) Psychology and Marine Biology. I'm also planning on volunteering/getting an internship at Clearwater Marine Aquarium if I can for my practitioner course as a Junior! While I'm not too worried about my education as I'm already set for that, I'm very worried about the swimming portion! I have no previous experience with swimming other than occasional fun trips to the pool and I wouldn't consider myself very fit at all (my physical strength and stamina is VERY poor). The swim test seems super daunting from everyone I've heard about it from! Do you have any suggestions to prepare and overall become a stronger swimmer?

  • @blitzhaven3414
    @blitzhaven3414 Před 5 lety +3

    I love u Kelly!!!!

  • @Elgato1221
    @Elgato1221 Před 4 lety +3

    hey i have a question. can you train dolphins to help with aquaculture?

    • @kellyjohnson6288
      @kellyjohnson6288 Před 4 lety +1

      Thats a great question! And unfortunately I do not have an answer for that, I simply do not know. I would like to think you can try any animal (humans included) to help with anything, but I don't know how dolphins would help with aquaculture.

  • @evanbrandon0309
    @evanbrandon0309 Před 3 měsíci

    Which two facilities did you work at?

  • @cehairston6886
    @cehairston6886 Před 2 lety

    This all sounds very overwhelming. I am a sophomore soon to be a junior in high school and I know I want to either major in Marine biology, Zoology, or biology, which of these would you choose and what is good to minor in. What internships should I do, I live in Maryland, so any ideas? Are there any ways I can get prepared for the swim test now? What colleges would you recommend? I would love to make my dream a reality, and live it out everyday. Thank You so much for doing this!!!!!! :) :) :)

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 2 lety

      Hey girl! My best advice is to not stress at all!
      For college, seriously pick whichever university suits you best. I got my degree in biology with a focus in marine life but I have had coworkers that major in everything from biology, zoology, psychology, environmental science, etc.
      As for internships- start anywhere and everywhere! Seriously!! Even experience working with birds helps you with marine mammals!

  • @tvs6483
    @tvs6483 Před 3 lety +1

    11:08 Im saving this for me later, Im 11 and I wanna do this when I get older so

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety +1

      Amazing that you already know that! You can do anything you set your mind to, go forth and conquer!

    • @delainad
      @delainad Před 3 lety

      I’m the same age and I also know that I want to do this! I’m just scared because I know how hard it is to be hired, especially at sea world where I want to work, so I’m just kind of nervous.

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety

      @@delainad it’s ok to be nervous! But now you have something to work towards! I would recommend focusing on swimming, especially now that it’s summer :)

    • @delainad
      @delainad Před 3 lety

      @@supersaltykelly thank you!

  • @erolertumen2812
    @erolertumen2812 Před 4 lety +1

    cool

  • @jonathandefoy6376
    @jonathandefoy6376 Před 2 lety

    So basically the Seaworld swim test is hard.

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 2 lety

      It is hard physically, there is no doubt about that. But it’s mostly intimidating, in my opinion.

  • @katerinapetrova245
    @katerinapetrova245 Před 3 lety +1

    I'm in my freshman year of highschool and have legit the worst grades. If I pick it up and get better grades do you think I'd be able to get in college to learn this???? Plzzz answer plzzz I'm a big fan

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety

      Of course you will, just put in the work now! 😊👍🏼 remember you are always becoming your future self, so do things TODAY that your future self will thank you for!

    • @katerinapetrova245
      @katerinapetrova245 Před 3 lety

      @@supersaltykelly sorry another question. I heard that most don't have dolphins anymore..what's that about? Are there really not a lot that have dolphins for you to train?

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety

      @@katerinapetrova245 some states have decided to no longer have dolphins in managed care, yes. But most of them still have dolphins and they aren’t going away anytime soon.... hopefully.

  • @sunshinestatefarmgirl4797

    i would call you an expert of your field.

  • @fusion451
    @fusion451 Před 3 lety

    Did u ever do the "hydro" and should such water work return moving forward

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety +1

      I’ve never personally done a hydro. But I worked at a couple facilities that still do water work and interactions with guests. To me it’s all about the perfect marriage between making the dolphins safety top priority and impacting the guests in a way that they’ll never forget it so they’ll want to learn more about the ocean and eventually protect it. I personally worked with several dolphins that LOVED water works. They would get so much energy emit behaviors of excitement, so if the animal loves it and the guest is impacted by it, then I see no harm.

  • @flaviadelia
    @flaviadelia Před 3 lety

    Have you said psychology or cytology????? Pls answer I am a big fan

  • @ellainett5437
    @ellainett5437 Před 4 lety +1

    Wow I need to start training now and I don’t start uni until next year 😭🤣 where do you get experience from in the middle of the UK😭😭

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 4 lety +2

      Ella Inett I’m really embarrassed to say I don’t know a whole lot about training in the UK! You could google it, because that’s what I would have to do- I would look for any type of training facilities/zoos/aquariums and se if they take volunteers or interns! If you wanted to start off with a different species I bet you could find a dog training facility! (I’m pretty sure those are in every country!!)

    • @abiwoodward3597
      @abiwoodward3597 Před 4 lety +1

      hey, I'm from the middle of the UK too. Obviously you'll have to live on campus here but I was looking at Plymouth Uni, they have a SCUBA module inside the marine biology course and it looks really good, try taking a look at that? :)

    • @ellainett5437
      @ellainett5437 Před 4 lety

      Belinda Arnold Yeah I went to their open day and had a look, but I looked at Southampton as well because of where I’d be living too. It’s a tough decision to be honest haha

    • @katerinapetrova245
      @katerinapetrova245 Před 4 lety

      @@abiwoodward3597 how did you know you wanted to do this. I'm 14 btw. I'm not sure but I really love dolphins and I love to swim.

    • @abiwoodward3597
      @abiwoodward3597 Před 4 lety

      @@katerinapetrova245 Hey I'm 14 too, I've just had a lot if signs my whole life, I'm very big on signs like I believe in all of them and when I think about it, I've had loads telling me this is the job for me, even my friends have said "it sounds like God moulded you to this career"
      :)

  • @jennacianciulli3114
    @jennacianciulli3114 Před 2 lety

    Hi, what do you think of Dolphin Research Center's Training Program? Im thinking of applying in February.

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 2 lety

      I’ve actually heard really great things about dolphin research center! While I was in the keys working I had a friend that interned there and didn’t want it to end!

    • @jennacianciulli3114
      @jennacianciulli3114 Před 2 lety

      @@supersaltykelly they have a training program where you earn an occupational associates degree in marine mammal behavior, care, and training. It’s $20,000 should I try to go there or work towards a psychology degree and do internships?

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 2 lety

      @@jennacianciulli3114 in my personal opinion, it’s always good to have a degree in your back pocket. You can still pursue the training career while you get your degree but if you ever decide to leave the dolphin world, you have your degree to fall back on. Again, that’s just my personal opinion.

  • @shelbiezeigler7203
    @shelbiezeigler7203 Před 5 lety +2

    What school did u go to

    • @kellyjohnson6288
      @kellyjohnson6288 Před 4 lety

      I went to Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi!! Highly recommend! GO ISLANDERS!

  • @Sumsum-hc4cm
    @Sumsum-hc4cm Před 2 lety

    hi do you know if i would be able to be a marine mammal care specialist with a degree in animal behavior

  • @fusion451
    @fusion451 Před 3 lety

    Why no part 2 ? Did you have a change of heart?

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety

      I had a change of heart in the sense of I didn’t want any negativity to affect the previous job role I had at the time. I just kept making excuses on reasons not to do it until I thought it didn’t matter anymore. BUT after some recent personal interactions I have had lately I have seriously thought about turning on the camera and doing it. Would that be something you’re interested in?

    • @fusion451
      @fusion451 Před 3 lety

      @@supersaltykelly Yes i think u represent a evolved personae of what a modern behaviorist should be essentially a conservationist/educator as opposed to the corporate rodeo entertainers the old school founders seem to hold on too. Perhaps a book is in ur future as a voice of reason. Ive found the last generation of trainers to be a bit cultic in holding the narrative pristine their bravery and trail blazing pathos not withstanding

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 3 lety

      @@fusion451 thank you for your kind words! I really appreciate that!

  • @limpfrog5987
    @limpfrog5987 Před 2 lety

    How much money do you usually make when becoming a marine mammal trainer??

  • @michaelvamper5793
    @michaelvamper5793 Před 5 lety +2

    Did u need a lifeguard certification

    • @leahgood8436
      @leahgood8436 Před 5 lety

      Thurgood Vamper no but you should get scuba certified and CPR certified too

    • @michaelvamper5793
      @michaelvamper5793 Před 5 lety

      @@leahgood8436 also I always ask this for any career field I'm interested into going is it too late if you are in your 20s and 30s to get into the field

    • @leahgood8436
      @leahgood8436 Před 5 lety +1

      Thurgood Vamper nope not at all I know trainers that are like mid 40s just mark sure your in shape and can swim really good

    • @michaelvamper5793
      @michaelvamper5793 Před 5 lety +1

      @@leahgood8436 you are awsome

    • @leahgood8436
      @leahgood8436 Před 5 lety +1

      Thurgood Vamper no problem just trying to help

  • @kariciaclark5851
    @kariciaclark5851 Před 4 lety

    hello I know its late but I don't know what to major I'm scared I'm going to pick the wrong one. I don't know where there is a animal behavior classes are and right now im trying to find something in Hawaii or San Diego or LA of university. I just confused on what majors I should take and now im starting community college so I want to know what place I should go after my 2 years. please give me advice and what to study I really want to be int his career its been my dream since I was small.

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 4 lety +2

      Karicia Clark hey girl!! I know it’s a lot easier said than done, but please don’t stress or get anxious about this process! As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
      That being said, if training is your passion there’s a few different avenues you could take. You could do the biology route or the psychology route! If you’re going to do junior college first I would recommend taking both classes and seeing which one you enjoy more/which you make better grades in and then pick a major based on that! Also have peace of mind knowing that once you pick a major, it’s not set in stone! The average college student changed their major 6 times!!!

    • @kariciaclark5851
      @kariciaclark5851 Před 4 lety

      SuperSalty Kelly yea I know your right so are marine biology and biology and physiology is all good for that field ? What about animal science or ecology

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 4 lety +1

      Karicia Clark yeah girl! Any science is great! As long as you get that education and some sort of experience with animals by volunteering somewhere then you’re golden!

    • @kariciaclark5851
      @kariciaclark5851 Před 4 lety

      SuperSalty Kelly thank you and one last question animal science and marine biology are really battling me and I don’t know which one is better or what the difference is if you can help me figure that out so I know what’s good for me personally

    • @supersaltykelly
      @supersaltykelly  Před 4 lety

      Karicia Clark one isn’t necessarily better than the other, to be completely honest 🤷🏻‍♀️ I have my degree in marine biology but my first boss has hers in animal science. I personally wanted to learn more about the ocean and everything in it and she wanted to know more about animals. So I would say that it’s your preference and what you are more interested in.