To be a great trainer, I need to be able to train a variety of animals through a variety of techniques. A perfect trainer at SeaWorld can work both pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses) and cetaceans (whales and dolphins.)
To this example, I have been moved around a bit in my animal training career at SeaWorld San Antonio. I started as an apprentice at Shamu Theater, then worked at Beluga Stadium seven years ago. After one year working in the Interaction Programs, I have been at the Sea Lion Stadium for the last five years.
I recently found out that I’m moving back to Beluga Stadium. I look forward to starting anew and getting to know all of the new animals I will be working with. I will miss the animals at Sea Lion Stadium, and I will always remember driving the sea lions around on the cart, teaching some of them to paint and of course, the animal I have worked with the longest, Spanky, the sea lion.
These animals are more than co-workers sometimes and I hope the bond we have with them is conveyed when guests see the shows. I attached one of my favorite pictures of my times at Sea Lion Stadium, and look forward to capturing memories with my new co-workers.
One of my favorite moments at Sea Lion Stadium
Let me know if there are any interesting things you would like to know about my new venture at Beluga Stadium.
Tricia
Related posts:
- Want to Be a Whale and Dophin Trainer at SeaWorld? You Can Do It If You Believe.
- SeaWorld Having Christmas In … August?
- Sea Lion Pup Born at SeaWorld
- SeaWorld Sea Lion Show Full of Animal Behavior Hijinks
- SeaWorld Starts Weekends-Only Schedule, But Not the Animal Trainers!
Tags: animal trainer, Beluga Stadium, beluga whales, Sea Lion, Sea Lion Stadium, sea lions, SeaWorld San Antonio, shamu stadium
Posted in Around the Park, animals
Spanky is awesome! Good luck in your new adventures with the belugas & lags! I’m sure you’ll be awesome there as well!
Do you already know anything about the new show next year? I’m anxious to know anything!
You’re doing a fine job, Tricia. Glad to have you on the team.
Quade and I can’t wait to come back to Sea World in the Spring and see the new Beluga/Dolphin show with you in it.
Thank you for the wonderful article and explaining the differences between the species and their characteristics. I never cease to learn something at Sea World. Best wishes to you as a Beluga and dolphin trainer and with the new show next spring. My son and I are looking forward to it!
As part of the #wildside event this past weekend I spent a little time with the beluga whales. They were so playful. Yours sounds like a dream job. Have fun in your new endeavor!
I guess I need to consider myself a great trainer…all 3 areas in 12 1/2 years. I am blessed! You will always remember your “old” friends but will enjoy your “new” friends. Enjoy your new adventure…you will do great