Ever wonder how SeaWorld animal trainers teach an animal to do the amazing behaviors that you see in shows? Your search for knowledge is over! This is the first in a series of vlogs hosted by the Animal Training team at the Beluga Stadium designed to give you an inside glimpse as to how we train animals. The first behavior to be demonstrated… teaching a two year old beluga whale named Atla how to do a jump, which we call a bow. Check back every few weeks to see her progress.

The Von Trapp Children visited SeaWorld San Antonio as part of Wild Days with Jack Hanna. While they were here, they participated in our Beluga Interaction Program. Here's Amanda with one of our beluga whales!

Sunday, July 17th was dubbed “Arctic Chick Roundup!” We spent the entire day searching for nearly-fledged Arctic terns and banding them. Our goal is to band at least 200, and as of tonight we banded 130 – leaving 70 for tomorrow. Carefully combing the grass required a lot of knee bending, and all of us ...have sore knees to show for it. Additionally, the thick vegetation isn’t kind to anybody with allergies. I was ok, but some on our team were wearing face masks, and still coughing and sneezing.

July 13th, 2011 is a warm day on Matinicus rock. The temperature is already 77 and climbing! While that’s not hot by Texas standards, to us it is quite warm. There is no breeze, which is unusual – typically it is quite windy on the rock. I took advantage of the warm temperatures to get out and do a little laundry - island-style!

It’s Saturday, July 9th - my third day on the island. There was a rainstorm overnight - I wish I could send some of the rain clouds to Texas! The morning dawned rainy and foggy, which ruled out any early field work. Instead, we geared up for the day by making bacon and pancakes, which is the perfect way to start any rainy morning!

SeaWorld San Antonio is using sonograms to help monitor its ongoing breeding program for Spotted Eagle Rays, one of the most popular creatures at the Coral Reef exhibit.

Photo Credit - Amanda Jean Jones

Photo Credit - Dustin Hoyuela

Photo Credit - Karen Haynes-Lacijan

Trainer Mike Pool has a good time with new mom Crissy and her calf.

It's been nine weeks since our family of beluga whales welcomed the newest addition, a beautiful baby girl.