From: Amanda

Hi Karen, I am in the 9th grade and live in California. I just finished reading your book, Lads before the Wind [0]. We had just been to Sea Life Park [1] this summer, so the book was a double treat to read. I am doing an essay for my Honors Language Arts class on the ideal job for me. I know you are busy but wanted to ask you some questions.

If you had your schooling ahead of you, what would you choose to get a degree in if you wanted to become a marine mammal trainer (specifically dolphin trainer). What would you do different, if anything, during your time as a marine mammal trainer? Can you wear sunscreen in the tanks with the dolphins and if not how did you not get sunburned? Have you ever consideried writing a book on clicker training [1] just for horses? As a marine mammal trainer, what extra classes (besides science and math) would you put emphasis on; acting, scuba, swimming, writing, public speaking or any others. I think your life was fascinating to read about and wish you a happy new year.

Dear Amanda,

Thank you for your very nice letter. The fact that you went to Sea Life Park and then read Lads made me take this time to answer your letter.

Your questions all make good sense. Here are my answers:

> If you had your schooling ahead of you, what would you choose to get a degree in if you wanted to become a marine mammal trainer (specifically dolphin trainer).

I would go ahead and get just what I did get, a broad liberal arts background with a good grounding in natural history, ecology, and the 'outdoor' biological sciences.

> What would you do different, if anything, during your time as a marine mammal trainer?

I would have handled management differently. I would have trained more backup for myself, especially as narrator, so I could take better care of my children during emergencies. I would have stood up for my rights a bit more aggressively.

> Can you wear sunscreen in the tanks with the dolphins and if not how did you not get sunburned?

Sunscreen doesn't make any difference to the dolphins, but sunscreen hadn't been invented in the 1960's. We all got sunburned. I wore a hat most of the time, but now, forty years later, I have had several skin cancers removed from my face and one melanoma. None of this has proved to be fatal but certainly the ten years of tropical sun (plus years of sunburns in childhood) had its effect.

> Have you ever consideried writing a book on clicker [1] training just for horses?

Our company's author, Alexandra Kurland, has written three excellent books on Clicker Training for Horses, one of which is just going up on the website this week. Clicking with Your Horse Step by Step in Pictures. If you have a horse I would strongly advise this.

> As a marine mammal trainer, what extra classes (besides science and math) would you put emphasis on; acting, scuba, swimming, writing, public speaking or any others.

I don't think you need math. I would recommend something in behavior [1], both in biology and in psychology, i.e. basic learning theory. Acting and public speaking are useful. Some dolphin trainers never get in the water---depends on the climate--but being a strong and comfortable swimmer is certainly useful. Acting, only in that it gives you confidence in dealing with an audience.

The most important thing you can bring to the task to get hired is a) physical health and stamina, b) a pleasant, friendly manner, and c) some real work experience, whether it is waitressing or office work or whatever. No one wants to hire someone who has not learned the nature of a hard day's work.

Finally, Moorpark College, in Thousand Oaks, California, part of the state University system in CA. offers a two year course in Exotic Animal Management that virtually guarantees you a job in the zoo or oceanarium field if you can stick it out. Many people get two years or even four years of liberal arts or science based college under their belts, then take the Moorpark program (where you get real animals, birds, and marine mammals to train and clean up after from day one) and then go on to enjoyable careers. That's the best path if it's what you really want to do.

Karen Pryor

• Find Out More About Whale & Dolphin Careers [2]
• Further Reading [3]
• The Dolphin Brain [4]