About my job as a marine mammal trainer

I work as a marine mammal trainer. I care for and train dolphins, whales, seals, sea lions, walruses and some other marine mammals, using a system of positive reinforcement called "Operant Conditioning". Behaviors are taught to help educate and entertain people through our shows, demonstrations and interactive programs. However, this is just one small part of the job. My specific job duties in my facility in Kish Island Dolphinarium is as follows.

• My primary responsibility is always to maintain and enhance the health and well-being of the animals in my care.
• I work hard to ensure the animals are provided with the highest quality food, aquatic environment, structural habitats, social and behavioral opportunities and medical care .Training is an extremely powerful tool in meeting these goals.
• I do maintain the animal's living environment which includes cleaning animals home. This can be difficult something due to being outside a great deal during hot summer months. In Kish Island it can get up to 50 °C in July and August. However I am very flexible since I work with dynamic animals, this means long, irregular hours. I love the relationship build with each individual animal that have their own unique personality.
• I do assist with veterinary department and I monitor and track animal's health status including: collection of blood, gastric, urine and decal samples, physical, x-ray, ultrasonic and dental exams. I also make sure that all of animals under my care receive their vitamins and any necessary medications and even physical therapy.
• I am in charge of training and practicing with marine mammals. I work with 6 dolphins, 2 walruses, 11 sea lions and 3 wales. I show a great deal of enthusiasm and energy to keep the dolphins excited and interested, because I love my job and the animals I work with.
• I work on behaviors that have already been thought to the dolphins or train a new behavior.
• Each day brings something new to my schedules and I am always open to it.