MARINE MAMMAL CARE & TRAINING
CAREER COURSES

The following facilities offer college-level courses that can teach you all about marine mammal care and training. They are not as long as internships, but they still enable you get a combined academic and hands-on approach. Courses like the ones listed below would definitely be a great addition to the wealth of knowledge that you will need to attain while learning about animal training. So if you feel like you're ready to stop simply observing, and start learning the practical aspects of training techniques and the nitty-gritty details of the care of marine mammals, then these courses are a great place to get started!


CSUMB - Techniques and Theories of Animal Training - Seaside, CA
This 3 credit interactive course provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior. These techniques will be demonstrated daily using trained sea lions at Moss Landing Marine Labs, where the course is taught. Horses, birds, and other animals will also be used to demonstrate these techniques. Students will intern at least one day at the lab, assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions. Topics covered will include: Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training.
http://extended.csumb.edu/bio347_348.htm


CSUMB - Working with Marine Mammals - Seaside, CA
This 3 credit course is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs. This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will intern at least one day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also gain experience in developing a resume, job interviews, and public presentations.
http://extended.csumb.edu/bio347_348.htm


Dolphin Research Center - Marine Mammal Care & Basic Training – Grassy Key, FL
Students are introduced to DRC and its resident dolphin population, learning to respect each dolphin as an individual through observation of their unique behavioral and physical characteristics. The course includes a unique blend of seminars, observation time, and hands-on activities aimed at giving students an in depth understanding of careers in marine mammal care and training. Students participate in a number of interactive activities, including a meet and greet wade-in session, a swim session as well as multiple sessions down on the docks with the dolphins throughout the week. Students will be given hands on experience in dolphin husbandry and training, including diet preparation; how to feed, reinforce, and maintain established behaviors. At the conclusion of the course, students will show off their animal handling skills by participating in a public session narrated by DRC’s animal care and training staff for public visitors.
http://dolphins.org/dolphin_lab_campAdult_careerFocused.php#ADULT2


Dolphin Research Center - Advanced Marine Mammal Training & Enrichment – Grassy Key, FL
Every day, students will participate in daily sessions down on the docks with the dolphins. During these sessions, students will implement a training plan they have developed to train a new behavior to a dolphin. Public speaking skills will also be developed as students learn how to present dolphins and their training experiences to the public. At the conclusion of the course, students will showcase the new behaviors they have trained for Dolphin Research Center guests in a formal, narrated presentation. Students will also explore animal enrichment through directed activities implemented with our dolphins and sea lions. Under the guidance of our staff, students will create enrichment toys and activities for the animals and present these activities and toys to the animals throughout the week and observe the animals' reactions.
http://dolphins.org/dolphin_lab_campAdult_careerFocused.php#ADULT3


Sea World - Marine Zoological Careers Experience – San Antonio, TX
Learn about animal care, nutrition, behavior and training. Study animal anatomy and physiology. Hear presentations on rehabilitation, husbandry, research and veterinary science.
http://www.swbg-adventurecamps.com/adventure-camps/swt/resident/camps/marine-zoological-careers.htm