Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Does a Dolphin Trainer Do?

C. Webb
C. Webb

A dolphin trainer typically works in an amusement park or water park setting. He or she teaches the dolphins new performances for shows and reinforces already learned performance tricks through positive reinforcement methods. In addition, a dolphin trainer is responsible for monitoring the dolphins' diet, overall health, and emotional well-being.

Behind the scenes, the trainer must feed the dolphins he or she is charged with training. This can involve handling hundreds of pounds of fish each morning. Dolphins are fed three times a day; their feeding is coordinated with rehearsing, medication needs, and habitat cleaning.

Trainers teach dolphins to perform.
Trainers teach dolphins to perform.

Alkalinity and water temperature of the dolphin habitat must be maintained at levels optimum to dolphin health. Checking these levels is the responsibility of the dolphin trainer. Cleaning is usually done by the trainer, who wears a scuba diving suit and gets into the habitat to scrape algae from the glass sides.

Dolphins in captivity are trained to cooperate with veterinarians and others involved in the dolphins' care. Training a dolphin to present itself to a veterinarian for blood work is an example of husbandry training expected of the dolphin trainer. Recordkeeping is an essential part of the dolphin trainer's day. How much food each dolphin consumed, what time medication was administered, and other important details are included in daily records.

Dolphin trainers frequently wear wet suits on the job.
Dolphin trainers frequently wear wet suits on the job.

Rehearsing the dolphins for shows is another responsibility of the trainer. Developing new routines, building steps for the dolphins to follow, and getting them to perform consistently are time-consuming tasks. Positive reinforcement is typically used to teach dolphins new tricks and rehearse tricks already learned. The dolphin trainer acts as part of the performance for park visitors by commanding the dolphins to perform. Following the show, most trainers remain with the audience to answer questions about dolphins.

A trainer's job often includes teaching dolphins in captivity how to work with veterinarians, as well as overseeing the mammals' diet and medications.
A trainer's job often includes teaching dolphins in captivity how to work with veterinarians, as well as overseeing the mammals' diet and medications.

Along with training dolphins in captivity, a dolphin trainer will typically be involved with the transportation of dolphins to and from the park. For example, if a new dolphin is coming to the park to live, the dolphin trainer will accompany the transportation team to pick the dolphin up. This helps ensure that the dolphin's stress level will be kept to a minimum as the trainer works on calming the mammal during the trip.

Discussion Comments

anon997871

Is this all true?

anon337063

This is very good information. Dolphin trainers, killer whale trainers and sea lion trainers all have similar responsibilities.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Trainers teach dolphins to perform.
      By: IrinaNo
      Trainers teach dolphins to perform.
    • Dolphin trainers frequently wear wet suits on the job.
      By: ysbrandcosijn
      Dolphin trainers frequently wear wet suits on the job.
    • A trainer's job often includes teaching dolphins in captivity how to work with veterinarians, as well as overseeing the mammals' diet and medications.
      By: guentermanaus
      A trainer's job often includes teaching dolphins in captivity how to work with veterinarians, as well as overseeing the mammals' diet and medications.