how to become a killer whale trainer

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Unauthorized use is prohibited. Former trainer Bridgette Pirtle talks about her time training killer whales at SeaWorld. With the furor over the documentary Blackfish and the attention it’s focused on captive killer whales, much has been made about keeping these powerful predators for entertainment purposes.

Chillingly, the captive whale killed his trainer and then refused to release her body. For 45 minutes, he kept Dawn’s broken body on the pool with him, despite attempts from the other trainers to distract him with nets and food.

The rest of the morning would be spent getting urine from the females [to monitor hormone levels], having tooth irrigation [a kind of tooth-brushing] done for the animals that needed it, then we’d have weigh sessions. Then trainers would go and discuss the day’s shows. Between shows, you’d be doing something fun with the whales.

To be a successful dolphin trainer, you will need to have an academic background in behavioral and biological sciences, the necessary experience and training, and the willingness to work hard. Understand the career prospects of the role.