Dolphins Save Dog

SMILE video

Too funny!

Walking Creativity

This is indescribable and will blow your mind. Watch!



(sorry it's so small, but I wanted you to have the option to expand to "full screen" mode. I'm using a new beautiful background as a template and can't adjust the widths right now.)

Catching up: San Antonio trip

I'm trying to catch you up on what's going on in my pursuit of a career in marine mammal training. Here's an oldie! (Oh – and if some haters comment on this blog, just ignore them)

I went home to San Antonio for Christmas with my family and had a great time. There's something about being back in the house you grew up in that really helps to recharge you. Though, not everything is easy or simple when you're living under your parents' roof again! But we had a lot of fun as a family.

My sister Jennifer and I bought discounted tickets to SeaWorld San Antonio (SWSA) through Groupon and went there together. Okay, I lied–I bought both tickets and convinced her to join me! Though I think she had a really good time. Of course, I was in heaven!

We first went to see Azul, which is in the Beluga Stadium (formally called the White Whale and Dolphin Stadium, for all of you SeaWorld nerds... like me). This is an old show but was still amazing to see. It's full of high diving acts, aerial performers, synchronized swimmers and of course, Beluga Whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. I wanted to see the show and meet one of the trainers, Chuck Cureau, who I follow on Twitter and met back in 2005. Tracking him down was difficult but I finally go to stop by and say hello after their final evening show. He was really encouraging and spoke very highly of the Georgia Aquarium (where I volunteer and hope to work).

A beluga whale giving one of the divers a 'kiss'

Next, we headed to the Shamu stadium to see the Killer Whale's Christmas show, "Miracles". Things are still different in this stadium because the trainers aren't allowed to be in the water with the whales. But seeing the animals is still breathtaking! I always forget how huge they are. The show was pretty corny, but still enjoyable.

 

I got the opportunity to speak with one of the Shamu trainers, who gave me the advice of "Squeaky wheel gets the grease." One part of job hunting that I hate -- well, scratch that -- everything stinks when you're job hunting! Anyway, I didn't know how often I should contact people to check-in with them and keep in touch without being annoying. I mean, what's the rule on that? This trainer said I should call SeaWorld's HR dept every 2-3 weeks whenever I'm looking for a job there. So that's the suggestion for this particular business, and I really appreciated her advice.

Speaking with a Shamu trainer

We then headed over to Sea Lion and Otter stadium for their Christmas show, "Deck the Halls with Clyde & Seamore". These shows are always entertaining and engaging! They always have a good time and you can tell the animals enjoy it too. The walrus is always the showstopper!

 Next, we fed the Lories (tropical birds from southeast Asia & Indo-Pacific islands). They're beautiful birds and drink sweet nectar. We bought a little cup of nectar and the parrots began landing on us in the exhibit. The San Antonio Zoo also has a Lorikeet exhibit that is honestly better than SeaWorld's, but any animal interaction is fun.

 

Our next stop was the Penguin exhibit--and they had baby chicks! Check out this really cute video to see the newbies for yourself.

Next, we headed to the Dolphin feeding area. We bought 4-5 fish trays and really enjoyed interacting with the dolphins.

Jennifer left "early", after seeing the shows once and feeding the Bottlenose dolphins and Lories. I stayed until closing time though so I could see every show twice! I never go to SeaWorld for the rides or arcade games; the animals are what make it a special place.

Jennifer missing her "special someone"

So, I went to the evening Azul show again (Dolphins & Belugas) and met with Chuck Cureau afterwards. He was very kind and gave me his information for me to follow up with him later. I then went to the final performance of the night at Shamu Stadium. The show was great, as always, and we got a glimpse of their precious baby orca! The best part, however, was meeting and speaking with one of the trainers, Greg, after the show. He stayed and spoke with me for a long time and gave me great advice and names of people to contact at the aquarium back in Atlanta. It was a big answer to prayer.

Greg with one of the killer whales

Mommy and baby orca!

Greg again and one of the fantastic Orcas at SWSA

 So, all in all, it was a great day and very rewarding, both personally and professionally. SeaWorld is a fantastic place to visit, for both the young and old! Make sure to go often and bring your friends.

A Glimpse of My Future

I just joined IMATA, which is the professional organization for marine mammal trainers (International Marine Animal Trainers Association). It's already been so rewarding and opened many doors. The members gather every year for a week-long conference and submit videos from their facilities for a welcoming video montage.

I can't wait to land a job and continue on in this amazing profession! Doesn't it look like a blast?!

ATTENTION COMMENTERS:

Thank you for your feedback. As one commenter suggested, I am following my own "moral compass" and believe my goals and career choice are the best for me and the animals I'll be serving. There are at least two sides to this matter, but at the end of the day, three things stick out to me:

1. It's important and vital to take care of the animals that are already in human care, and to give them the best life possible (through enrichment, excellent vet care, allowing them to bond with others of their kind and their caretakers, when appropriate)

2. Giving people, young and old, the opportunity to intereact face-to-face with these animals and learn how to best conserve these species and their habitats. (Allowing the animals to be ambassadors for their cousins in the wild)

3. Dedication to further researching these animals so they (and their lands/waters) can be preserved for future generations. This is done through studying them in their natural habitat, when available, or studying their behaviors in captivity. And raising funds to do enable your institution to accomplish these goals.

To answer some of your questions--Yes, I have seen "The Cove" and read dozens of articles about these matters, and I don't approve of many of the practices that are still occurring in our oceans. But as I said before, there are at least two sides to this story, and I have chosen mine after lots of research and consideration.

I didn't create this blog to initiate controversy. Rather, it's a way to keep my friends and family informed on my life and things I find interesting. Feel free to hang around, but I don't encourage or condone a lot of this criticism, as this blog is directed towards people that actually know me. Thanks!

Freediving Video

There's still a lot to report but I don't know where to start! So for now, watch this neat video showcasing freedivers at their best. It almost looks like underwater parkour! I'm practicing breath control and swimming at deeper depths. You'll be updated shortly!

(PS - the video is only 2 min 30 seconds long. The rest of the video is credits)