Anyone Work With Marine Life?

[Nomi]

Does anyone here work with marine life such as penguins, sea lions, sting rays, or various reptiles?

I applied for a job today which deals mostly with aquariums and marine fish exhibits, which I have some knowledge and experience with, but also included in the job are assisting in the care of the penguins, sea lions and the resident reptiles, where I have no (I.E. the penguins and sea lions) or little (the reptiles, barring the caimans) experience. I'm doing some heavy research (beyond what I already know, which is just 'book knowledge' as they say) on these animals so in the unlikely case I do get an interview I can show them that I do indeed really, really want to job. And in all honesty, I would love this job. Not like. Not put up with. Love. Interested in, passionate about... something I would love to learn more about. I know, I know, don't hold my breath. In fact, I know the likelyhood that I will even get an interview is incredibly small. What makes my chances even more microscopic is that it would be my first job. I've volunteered before, handled worms, tarantulas, snakes, lizards, eaten said worms... I just really, really want this job.

And here I thought I would be so apprehensive about a first job, but so far all the ones I've applied to I'm excited about (petting zoo, marine aquarium stores...). But this one is just far and above, the one I want the most.

Bah, now I'm ranting. But I'm excited. And looking for any advice at all.

 

[Nomi]

Anyone? Bueller?

 

[dolphinrescuegirl]

Not exactly sure what your situation is but IMATA is a great source of info. It's about $75 to join but if it is your passion, it is worth it! IMATA stands for International Marine Animal Training Association. You should start there if you really want to work with Marine Mammals. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, PM me.

 

[KimR]

I don't have any advice for you, but I just want to share in your excitement. I would also LOVE a job like that! Best of luck to you and I hope this works out!

 

[Nomi]

Not exactly sure what your situation is but IMATA is a great source of info. It's about $75 to join but if it is your passion, it is worth it! IMATA stands for International Marine Animal Training Association. You should start there if you really want to work with Marine Mammals. Hope this helps. If you have more questions, PM me.

Thank you for the information. IMATA does look like a very informative site, thank you for posting about it!

 

[maelstrom]

You should move down to Florida and work with the dolphins at Marineland! And you'd be in beautiful historic St. Augustine and something like two hours away from Disney World. And that seriously has to look good/warm compared to Edmonton! Although, in Canada, you have good hockey teams going for you, and that's a plus.

Sorry, just blabbering.

 

[Nomi]

You should move down to Florida and work with the dolphins at Marineland! And you'd be in beautiful historic St. Augustine and something like two hours away from Disney World. And that seriously has to look good/warm compared to Edmonton! Although, in Canada, you have good hockey teams going for you, and that's a plus.

Sorry, just blabbering.

I would, but it would be far too hot for me to live there permanently! Plus, to work with marine life as a career takes a different path of schooling than I am currently taking (which would be fine arts).

 

[Cool-Beans]

No, but I've been to Sea World hundreds of times and been splashed by Shamu on a few occasions. That count?

(bump)

 

[Nomi]

No, but I've been to Sea World hundreds of times and been splashed by Shamu on a few occasions. That count?

(bump)

Um, sure? In any case, I would love to see an orca up close. I have been lucky enough to be spit on by a dolphin and get waaaay to close with various parts of dead squid though.