Blue Reef Aquarium Interaction!

I went to Blue Reef Aquarium at Tynemouth today, where I got to watch two seal shows, talk to the trainers and have an interaction! When I talked to the trainers, they said that it's really hard to get a job in marine mammal training and, sadly, you have to be 18 to volunteer there. So I'd be waiting 5 years before I could volunteer. I did watch two of the shows- very entertaining- and after the second show (which I watched from underwater to get some more unusual video shots), I managed to get a very quick interaction with one of the seals (I don't know who). Basically, I was moving my hand around the glass and the seal came over and had a quick look. It happened a couple of times, so it was an interaction. I'll able to get stills from the video I took of the interaction, so I will post them on the Interaction Photos page when I can be bothered!

Germany Trip Allowed!

I am allowed on the Germany trip, which means that I will be seeing the dolphins and Amazon river dolphins at Duisburg Zoo. This is seriously so exciting! I'm already looking forward to it, but it's not until July that we go, so I have a long time to wait. But I'm sure it will be more than worth the wait! And if I want to talk to the trainers, I'm going to need to improve my German language skills- a lot! But there's underwater viewing for both of the dolphin species, although the river dolphins don't do a show. I will probably buy some cuddly toys and try for an interaction through the glass, although I won't spend all day by the dolphins, because I'll be with my non-dolphin-loving friends. But oh well- at least I'll be seeing some dolphins!

Blackpool Zoo

Last weekend, I went to Blackpool and while I was there, I visited the Zoo, which had sealions. I watched two of the shows, which were very entertaining and educational, but I sadly made a mistake in my research as there was no underwater viewing. One sealion did, however, come over briefly and have a look at me, but that the nearest thing to an interaction. I did, though, talk to one of the trainers. He told me all sorts of extremely useful information about becoming a trainer, including:

• Going to an animal college is a very good idea
• Experience is more important than a degree in marine biology
• Volunteer at zoos/aquariums as much as possible
• Dolphinaria will probably be back in the UK by the time I'm 18 (I was so excited by this!)
• Getting any job at a zoo/aquarium/marine park will help get a job in training
• Dolphin trainers are poorly paid
• It is harder to get a dolphin training job in Florida
• Maths and science are very important in becoming a trainer

 So yes... the trip to Blackpool Zoo was very beneficial!

Dolphin Encounter Next Year?

Next year, I may possibly be going to Germany with school. While there, I will be visiting Duisburg Zoo, which is home to two different dolphin species: the bottlenose dolphin and the Amazon river dolphin. Obviously, I will watch the shows, try and get an interaction and maybe even talk to a trainer (depends how my German language skills are by then) . It will be very exciting to see the Amazon river dolphin (known as Baby) because it's really rare to keep river dolphins in captivity. Hopefully, I will be able to get on this trip, so I can see lots of amazing new dolphins. I'll keep you posted.

A Few Days Until Blackpool Zoo!

On Saturday, I am going to Blackpool Zoo with my parents and some relatives we have that live there. And guess what? There's sealions at the zoo, so I might get the chance to talk to the trainers about becoming a marine mammal trainer! Also, I do believe there is a big underwater viewing area, so I may also get the chance for some interaction time too. The following day, we may also be going to the SeaLife Centre at Blackpool. They don't have seals/sea lions though. I will keep you posted about my adventures there, and whether I get an interaction or now. Fingers crossed!