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Animal Trainer

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AVG. SALARY

$45,020

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

Interviews

Insider Info

Michele Cossa went to SeaWorld as a child and couldn't take her eyes off the dolphins. She told her mom she wanted to become a dolphin trainer. Her mom thought her career aspirations would change as she got older, but Cossa stuck to her dream and now it's a reality.

Cossa earned a degree in behavioral psychology with a minor in marine science. She applied to a local aquarium to do show diving. She interned in Florida for six months working with marine animals, which gave her a foundation in animal training and behavior.

When her internship ended, a dolphin trainer position opened at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. The timing was right. She got the job and she's been there for nine years.

Cossa's work tasks vary throughout the day. During interaction times, she's in the water for 30 minutes at a time. The interactions consist of a lot of public speaking, animal interaction and customer service. Being in top physical condition also helps her do the job well.

She prepares food, cleans habitats and interacts with the animals and people who visit Discovery Cove. Cleaning and preparation are done throughout the day, and it's something animal trainers are always checking up on.

"There is a lot of preparation and care, but it doesn't seem like such a bad chore because you know you're doing it for the good health and care of the animals you love," says Cossa.

One day at work, Cossa was training a dolphin to perform a back dive. To do this, she used a target pole (a pole with a round buoy at the end) and a whistle to communicate to the dolphin. She had worked hard with the dolphin for a while, and finally the dolphin got the dive just right. Cossa gave her lots of fish as a reward. Cossa says it was so exciting to see that she finally got through to the dolphin!

"I'm always learning," Cossa says. "It's been almost 10 years and not a day goes by that I'm not amazed or surprised. Something happens every day to remind me and make me say 'I love my job.'" She's also able to share her experiences with visitors to Discovery Cove who come from all over the world.

When baby dolphins are born, it's always a special time for Cossa. "It is so amazing to see the mother take them up to the surface to take their first breath," she says. The mother's instincts just kick in and she knows how to care for the baby. There have been 14 dolphins born since Discovery Cove opened, and the trainers are able to watch them grow up.

"People spend so much time working, so you've got to have a job you enjoy and love," says Cossa. She says many people want to do this type of job, but they think it's not a realistic goal.

"I just like to encourage people that it's an attainable goal," she says. "It is possible."

Aubrie Dromarsky has been riding horses since she was three years old. Born into a rodeo family, horses have always been part of her life. She's a horse trainer and riding instructor.

"I take horses that have never been ridden and work with them until their owners are able to ride them," she says. "I work for myself with my own business so I have all the responsibilities of taking care of the horses, feeding, watering, as well as training them."

Dromarsky loves working outside. And she says working with animals has taught her about life, as well as patience and time management.

"The challenge is working with unpredictable animals," she says. "I have never been hurt really bad, but there is certainly a risk every time I get on a new horse -- or any horse, really. Also working with horses that have been abused or just not handled right is hard too. It requires an extra dose of patience and time."

Dromarsky loves horses and hard work, so her job suits her. But she says it's not for everyone. It requires many years of study, lessons, clinics and time spent with animals to become a successful horse trainer.

"I've been around the horse industry for 20 years and every day I learn something new," she says. She's had horses that have tried to buck her off their backs or run her over.

But the rewards can be great as well -- like when she's finally able to train a horse after thinking it would never happen. She also finds it rewarding to teach people to ride.

"Giving people the ability and tools to work and ride their own horses once I've trained them is the best part," she says. "I love when clients can take their animals home and form great partnerships."

Jason Green worked at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida for 18 years as an animal keeper before moving up to become the assistant curator of rhinos and hoof stock. Now he looks at "big picture stuff," such as managing staff, breeding programs and the acquisition of animals.

In all the years he's worked at Busch Gardens, Green says no two days have been the same. A baby may be born, an animal may have health issues, a habitat may need repairs, or there may be staff issues to deal with.

During his daily work, Green deals with many different animals, including rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, impalas and Thomson's gazelles. When working with animals, Green says it is important to have an eye for detail. Keepers must recognize the cues that animals give.

Most wild animals hide problems that they have. Keepers must be able to notice subtle changes that indicate something may be wrong. Keepers discuss any worries they have with a supervisor and look at the animal's history. They may take the animal to a vet.

"It's a fun, challenging job, and you have to be on your toes," Green says. Some things are mundane -- you might swear you're cleaning up the same pile of dung every day from the same place. But training sessions are proactive. And Green and his team of keepers work to create interactive, positive, safe environments for the animals.

Although Green's animals don't perform in shows, the animal keepers do things to keep the animals stimulated.

They hold painting sessions with the apes, which shows guests how intelligent the primates are. The elephants love playing with paper towel rolls -- they like to throw them around and unravel them. Elephants and rhinos also like to take mud baths and get hosed down.

Green says being a keeper is hard, physical work. "You're not hand-feeding baby tigers all day long. Those images you see may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They are not representative of most days on the job," he says.