Working as a Marine Mammal Trainer at Dolphins Plus involves more than training dolphins and educating the public.  We are acquiring valuable knowledge about dolphin and sea lion behavior and about how they perceive their world.  The dedicated animal care staff at Dolphins Plus participates in daily assessments of animal behavior as part of ongoing research projects.  Do you want to know more about dolphin behavior?  Or, participate in experiential learning and gain hands on marine mammal research experience?  Then, the Dolphins Plus “Marine Biologist for a Day” is the program for you!

This full-day program begins promptly at 9:00 am.  You’ll then start your day with a detailed description of dolphin behavior and participate in a longitudinal study of mother-calf interactions with our spunky, new calf Julie!  This data will eventually provide groundbreaking knowledge to the wider scientific community about both maternal and paternal care.  During the initial overview, you’ll learn about various sampling techniques and how to effectively acquire scientific data.   And, of course, you’ll learn how to interpret dolphin behavior by watching Julie interact with her parents.

After collecting behavioral data, the Marine Biologist for a Day will help prepare the fish and vitamin regimens for the dolphins and sea lions.  As part of this uniquely holistic program, you’ll learn about marine mammal care and the things our facility does to ensure our animals’ physical and psychological well-being.

There are several ongoing research projects at Dolphins Plus, including the assessment of higher cognitive abilities in our dolphins and sea lions. This research will one day contribute to a greater understanding of dolphin and sea lion intelligence and cognitive functioning. During the afternoon, the Marine Biologist for a Day will learn about these groundbreaking studies and develop an independent research project, participate in a private natural swim (including in-water data collection!), as well as receive a one-on-one career guidance session with a staff scientist.

As researchers and animal care staff, our job also entails having fun with the animals!  During our 11:30 feed, the Researcher for a Day will enjoy some playtime with the dolphins from their floating docks, doing belly rubs, kisses, and acquiring an 8×10 photo to commemorate the outstanding day.  After all, our job is not all work and no play!

Duration: 1 full day (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Ages: 14+

Cost per participant: $600 (Prices subject to change.)

Students will NOT be allowed to participate in our program without a signed release from a parent or legal guardian (age 18 and above). Please read our cancellation policy thoroughly BEFORE booking.

Click here to submit a pre-registration form for our Biologist for a Day program

If you have questions, please email or call us:

Email: Education@DolphinsPlus.com

Phone: (305) 451-1993

Toll-free (866) 860-SWIM (7946)

We look forward to seeing you!