How long have you been at the National Aquarium? Three years.
When did you know you wanted to work with animals/marine mammals?
Since I was a child.
What’s the hardest part of your job?
Getting up at 4:45 a.m. for the fish prep shift.
What do you love most about your job? Spending time with the animals.
Which dolphin do you feel you have a special bond with?
Beau, but I work hard to have a special bond with all of the animals.
What is your most memorable experience?
Swimming for the first time with the dolphins.
What is the funniest thing that’s happened on the job?
There are many funny things that happen with the animals. It is part of what makes the job fun. Animals are funny sometimes when they are just being themselves.
What is your favorite part of training the dolphins?
Getting to know the individual characteristics of each dolphin.
If you weren’t working with dolphins, what would you be doing?
Working with other species.
Did you or do you take any special courses in school that help you with your job?
I went to the Exotic Animal Management and Training Program in Moorpark, California. It is one of the top schools in the world to learn exotic animal training.
What other project are you in charge of, when you’re not working with the dolphins?
I am in charge of ordering all supplies.
