Animal Care and Training

Animal trainers have a range of responsibilities that account for care and training of their animals. Animal care includes preparing diets, cleaning exhibits, safety pool checks, enrichment, assisting in veterinary care and maintaining detailed records. Trainers use animal interactions as an opportunity to educate about marine health. They provide public presentations to both small groups and large audiences, to share the incredible abilities and personalities of their animals. Memorable and teachable moments like these inspire and galvanize people to become a more marine health-conscious society.

Taking care of animals takes commitment and is a long day.  It starts early as we must prepare the diets for the animals, clean their respective exhibits, and get ready for our guests. Training sessions and programs are spread throughout the day so the animals can have long breaks in between sessions.

The ability to interact with such majestic animals while learning their different personalities. Most trainers simply enjoy free swimming with them in a laid back yet fun environment.

Animal training is important as it mentally and physically stimulates an animal. This not only encourages the animal to contribute to its own health care but also makes it more likely to have the animal exhibit its natural behaviors.  Some common behaviors include: husbandry, exercise, research-related, veterinary care and interactive program behaviors.  Many behaviors allow the animal to just show off what it is physically capable of doing, such as speed, balance, agility or sounds.

It is important for every trainer to develop a bond with all animals, the stronger the bond the better the relationship. It is valuable to know your animal likes and dislikes are. Although every trainer at Blue Lagoon works with all the animals, some have stronger bonds than others.

Yes, most trainers have one animal that tugs on their heart strings the most. Trainers form bonds through enrichment sessions, play, or simply spending quality time with the animal. 

Yes. We welcome multi-generational families every day, from toddlers to grandparents. We have dedicated staff, safety protocols, and even a waterproof wheelchair for guests with mobility challenges.

Cleaning. The same as caring for children, cleaning is a necessity for a healthy animal.  From consistently cleaning their diet preparation areas, food containers, removing debris from the bottom of the pool or top of the deck, a clean environment is the best preventative care to keep animals healthy and safe.

Weather. In The Bahamas, the weather is temperamental. Sometimes it rains and is cold, other times it may be extremely hot.

Some of our staff come with two or four-year degrees, but many start with just a high school diploma.  Regardless of education or job experience, all applicants start with Animal Care and must complete coursework in Animal Training, Marine Education & Interpretive Skills, which includes theory and practical exams.   This ensures that each certified trainer is using the same positive methods with the animals and is capable of engaging guests to learn about the animals and inspire conservation.

No, entry level jobs are reserved for Bahamian nationals.  Should there be a need for a specialized position for which Bahamians are unable to fill, then it may be considered. The Bahamian government finalizes the approval for the applicant by issuing a work permit for a specific length of time.

Yes, every trainer must know how to swim as it in an essential part of their job. Before entry, each potential applicant must perform a swim test. Trainers must be confident around the water and capable of diving to inspect the animal’s pool as part of their daily duties.

Marine mammal professionals come with a variety of college degrees: zoology, biology, marine biology, marine science, microbiology, psychology, etc.  The exact degree is not as important as your comprehension of math and science, your problem-solving skills and your ability to communicate both in writing and verbally.  If you are in college, look at the areas your school has available where you can add a marine emphasis in your credit selection towards your degree.