It is finally warming up in Indy!! I am just so happy that it is not cold anymore. Sometimes I feel like I am solar powered because I just love warm weather and sunshine! I am enjoying my weekend and I start another week at the zoo tomorrow. I have started scuba diving to clean the pools and last week I had to dive in the polar bear pool. That water is cold! Talk about a shocking way to wake up at 8 in the morning. That pool is kept around 65 degrees.

I have still ben adjusting and trying to learn as much as I can but it is definitely easier now that I know the basic routine. I have worked in the dolphin area the most but I have also done some shifts in polar bear and next week I am in the sea lion and walrus areas quite a bit. I have observed many training sessions and shows and I have gotten some kisses from the sea lions! One of the sessions I observed was with the polar bear and it is just so amazing to be that close to one of the largest carnivores. There is always a large gate between the bear and the trainers but it is still cool to see her that close. I have also done my sea lion script a couple of times for the public and I will be doing my walrus script this week. I have helped out with dolphin husbandry sessions as well. Basically I pretend to be the vet and I will clean the area around their vein in their fluke where a vet would draw blood. Then I either touch the area with my finger or a fake needle. These husbandry behaviors are very important to practice regularly because if the vet needs a sample then the trainers have to be able to get one. And just like people some dolphins "freak out" more than others.

I hope everyone has a good week!

Today was the second day of my second week at the zoo! So far things are going really well. I got a kiss from a sea lion today! I also did my sea lion script for the public and finished my checkout dive. Everyone is still really great and I am getting the hang of things! I am looking forward to doing more and more as the internship goes along!

First week at the Indy Zoo!!

Hello everyone!

I am finishing up my first week here at the Indianapolis zoo marine mammal department and so far I love it! The first day was just orientation so I did some paperwork, learned the rules, and meet all the the people in the department. So far everyone is really nice and helpful. My mentor for the internship is Mandy and she is one of the senior trainers in the department. She has been very patient with me while I am learning all of the new information. lol. So far I have done fish house and dolphin shifts. I actually feel pretty comfortable with the routine in the dolphin area already! The hardest part is finding little chores to do when I finish my assigned job. I have to go take my dive physical tomorrow and then do my check out dive on Sunday! I also have to memorize my sea lion and walrus scripts, because as soon as I have those memorized I can start feeding the animals. I will try to update you all again after I have spent more time in all of the different areas!

It's Summertime!

Hello everyone!

I have completely finished junior year! I am officially a senior! I am so happy this year is over and I am looking forward to my summer adventure. I will be spending my summer in Indianapolis for a marine mammal internship at the zoo up there. I can't wait to get started! I start my internship in a few weeks so I will add another update then.