It has been such a long time since my last post that I have so many new things to say but I will try to keep it short. I have taken and passed my phase one test, which means that I am able to move forward and do more things with the dolphins. I have been able to give the dolphins SD's (hand signals) for specific behaviors and I have continued to feed and gain more experience while stationing the dolphins. All of the interns and I have also been able to participate in programs. We wear a lifejacket and stay in the water with the groups while observing and helping the trainers if they need us. I have also had more opportunities to assist with dolphin training session and mock programs. The two mock sessions that I have participated in were with our two Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Kamoana and Keimakani). These were both really fun and cool because guests are not allowed to interact with these dolphins yet. With Keimakani I even got to do a belly ride. I love spending time in the water with the dolphins! Yesterday, I even got to do a double foot push with Kekaimalu (the wholphin) and Naia. It was amazing!

I have also done more with the Sea Lions. I am now cleared to feed each Sea Lion group by myself and I can feed with guests. I still do a ton of cleaning but I love my job!

Probably the funniest thing that has happened occurred during one of my penguin lectures. Before I explain what happened I have to give a little background. One of the penguins (AJ) loves people and whenever someone is in the habitat she runs over to check them out. Hina is AJ's partner and she gets very jealous of the fact that AJ likes people. So in the middle of my lecture, AJ runs over to me and just looks at me. Then Hina runs up and bites my ankle until it starts bleeding. I could just picture that in her mind she is thinking 'take that'. This entire time I am still giving my lecture and luckily none of the guests said anything. I just moved to a new location and quickly finished my lecture.

On my days off, I have also been able to do more sightseeing. Last week I went horseback riding and it was absolutely beautiful. The ocean was on one side and the mountains were on the other. I had a great time! This week I am planning on going to the Polynesian Culture Center and on July 7th I have a reservation to go scuba diving! I will update you later with details on those fun outings! I love and miss you all.