14891 RGS ONA Magazine 88_PRINT 20/05/2013 15:40 Page 8
In September 2011 I started a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. It was whilst attempting to write one of my essays that I came across an advert for a marine mammal trainer in the Dominican Republic. Thinking that I didn’t stand a chance, with only limited volunteer experience I applied and thought nothing more of it…
In at the Deep End! by Rachel Rodgers (06-08) 8
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few weeks later, an email popped up asking how soon I could start, if I were to be accepted. Again thinking I stood no chance I said a few weeks. A FEW WEEKS! I was crazy. Moving to the Caribbean, flights, visas, accommodation, and a whole lot more to organise and speaking no Spanish, what was I thinking? But I pressed send and just days later I got an email telling me that I had an offer of a job, not as a marine mammal trainer, but as an Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin trainer. In just a few weeks, I was standing at the airport, saying goodbye to my incredibly supportive family, unsure of when I’d see them again, about to start the most incredible experience of my life. I worked with two beautiful females, Luna and Ariel, and I formed an incredible bond with both of them. It is impossible not to when you’re spending nearly 12 hours a day together. I played with them, swam with them and even cleaned their teeth! The majority of our time together was for interaction sessions with the public. Some programmes would use only one dolphin.
