 |
|  |  |
|
This information is for Press usage and can be reproduced on various Internet resources, reprinted in press and redistributed in any other way. If you use this information, we just ask that you add a link to http://Vallarta-Adventures.com and inform us by sending an email to Info@Vallarta-Adventures.com.
Training Sea Lions: A Perfect Job in a Perfect Paradise
April 22, 2009
When you enjoy what you do for a living, it's really not considered working. And at Puerto Vallarta's leading tour company, Vallarta Adventures, many of our employees consider their duties, and their work environment, a bit out of the ordinary.
It's time for a fish break so high five for recess in the Sea Lion habitat at the Vallarta Adventure Center in Nuevo Vallarta. In between bellying up to the clients, there's always new tricks to master. The trainers more than enjoy their jobs.
"I really like the animals, they are a lot of fun to work with, I like this outdoor office," exclaims Angel Galicia, a Sea Lion Trainer. "I like to do something different, and this is about as different as you can get."
"I like to work with the sea lions because of their personalities, actually they are like big, wet dogs," says another Vallarta Adventures Sea Lion Trainer, Mariana Name. "You really have emotional interactions with them and you get to know them... and they get to know you, too."
There are eleven sea lions, with an average age of six years. Each trainer forms a special relationship with these playful mammals and most have their favorites.
"One of the 'students' is Cassandra, and she is a South American sea lion and is a really friendly girl. She likes to play jokes and she is really active," says Mariana. "Cassandra likes a lot of exercise and attention from me."
The first step to bonding with the sea lion takes place when the mammals are around one year old.
"When they are babies, we work with them so that each animal feels comfortable with the trainers first," says Angel. "And then when they start doing the interactive programs, they will be friendly with the clients and feel comfortable with them, so everyone has a great time, including the animals."
The sea lions practice with their trainer anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per hour during a seven-hour day. Everyone works hard to teach and to learn new behaviors. It is all about repetition.
"We train the animals during short and positive sessions," says Angel, "We start with what we call 'the basic behaviors.' The animal needs a target. The target could be your hand, and when you say 'target,' the sea lion hits your hand. They also begin to learn and understand other targets and commands like 'stay', 'go to the indoor area', 'go to the water,' or 'wait on the platform.' These are the basic behaviors. Once the animals learns these, then we start training them for the interactive programs."
The sea lions are rewarded for their efforts, however, their special diet of small fish and squid is limited to around 25 pounds per day so they stay slim, trim and always able to spring into action.
You can take advantage of all this hard work by participating in one of our Sea Lion Adventures. For more information about all of Vallarta Adventures Sea Lion programs, click HERE, or call 1-888-303-2653 toll-free from the U.S. and Canada.
If you're looking for a fun and exciting career opportunity, then we're looking for you! Click HERE to learn more about the Employment Opportunities that are currently available in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
 For more video press releases, click HERE. | |
