Dolphin Swimming

ABC Animal Training Workshop Q & A with Shelley Wood

// July 20th, 2010 // View Comments // News

Dolphin Discovery takes great pride in having the best marine animal trainers in the world and in our continuing education programs for our training personnel.  Having knowledgeable and passionate staff is vital in order to give our guests the ultimate experience and keep our dolphins and marine animals happy and healthy.   Animal training guru Shelley Wood brings her ABC Animal Training Workshops to Dolphin Discovery and works closely with our staff to ensure the highest possible standards and to teach the next generation of trainers.  I sat down with Shelley and did a little Q & A session with her to find out exactly what the ABC Animal Training Workshop is all about.

ABC Basic Workshop 2010 Riviera Maya

1.  What is the ABC workshop?  Who can join?

The ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy is a unique, one of a kind, hands-on, get in the water, totally fun workshop with marine mammals. The workshop is for anyone interested in learning about how we communicate to animals using Operant Conditioning. Registration for the Basic course is open to anyone over the age of 18 who is willing to get close and personal and learn about dolphins, sea lions and manatees. The Advanced course registration is for students who have successfully completed the Basic course and have 1 year’s professional animal experience.

2.  What are the goals of the workshop and the benefits to the participants?  Will this help get a job in the animal training field? Just for fun?  Both?

The goals are for the students to walk away from both the workshops with not only practical understanding of animal- human communication using Operant Conditioning but have also had extensive experience with applying this knowledge. The students become empowered with their own ability to quickly learn and successfully demonstrate this by handling their own dolphins, sea lions and manatees. Along with this empowerment realization the students create personal, long lasting relationships with other training professionals and with the other students. These bonds are great support systems to encourage the students to live and follow their dreams. This is why our placement rate for Academy graduates in finding their dream job is high. Oh and yes, of course, it’s a lot of fun!

3.  What’s a typical day/week like for the participants?

Typical day is about half time classroom and half time in water working with the animals. In addition to learning Operant Conditioning Basic students learn life skills, things like teamwork, resumes, interviews and more. The Advanced students really hone their skills with advanced training techniques. Husbandry training and Animal Care are common elements in both courses. Oh and did I mention fun?

4.  Who is Shelley Wood?

I have extensive training experience with marine mammals and teaching trainers. My passion is teaching people how to kindly and efficiently train all animals living under human care to have the best quality of life, both mentally and physically. All animals deserve our utmost respect and we can demonstrate this respect for them by not only keeping them physically fit but keeping them mentally stimulated as well. I’m the owner and primary instructor for the ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy and I have created and produced the ABC Animal Training DVD and study guide for anyone to easily and quickly learn the science of Operant Conditioning to train any species of animal

Shelley Wood as "The Sea Lion"

5.  Tell me about your products, what’s on the DVD?

ABC of Animal Training is a 2 DVD set and study guide that teaches the science of Operant Conditioning. Students learn best using all their senses. The DVDs provide great visual examples and the study guide gives the student the opportunity to read about what they have just seen in the videos and it is complete with worksheets and action items that follow each chapter. By using the ABC of Animal Training students learn by seeing, reading, writing and by doing. The DVDs also have some wonderful Training Time segments that were produced and written by my husband, Mike Wood. Mike has been in the training business since 1972 and this long history along with his humor provides great video material. My favorite Training Time is Grunge E. Backwater. Check him out!

6.  What’s your favourite part of the workshops?  Any funny experiences?

Without a doubt the favorite part of the workshops are the light bulb moments when the students become so empowered with their abilities that they begin to believe in the power of themselves; that their own dreams are a reality. I have seen this not only with the young students but with the older students, working professionals and retirees as well. Funny experiences? Its all fun, every single moment.

7.  What are your animal training philosophies?

We talk about philosophies in both workshops; in fact it’s a thread we weave throughout the entire workshop so its difficult to squeeze into a few sentences. Basically my philosophy is to teach people to be the best trainers they can be, trainers who think not only about the entire learning experience of the animals living under human care but also about their teammates as well. We do not live nor work in isolated environments so we need to always work on positive relationships with our bosses and coworkers. All of these factors definitely can influence the animals who we are working for.

8. Most important aspect of being a trainer?  Who makes a good trainer?

The question is not what makes a good trainer but what makes an excellent trainer. There are key elements to excellence and it’s woven into the philosophy that we briefly were talking about. It’s also woven onto all aspects of our lives and all our relationships. It’s not only mastering the science of Operant Conditioning but the Art of it as well. Take the workshops and you will begin to understand this process.

9.  Have you met an animal you couldn’t train?  Which animals are hardest/easiest to train?  What behaviours are the easiest/hardest to implement in an animal?

All animals can be trained but I have personally met some difficult animals who have challenged my abilities. I am a better trainer because of these experiences. The ease or difficultness of training depends on the trainers skills set, experience and willingness to seek advise. Im glad you didn’t ask me about the human species…….

10.  What do you see as the future of ABC workshops?

Dolphin Discovery has many locations both in Mexico and the Caribbean and they all provide unique opportunities for the Academy students. We would like to organize workshops at all facilities and to do workshops at many different times throughout the year. We are open to bringing the Academy to other institutions as well. For the 2011 schedule go to www.abcanimaltraining.com for more information.

BIG thanks to Shelley for taking the time to answer my questions.  (And making me smile, Shelley is not only a guru with animals, but a fantastic “people person” too!)  For more information check out the ABC Animal Training Workshop webpage or join the community on the ABC Animal Training Facebook page.

Grand Cayman Open Water Flowers Sea Swim

// June 25th, 2010 // View Comments // Grand Cayman, Locations, News

World Cup Soccer may be making headlines these days, but for folks on Grand Cayman Island the 18th annual Flowers Sea Swim was the focus last Saturday, June 19th, 2010.  The one mile open water swim race had it’s most successful year ever, with a record setting 777 participants hitting the ocean and racing to the finish.  Swimmers from around the world took to the waters of the famous Seven Mile Beach, vying for almost $100 000 in prizes, including swim with dolphins packages from Dolphin Discovery.  The event attracted some of the world’s top athletes, including Olympians Shaune Fraser and Ian Crocker. As in past years, proceeds from the event went to charity, this year supporting the Sunrise Adult Training Center.

The overall winner of the 2010 race was Alex Meyer, a tremendous young athlete from Harvard University clocking in a spectacular time of 17.18 minutes, with 16 year old Eva Fabian coming in a very close second place at 17.47 minutes, both athletes setting records with their performances.  Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman would like to congratulate all the participants on their remarkable achievements and we thank organizer and founder Frank Flowers and his daughter Dara Flowers-Burke for their incredible efforts in creating  a world-class event for our island community.  We look forward the future of the Flowers Sea Swim!

Happy Birthday to Robert the Baby Manatee!

// June 3rd, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, News, Riviera Maya, Sea Life

May 30th, 2009, Dolphin Discovery received a call from Ecosur to come to the assistance of a baby manatee discovered alone in a river in the state of Yucatan.  He was only one or two days old and had been abandoned by his mother, without help there was no way he was going to survive.  A team of veterinarians and marine biologists from Dolphin Discovery hurried to rescue this sweet creature and brought him to the facilities in Puerto Aventuras in a critical state.  He was dubbed “Tuuch”, the Mayan word for “belly button” as his umbilical cord was still attached.

Tuuch was introduced to Julieta in Puerto Aventuras, a mature female manatee who was still nursing her one year old baby.  Despite efforts to get Tuuch to nurse, Julieta could not produce enough milk and the team had to resort to bottle feeding the baby manatee to provide him the nutrients he so desperately needed.  Over the next few months, the veterinary team monitored Tuuch, treating digestive issues and continuing with the bottle feeding.  Despite his failure to grow over the first two months, the team did not give up, they gave him the highest levels of medical care, nutrition, stimulation and love, working with him 24 hours a day.  He learned to socialize with the other manatees who accepted him into their little family and he learned how to play, he loves his toys!  By September, he began eating lettuce and vegetables and a whole new world opened to this beautiful little guy.  In January of 2010, he was able to permanently join the other manatees in their lagoon in Puerto Aventuras and he continued to improve and thrive.  In February he was renamed “Robert” after head veterinarian Dr. Roberto Sanchez.

In November the Dolphin Discovery “Team Tuuch” was honoured by IMATA, receiving awards and recognition for their team work and conservation efforts with their rescued manatee.  All of us at Dolphin Discovery are proud of the team, we are grateful for their expertise and tireless dedication in the rehabilitation of Robert.

One year later and Robert is doing great!  He’s participating in encounters with our guests, eating well and continuing to grow.  This week Dolphin Discovery threw a little party for Robert, bringing him a cake of lettuce and fruit, singing “Happy Birthday” and inviting local school children to join in the festivities.  Local artist Allan Vazquez created a beautiful portrait of Robert and invited the children to add their handprints for posterity.  We wish Robert a very happy birthday and many, many more!

Join us in Puerto Aventuras for our Sea Life Circle Manatee program and you can get a kiss from our dear Robert!  Enjoy some time swimming with him, giving him a hug and share a little lettuce with him.  He will welcome you with open flippers!

Please take a moment to enjoy this video dedicated to Tuuch/Robert, it’s a moving journey of love, dedication and hope….

“Por la Libre 2010″ a Huge Success

// June 2nd, 2010 // View Comments // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Locations, News

Por la Libre- The Race Begins

Saturday May 29th, 6:30 am and it is already hot in Cancun.  There is excitement and tension in the air as more than 500 anxious athletes await the start of the 10 km open water race from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.  This is the fifth annual “Por la Libre” and it’s a gorgeous day for it, sunshine, no wind, no waves, just crystal clear turquoise waters and blue skies.  The swimmers hit the water at Punta Cancun and the race begins, with a flotilla of boats, kayaks and jet skis following along to ensure the safety of the athletes and to cheer them on to the finish at Garrafon Park on Isla Mujeres.

Por la Libre 2010 Finish Line at Garrafon Park

As the swimmers make their crossing, supporters head to Garrafon and the organizational teams take their places at the finish line.  The recovery area is set up with refreshments, the massage tables are in place and the offical time keepers are ready to receive the finishers.  The radios start to buzz as the first swimmer is seen approaching the island, the excitement mounts and the cameras start clicking!  First out of the water with an incredible time of 1 hour and 33 minutes is 17 year old Fernando Betanzos, a proud moment for this incredible young athlete.  Finishing first overall for the women’s category is Alejandra Merizalde with a great time of 1 hour and 43 minutes, another young swimmer from the 15-19 year old group.

Fernando Betanzos first to the finish line

It was an exciting day to be at Garrafon, the swimmers were greeted with rounds of applause as they exited the water and crossed the mat.  Racers and their fans enjoyed the shady hammock garden, lounged in the pool and sated their appetites with icy cold drinks and a tasty lunch.  Many took advantage of the calm waters to snorkel the reef and go for a spin in the kayaks on this beautiful day.

Televisa Verde presenting mangrove plants

“Por la Libre 2010″ is pleased to announce that for the first time the race was done to benefit a great cause.  Televisa Verde donated 6000 mangrove plants in the names of the first 200 registered swimmers, with the goal of revitalizing the Nichupte Lagoon which suffered serious damage during Hurricane Wilma in 2005.  Dolphin Discovery and Garrafon Park are proud to be sponsors and we would like to congratulate all the athletes and give thanks to Televisa Verde for their contribution to the ecology of Cancun. Thanks and special congratulations to Rafa and Carmen from Starc Producciones for organizing this great event, let’s do it again soon!

Por la Libre Official Results

More Por la Libre 2010 photos on Flickr

Interview with a Dolphin Trainer

// May 31st, 2010 // View Comments // About Dolphins, Cancun / Isla Mujeres, News, Riviera Maya

Dolphin Discovery’s trainers are used to hearing “You’ve got the best job in the world!” from guests and this week I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our trainers to find out if indeed that is the case.  Alex Mata invited me to experience life as a trainer for a morning and was gracious enough to sit down with me and tell me about himself and his life as a marine animal trainer.

Alex Mata is the Corporate Educative Trainer for Dolphin Discovery.  He’s originally from Spain and began his career in Europe before coming to Dolphin Discovery in Mexico six years ago.  He chose Dolphin Discovery for its outstanding corporate training department with over 100 educational courses, an ideal place to develop and grow in his career. He now works alongside expert veterinarians and biologists who push everyone to be better trainers and better people, something that sets Dolphin Discovery apart from other organizations in the world. With his expertise, knowledge and true passion for the animals and the organization, he is now in a position to train the trainers and realize his dream of devoting his life to marine animals.

We asked our fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter to post their questions for Alex, here’s what we discovered.

1.  How do you become a dolphin trainer?  What makes a good dolphin trainer?

First and foremost, being a dolphin trainer is not a job, it is a career and a calling.  It is not necessary to have a degree, though it is beneficial to have studied marine biology, veterinary medicine or psychology.  Trainers must have excellent swimming skills, a love for dolphins, the ability to speak English, a great personality for customer service and most importantly, passion.  It takes about three years to obtain the title of “Trainer”, with hours spent in educational courses, 1 1/2 years as an apprentice and 1 1/2 years as an assistant.  Dolphin Discovery has approximately 100 different educational courses and trainers are required to constantly be expanding their knowledge and improving their skills.  Long days, hard work, sleepless nights, hot sun and pouring rain, the work isn’t always easy but for those who truly love what they do, it’s always a pleasure.

2.  Do you love the dolphins?  What’s the best experience you’ve had at Dolphin Discovery?

Alex smiled when I asked these questions and replied quickly to the first with an “Of course, absolutely!”.  For the second question he pondered for a moment and then replied “Swimming with ten baby dolphins at the same time in Puerto Aventuras”.  He described the ten babies as super playful, swimming circles around him, vocalizing loudly and teasing him into joining in their games.

3.  How do you communicate with the dolphins?  Can you tell if a dolphin is happy/sad/angry?

Since humans have yet to be able to translate the language of dolphins, the trainers communicate with them through body language, hand gestures and whistles.  The dolphins regard the whistle as a “reward”, for them it means “Good job!” and they love to hear it.  Dolphins express their emotions through their own body language and vocalizations, each in their own way.  Once a trainer gets to know a particular dolphin, they can see when they are feeling excited or are getting frustrated, if they are eager to play or if they prefer to be left alone.

4.  What’s the worst part of the job?

Being in Cancun during hurricane season adds extra pressure to the staff to work together, think quickly and stay calm as they move the animals to a safe environment.  The dolphins come first, as a dolphin trainer at Dolphin Discovery you are commited to the animals and in an emergency they are the number one priority.

5.  After feeding fish to the dolphins all day, do you still enjoy eating fish?

“Ummmm, no, I don’t eat fish anymore.”

6.  What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

It seems Alex’s home life is not that much different from his work life.  He lives in Cancun with his girlfriend (also an animal trainer, specializing in birds) and their 2 dogs, a chameleon, an iguana, a cockatoo, a macaw and 3 toucans and spends his days off hanging at home with the animals.

So, is it the best job in the world?  It sure seems that way!  Alex spoke enthusiastically about his “family” at Dolphin Discovery, he eagerly answered even my most basic questions and he patiently walked me through the routines of the day.  It was an honor for me to spend time with someone so knowledgeable and so obviously in love with dolphins (and manatees and sea lions and stingrays and sharks and animals in general!)  I learned so much and am inspired by his passion, thank you so very much Alex, can we do it again soon?

Happy Anniversary Puerto Vallarta!

// May 25th, 2010 // View Comments // Locations, News, Vallarta

photo courtesy NYDailyNews.com

The city of Puerto Vallarta will be more festive than usual this week as it celebrates 42 years as a city and 92 years as a municipality.  The May Cultural Festival is an annual event bringing nightly concerts, singing, dancing, art exhibits, fireworks and parades, a fantastic time to visit this Pacific coast paradise!  The heart of the city will be filled with color, joyous sounds and of course, the tantalizing aromas of a Mexican feast!

For many years Puerto Vallarta was a quiet fishing and pearl-diving village called “Las Peñas¨.  As early as the mid 19th century it became a place for people from surrounding villages to take a relaxing vacation.   In 1918, the village was renamed after the former governor, Ignacio Vallarta and was given the status of municipality.  The first airplane service began in 1932 and by the 1950’s Puerto Vallarta had begun attracting Americans, mostly artists seeking retreat on the shores of Banderas Bay.  Puerto Vallarta changed forever after director John Huston brought production of his 1963 movie “Night of the Iguana” to a nearby small town.  With the publicity of the film (and the scandalous behaviour of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor), Puerto Vallarta became both famous and infamous and the tide of tourists began to increase.  In 1968 Puerto Vallarta was elevated to “city” status and the state and federal government contributed to the development of the region as an international resort destination.  Today Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, treating millions of visitors each year to a taste of its Mexican charm.

Here’s a look at the cultural events being celebrated this week in Puerto Vallarta:

May 25th 8:00 pm- The Arcos de Malecon come alive with the sounds of mariachi with local favourites “Los Tios” performing the traditional music made famous in the region

May 27th 8:00 pm- The restaurant “La Leche” hosts an evening with sommelier Agustin Rodriguez and chef Nacho Cadena with wine tastings and a lecture entitled “Food and Wine, a Beautiful Tradition” (Spanish only)

May 28 8:00 pm- The Arcos de Malecon is again the site of a fabulous musical presentation with famed local jazz ensemble “Proyecto Tacos”, a popular band which fuses pre-Hispanic influences with jazz and DJ music

May 29 8:00 pm- The Xiutla Municipal Folkloric ballet presents a Gala Performance at the Arcos de Malecon

May 31 6:00 pm-  The big fiesta!  The whole city will be out to celebrate the anniversary at City Hall, with awards presentations, musical performances and a fireworks display.  This is the party of the year!

Dolphin Discovery would like to extend a very happy birthday, happy anniversary, felicidades to the city of Puerto Vallarta.  We are thrilled to be a part of the community and we wish Puerto Vallarta, its citizens and visitors a safe and joyous celebration!

**with thanks to BanderasNews for event information

“Por la Libre”- 10 km Open Water Race from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

// April 26th, 2010 // View Comments // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Locations, News

Dolphin Discovery is proud to be a sponsor of the 5th annual “Por la Libre” event, a 10 km open water swim race across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women).  Saturday May 29th, 2010, athletes from Mexico and around the world will make the crossing from Punta Cancun to Garrafon Park on Isla Mujeres, swimming through turquoise waters and over the reefs, demonstrating incredible feats of strength and endurance.

This year the event is for for the benefit of a fantastic cause!  Dolphin Discovery and co-sponsor Televisa Verde will be contributing thousands of trees and mangroves to be planted in the Nichupte Lagoon and the Sian Kaan biosphere.   For each participant, 24 plants will be donated for each kilometer they swim, with the goal of reaching 60 000 new plants overall!  As an environmentally conscious company, Dolphin Discovery is thrilled to not only participate directly in the “re-greening” but to assist in the continuuing education of the public about our precious natural resources.

Athletes will start the race at Punta Cancun, swimming ten kilometers in open water to the finish line at Garrafon Park on Isla Mujeres.  Families, friends and observers will be waiting and cheering them on from shore.  If you would like to join the observers and offer support to the participants while enjoying a great day at Garrafon, purchase Por la Libre spectator tickets!.  The  price for the day is 390 pesos for adults and 250 pesos for kids 6-11, children 5 and under are free.  Your ticket includes ferry transportation from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, entrance to Garrafon Park, breakfast, lunch buffet and open bar, the use of lockers, lounge chairs, hammocks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, the infinity pool, all the incredible installations available in the park are yours to enjoy while the atheletes make their crossing!  Participating swimmers will be able to relax and enjoy Garrafon after the race, a great reward for their tremendous efforts.

Dolphin Discovery wishes all the participants good luck, have a safe race, we’ll see you at the finish line!  We invited everyone to  join the Cancun-Isla Mujeres “Por la Libre” 10kms Aguas Abiertas Facebook group, a great community of participants and supporters and of course, the Garrafon Park Facebook page which celebrates all things Isla Mujeres!

Memorial Day Weekend Cancun- Jumpoff 2010!

// April 7th, 2010 // View Comments // Cancun / Isla Mujeres, Discounts, Locations, News

Every year Cancun is THE hottest place to be on Memorial Day Weekend and this year it’s going to be bigger than ever!  May 27-31, 2010 thousands of people will converge in Cancun for the annual Cancun Jumpoff Festival, soaking up some sun, meeting new people and partying all night.  Memorial Day Weekend in Cancun is jam-packed with beach parties, the famous “White Party”, booze cruises and contests, take advantage of the planned events or make your own adventure and explore our tropical paradise on your own.

Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres would like to extend a warm invitation to all Jumpoff 2010 participants, come swim with our dolphins, play with sea lions and manatees, snorkel with stingrays and sharks, all on the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres!  Our all-inclusive package let’s you hang out in our beach club by the incredible Caribbean Sea, eat, drink and be merry, a totally stress-free day.  Your day includes a ferry ride from Cancun’s hotel zone to Isla Mujeres, continental breakfast, open bar and lunch buffet.  You can choose from a variety of swim with dolphins programs from the Dolphin Encounter to the adrenaline-filled Dolphin Royal Swim!  Before or after your swim with dolphins, you can enjoy the use of a bicycle to tour the island of Isla Mujeres, hit the main streets of this small fishing town for some shopping or cruise the sea in a kayak.  For those looking for relaxation, you can simply lay by the pool with a an icy cold drink in hand.  We also offer the option to visit nearby Garrafon Park, a truly spectacular setting for snorkeling, zip-lining, kayaking and chilling in the hammock garden.

Join Dolphin Discovery for the experience of a lifetime for Cancun Jumpoff 2010, a Memorial Day activity that you will never forget!  Book now for great discounts, 20% off for early bookings!  Spaces are limited in the swim with dolphin programs, don’t miss out, reserve your spot today!