"Blog Talk" Interviews

Photo by: Gary Lang

Welcome to Underwater Odyssey's - "Blog Interviews" with marine biologists, oceanographers, zoologists, ecologists, animal behaviorists, veterinarians, zookeepers, marine mammal trainers, scuba divers, authors and more.  These "Blue Planet Legacy Hero's", will share their knowledge, personal stories, and remind children and adults of all that the underwater world has given us ... human survival, beauty and marine animal friendships.

If you enjoy our "Blog Talk" interviews, please let us know by sharing your comments in the section below. Also, if you would like to share your opinion on any topic I share with the audience ... then I would also like to hear from you ... and I will share your thoughts with our audience. 

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Introduction:

"Blue Planet Legacy Hero's" ... "Blog Talk", is hosted by Krista Dunlop, Professional PADI (Professional Associations of Diving Instructors) Divemaster Scuba Diver, and Environmental Awareness Author and Speaker. She is pleased to provide this collaborative forum alongside her Underwater Odyssey (www.underwaterodyssey.ca) environmental awareness publication series, to spotlight the many behind the scenes "Blue Planet Legacy Hero's", who will share their stories and passion for our blue planet with our audience. Her guests will provide an educational opportunity and remind children and adults of all that the underwater world has given us ... human survival, beauty and marine animal friendships. In addition, her guests will provide guidance and encourage our audience to join this exciting journey to create a Blue Planet Legacy, one we all can be proud of leaving to our children and generations to come ... and empower individuals to voice their environmental concerns in their own personal way ... through individually chosen everyday actions! 

UNDERWATER ODYSSEY - "BLOG TALK"

Host: Krista Dunlop

Hello, and welcome to Underwater Odyssey's "Blog Talk".  As this is my very first "Blog Talk" interview, I wanted a special young individual ... who I felt and believed was not just "talking the talk" ... but was "walking the talk" and demonstrating through their career path, or everyday life ... they were passionate about helping to resolve our present day environmental issues we adults have caused ... through their personal and everyday actions!

SUNNY GURULE

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Marine Mammal Trainer ... Sunny Gurule.

Sunny's life passion is to one day open her own rescue, rehab and release aquarium. Today, Sunny is going to share with us some very touching stories she has experienced while working with various marine animals, and what steps she has personally taken so far ... as a "Blue Planet Legacy Hero" ... to achieve her life's passion.

Welcome to Blue Planet Legacy Hero's "Blog Talk" ... Sunny! 

INTERVIEW WITH MARINE MAMMAL TRAINER ... SUNNY GURULE 

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #1:

Sunny, I would like to begin today's interview with you sharing with our audience, what influenced you, or how it became to be ... that you chose the career path as a Marine Mammal Trainer?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #1:

I come from a small city in Montana and surrounded by lakes and rivers only. So, I had to self-educate myself about this unknown ocean world of ours. At the young age of 4, I had a curiosity for the ocean. When other kids were watching cartoons I was watching anything, that educated me or showed me more about the beauty of our majestic unknown world, that I was absolutely fascinated with.  By age 10, I found myself mesmerized by marine life. As I read many books and started understanding marine mammals, I realized the beauty and grace of these animals and wanted nothing more than to get involved in rescuing and ensuring their well-being.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #2:

That was quite the task for a young girl to take on. So, tell me Sunny ... how did you do this?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #2:

Well, as I hit high school I realized we didn't have a course for Marine Biology, which many other high schools had the advantage of. So, I convinced my professor to educate our class about the ocean that makes up 70 percent of our world.  She allowed each student to express their knowledge about the natural world as they know it. Afterwards, the teacher noticed the students' involvement and as of today a marine course is still being taught. After graduating, I took a semester of college at Montana State University to get a better understanding of a university setting before I pursued my future endeavours. Then ... at the age of seventeen I hit the road to further my studies and knowledge of marine mammals.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #3:

Can you tell us what level of university or college courses people should have, who are considering a career as a Marine Mammal Trainer? Also, are there any other certifications and/or courses you would recommend they consider having that would be beneficial? 

Sunny Gurule - Answer #3:

Well, I started my career in Daytona Beach, Florida, and gained education at Dayton State College while volunteering at Marine Land in St. Augustine. I became devoted to learning everything I could about these animals. While taking my studies, I received a job offer as a Lab Assistant for Biology Majors, where I helped educate college students and set up lab experiments at St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, Florida. Having achieved my two year degree only left me more excited to continue my education at the University of South Florida. Presently, I continue to strive for my future Master's degree, which I plan to complete with a PhD in Marine Biology. My yearning for more knowledge brought me to my SCUBA certification through PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), as an Open Water and Nitrox diver.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #4:

How else can individuals prepare to become a Marine Mammal Trainer?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #4:

Sunny Helping With A Stranded Dolphin

To be truly prepared is determined on how passionate you are, because it involves a lot of sleepless nights. For example, getting phone calls all hours of the night for stranding events. Even from people thinking it's a dolphin and it turns out to be a "Tarpon", LoL. It is always an adventure in this field and every day is exciting. You will have to be OK with working holidays and weekends, because you are determined to get a dolphin well. This field involves a lot of volunteer work, because we want to know how dedicated you are before you get hired. The more hands on experience you have the better chances are to getting that position.

 Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #5:

How can people get the experience they need?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #5:

 Getting the experience you need in this field starts off by volunteering your time in any aquarium or zoo. Also, getting involved in organizations such as AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums), http://www.aza.org/marine-mammal-cons/ or IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers Association) http://www.imata.org/ and going to their conferences, which will provide job opportunities, internships, and volunteer work all over the world. Hands on experience is very important, because you get the feel for the animals, which in turn allows you to become more comfortable and confident in yourself.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #6:

Once a person becomes a Marine Mammal Trainer, what type of responsibilities do they take on?

Medical Procedure with "Winter"

Sunny Gurule - Answer #6:

A marine mammal trainer works with large marine mammals usually in a zoo, or aquarium setting. Our work involves training large animals using a "team approach", so several marine mammal trainers will work with the same group of dolphins, whales, seals, otters, or other marine animals and mammals. Most marine mammal trainers are responsible for:

• training and maintaining husbandry, medical, cognitive, enrichment, and interactive sessions;

Performing Basic Training

• conducting training sessions consisting of waterworks with your resident animals;

•  training interns and a large volunteer base on all aspects of the job, ranging from commissary tasks to basics of training;

•  conducting public animal presentations, live TV interviews, and led tours for the general public;

• contributing in research studies;

• daily observations, medical logs, behavioral records, collecting and preparing of samples;

Training Session

A marine mammal trainer usually starts and ends the work day with feeding and cleaning. This means cleaning the areas that the mammal lives in. After feeding there is usually a training session where the marine mammal trainer works to shape the animals behavior into a specific task. A marine mammal trainer may work for days, or even months teaching a desired behavior and only using positive rewards for encouragement. In most aquariums and zoos that have marine mammals, the marine mammal trainer provides both educational information to the public, as well as presents the animals in scheduled shows or events. It's important to try and keep the training more natural and inclusive of what the various mammals would do in the wild, rather than having them do a series of behaviors. Marine mammal trainers must be very safety conscious also, both for themselves and the animals under their care. So, having Emergency First Response Certifications along with being scuba certified and a good swimmer is also required in this field.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #7:

Well I'm sure our audience will find it interesting, that their initial perception of becoming a Marine Mammal Trainer is not the glamorous profession they had initially thought. So, can you share with us from your own perspective ... what you believe to be the most appealing and rewarding aspects of your job?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #7:  

Baby Otter - "Sunny"

Every day there is a new adventure in this field. The best thing about this career is that you never stop learning about something new and exciting. These animals have so much to teach us and waking up every day knowing you are making a difference is an exhilarating feeling. I dedicate my life to teach those around me about our ocean and learn from those around me as well! There are so many rewarding moments in your life when it comes to this job. For example, my first rescue was a North American River otter pup. I developed a maternal bond with the otter, because I felt as if I had become the adopted mother to this animal. I raised the pup while working at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (www.seewinter.com) and in my own home. I was responsible for daily nutrients and teaching the animal basic life skills to survive in an aquarium habitat. Later, I was extremely touched and honored when I was pleasantly informed, that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium decided to name the otter pup after me. 

Taking Care Of A Young Sea Turtle

 I was also able to involve myself in many other related stranding events including releases of a variety of sea turtles. I then jump started my career as an intern at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, wwww.seewinter.com, which allowed me to experience training Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, North American River Otters and Nurse Sharks, using operant condition and positive reinforcement. During my internship I got to work with a deaf Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, a dolphin with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his body and a dolphin, who was out cast from his pod and attacked by sharks. 

"Winter" Swimming With Her Prosthetic Tail

It was also a very rewarding experience for me to be able to do physical therapy on "Winter" ... the dolphin without a tail, who recently stared in "Dolphin Tail" on a daily basis and knowing the results it has on her living a more normal and quality life. But, the most rewarding for me I would have to say is ... seeing kids come in the aquarium having similar stories like "Winter" and hearing, how "Winter" helped boost their spirits ... it was remarkable! The greatest thing ... was being a part of the "Dolphin Tail" movie, which touched so many people across the world. 

Little "Hope"

Another great adventure was when "Hope" a calf bottlenose dolphin came in the night the movie was done being filmed. I got to learn how to make formula for this calf and rehabilitate her into a healthy young dolphin, which gave me complete gratification. Finally, the main reason I got into this field is to be able to release these beautiful animals back into their natural habitats, and I got a wonderful experience doing so when I released a variety of cold stunned sea turtles.

  
Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #8:

Sunny, for our audience ... can you explain what operant conditioning and positive reinforcement is? And possibly provide us with some examples?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #8:

Sunny working with "Panama"

Operant conditioning are the consequences the animal receives if the desired behavior is correct or incorrect. For example, if the behavior is correct you positively reinforce the animal by either feeding the animal, which is called primary reinforcement, or the animals could receive a toy, and rubs which is called secondary reinforcement. Now, if the animal were to perform a desired behavior "incorrectly", it could receive a neutral response from 3 to 5 seconds which is called an "LRS" (Least reinforcing stimulus) "Time Out", while you step away from the animals environment (out of sight), or you could "terminate" the session, which is not starting that session again. Positive reinforcement is the adding of a stimulus to increase a certain behavior or response. For example, I give a herring (which is like a candy bar) to my dolphin for doing the desired behavior.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #9:

As we all know there are various career paths, that are more competitive than others and very difficult to get into. What is the competition like in the Marine Mammal Trainer career environment?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #9:

This is one of the most competitive fields to get into. Be ready to work hard and always remember what brought you their. Be prepared to get denied on many occasions, but keep a positive attitude and your passions will always steer you in the right direction. The best thing you can do is keep educating yourself and the public to conservation in our world!

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #10:

Sunny, as a Marine Mammal Trainer are you provided the opportunity to travel to various places around the world and/or participate in various research projects?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #10:

Yes. Actually, I took my PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Scuba Certification to adventure into diving spots in Haaii, Costa Rica, Key Largo, and Key West. I wanted to expand my horizons and got accepted in a study abroad program to study Tropical Ecology in San Jose, Costa Rica. I also had the opportunity to study from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast and with all the different animal life their. Some of the research projects I had the opportunity to be involved in included; match to sample project, elf-identification projects, and I also published my research at my university on the GEO-metric success rate of mating for dolphins.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #11:

Can you explain what the "Shining Star Award" is that you received while working at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #11:

I received the "Shining Star Award" for animal enrichment, which is a high honorable award. Enrichment is the process of providing a stimulating environment for animals in order for them to demonstrate their species typical behavior and allow them to exercise control, or choice over the environment and to enhance their well-being. Enrichment includes the design of stimulating and natural enclosures, the housing of appropriate social groups, and the introduction of objects, sounds, smells or other stimuli in the animals habitat. Environmental enrichment is just as critical to zoo, or an aquarium animal's welfare, as nutrition and veterinary medicine. Proper "Enrichment Training" allows an animal to choose to participate and is a part of the daily care of the animals. It is also provided in a variety of ways such as exhibit design, which provides a variety of substrates, training and interaction with the trainer. This training methodology, is also useful in gaining the animal's trust and allows the trainer to build a relationship with the animal using visual observations (Olfactory Sensory).  Auditory is also used to tape sounds, or vocalizations to simulate things that an animal may also hear in the wild. However, food related stimuli is the most widely used form of enrichment and this is what is called cognitive behavior. During this training procedure trainers present food in a variety of ways, such as in a simple puzzle hidden throughout their habitat which provides mental stimuli for the animals, and allows the animal to mimic behaviors exhibited in the wild and/or provide a challenge for them. 

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #12:

Sunny, how long have you been a Marine Mammal Trainer and can you describe what your major job duties and/or responsibilities have been?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #12:

Training behavior for the movie "Dolphin Tail"

I have been helping out in this field since 2007. During this time, I volunteered at Marineland in St. Augustine where I took a marine mammal and training course and also at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, for 3 years before I got hired as a full time Marine Mammal Trainer. While I worked at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium my responsibilities included: training and maintaining husbandry, medical, cognitive, enrichment, and interactive sessions with (4) North American River Otters, (3) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and (2) Nurse Sharks. I conducted training sessions consisting of waterworks with the resident deaf dolphin and physical therapy on the tail-less dolphin "Winter". I also conducted stranding activities; assisted in training behaviors for the movie "Dolphin Tail"; conducted daily water quality testing; trained interns and a large volunteer base on all aspects of the job, ranging from commissary tasks to basics of training; conducted public animal presentations; partook in live TV interviews; led tours for general public and celebrities of "Dolphin Tale"; assisted in medical procedures for both bottlenose dolphins and river otters; assisted with sea turtle rescue and release program; and daily observations, medical logs, behavioral records, collecting and preparing of samples on our bottlenose dolphins and river otters. Krista ... as you can tell ... when you become a Marine Animal Trainer ... you are involved in every aspect of the marine animals life and well being. A huge responsibility ... but the reward is ... a magical inner personal journey that you will never forget.

  

A MAGICAL MOMENT

Sunny & Panama ... As One!

‘Our fellow creatures on Mother Earth, the ones we call marine animals, long to share their gifts of wisdom and insight with us; to teach us the ways of nature. The marine animals can help us reveal our abilities, talents and challenges.  We need only look deeply into their eyes with humility and stillness to receive the gifts each one offers.' 

- Krista Dunlop -

Host: Krista Dunlop -  Questions #13:

Sunny, I understand that you have just recently completed a new research project, which I personally find very interesting and fascinating. Can you share with our audience where this new research project was and what it involved? 

Sunny Gurule - Answer #13:

New Zealand Seal

Common Dolphins - New Zealand

 
My most recent adventure was in New Zealand, where I was part of a dolphin research team. It was a great opportunity and during my time their I researched cetacean behavior and the effects of tourism. This research entailed an enormous amount of work, dedication, patience, and sometimes very little sleep ... but trust me ... I was in heaven every day and enjoying every aspect of my job in New Zealand.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #14:

Sunny ... we are just about at the end of our interview and there are a couple of closing questions that I would like to ask you. The first one is ... what is the one thing you would like people to leave with that they didn't have ... before they became part of the "Blue Planet Legacy Hero  -- "Blog Talk" audience?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #14:

The most important thing I want the audience to realize is, that "one person" can really make a difference in keeping our oceans clean and providing a safe home for the majestic animals it holds. You don't need to live near the ocean to be affected by it. From the air we breathe, to the food we eat ... the ocean is alive. Oxygen is generated by living creatures. They are part of the system and food chains and the oceans need those systems. Every fish fertilizes the water in a way that generates the plankton, which ultimately leads back into the food chain. It's a part of what makes the ocean function. It's important to keep it clean for our safe living, as well as the creatures that live in it. The oceans regulate earth's climate, supply us with most of our oxygen, and moderate global warming. I also want people to understand the laws that keep these animals safe. For example; the Marine Mammal Protection Act. I have realized more and more, that people don't even know about this law and why it is so important to understand that this act is not only for our safety, but for the animals safety as well. The "Marine Mammal Protection Act" of 1972 was enacted in response to increasing declines in some species of marine mammals which were caused by human activities. The Act established a national policy to prevent marine mammal species and population from declining beyond the point, where they ceased to be significant functioning elements of the ecosystems ... of which they are a part. No where else in the world had a government made the conservation of healthy and stable ecosystems, as important as the conservation of individual species, which is protecting whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, walrus', manatees, otters, and polar bears.

Host: Krista Dunlop - Question #15:

Sunny ... before we end our interview here today ... what call to action would you like to ask of people today?

Sunny Gurule - Answer #15:

REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE! As easy as it may sound, that is the main thing we need to do just to start helping our animals. Reading books and learning about our ocean is a great start to taking action. But, don't stop there ... spread the word to people around the world and let them know what you have learned ...and one step at a time ... we all will be working together as a team to save our oceans ... for our children and generations to come!

Host: Krista Dunlop - Closing Comments:

Sunny ... first of all I would like to thank you so much for taking the time to share with our audience your wealth of knowledge and expertise as a Marine Mammal Trainer. But, more importantly what has become very evident during our interview, is your sincere and heart felt personal responsibility to be a guardian of our blue planet and to remind children and adults of all that the underwater world has given us ... human survival, beauty and marine animal friendships.

Photographer: S. McCulloch

For those of you in our audience, who would like to contact Sunny directly to receive further information on how to become a Marine Mammal Trainer ... you can reach her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and by email at sgurule@hotmail.com. 

Sunny ... living her passion!

For those of you, who are not familiar with Underwater Odyssey's children's publication series vision ... it is also to shape and carefully nurture the young reader’s experience so that children can find order, meaning and beauty on our blue planet. 


In addition, my personal mission is to partner with like-minded individuals such as Sunny who believe, as I do, that the future of our blue planet lies in the hands of our children. In doing so ... I would also like to support Sunny and her passion by offering our audience today an opportunity to purchase Underwater Odyssey's environmental awareness colouring/activity book for children titled: "Sick & Injured Marine Animals Tell Their Stories" as an e-Book through Smashwords (www.smashwords.com). By clicking on this link http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/64811 , you can purchase this environmental awareness book ... share it with a young child and become part of this important environmental awareness movement to help save our ocean. Although this children's colouring/activity book can be purchased in many different formats, by using this coupon code F273A, before checking out of your shopping cart on Smashwords web site, you can simply purchase this eBook in a PDF format for $4.95., which will allow you to simply print it off at your home computer and printer.  In support of Sunny's personal mission and passion ... with every purchase of Underwater Odyssey's "Sick & Injured Marine Animals Tell Their Stories" books sold using this coupon code F273A, (until April 19th, 2012), 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Sunny's personal life long passion ... to one day open her own "Rescue & Rehabilitation Center for Marine Animals."  Once you have received your receipt from Smashwords by email for purchasing your e-Book, please forward a copy of this email to Sunny at sgurule@hotmail.com, so she will know who all her "Blue Planet Legacy Hero" friends are who are supporting her with her personal life long passion!
 
Thank you for joining us today on Blue Planet Legacy Hero's -- "Blog Talk". Sunny and I encourage you to send us your comments and for all of you "Blue Planet Legacy Hero's" out their to share your stories with us by email at kdunlop@underwaterodyssey.ca.  Sunny and I will do our best to answer all questions, or inquiries we receive. Many of Sunny's photo's will also be posted in our Blog Photo Gallery ... so please enjoy viewing them with your friends and family.