Expert: Walter Hintz - 4/21/2010

Question
Dear Mr. Hintz,

I am a senior in high school doing an i-search (a research paper) for my english class. My topic is about deciding what I want to specialize in, in marine biology. I know that marine biology is a very broad term with many specializations under it. I am looking at whether I would want to be a marine mammologist or a marine mammal trainer. I highly enjoy working with animals, and the physical fitness requirements for both would not be a problem for me. I would like to know what your opinion is on the two professions, and what you think would be the most satisfying career for me. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Beth S.

Answer
Hi Beth
This is quite easy for me because I am opposed to capturing killer whales and sea lions to train them for profit. It is contrary to their behavior.  I have seen marine mammals in their natural habitat during visits to The Galapagos Islands. In The Galapagos you may observe animals up close but you cannot touch or interfere with what they are doing. Is is our history that when we make trained pets out of wild animals we eventually destroy them. I think that if you have the best interest of marine mammals at heart you would choose to study them and protect them