New York Aquarium

This fall, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Behavioral Husbandry Intern at the New York Aquarium. In this role, I supported the animal care team while learning how positive reinforcement training strengthens both animal welfare and human connection with 5 male sea lions and one male harbor seal. One of the highlights of my internship was narrating the Sea Lion Celebrations at the Aquarium’s Aqua Theater, a 1,000 seat venue filled daily with families, students, and ocean lovers.

Standing in front of that many guests, I had the privilege of translating animal behavior into storytelling by explaining how our sea lions participate in training sessions, engage in enrichment, and serve as ambassadors for marine conservation. Helping guests see the intelligence, personality, and care behind each behavior made every show meaningful, not just as entertainment, but as a bridge between people and the ocean.