Patty

About Me

I have been a trainer at the New England Aquarium for four years. I started out as a volunteer, putting my time in bucketing fish and cleaning the exhibits. When a position as a trainer opened up, I was hired for the job! Since then I have had the opportunity to work with sea lions, harbor seals, fur seals and a green sea turtle. Currently I am the primary trainer for Reggae. He is a 215 lb Atlantic harbor seal. He is a very mellow animal as well as being incredibly intelligent. Recently, he and I have started doing underwater training. It has been an amazing experience! I also work with Ursula, our 10 year old northern fur seal. Where Reggae is mellow, she is a bundle of energy and she is very sharp. Training things with her is a pure joy because she is so smart and attentive. Sometimes I wonder who is training who! I also have the pleasure of working with Myrtle the green sea turtle. She tops the scale at 550 lbs! Although this job is a lot of hard work and can be very physically demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding. Where else do you have the opportunity to bond with a seal, a fur seal and a turtle? :)

My Blogs

Team Members

Marine Mammal Trainers Belinda Erin lindsay Justin NEAQ Rochelle Cheryl Paul ZPCu Jenny