At Sea Life Arizona, we are very proud of our animals and taking care of them is a huge
responsibility. What is the best part of your job?The best part of my job is that we get to be
storytellers. All the animals that come to us have a story to tell and we are able to deliver their
message to people through education. We raise awareness for the plight they are facing out in
the wild, how to protect them in captivity, and clear up any misunderstandings that people have
about them, especially our sharks.
Can you tell us what you do on a day-to-day basis?
We are always cleaning and feeding on a day-to-day basis. My personal favorite task is that we do
a lot of training and enrichment. Forexample, for the tangs, or the Dory fish, we sink rocks that have
seaweed attached to them and the animals feed and pick on them throughout the day. It stimulates
them and keeps their minds going so it’s really exciting to do.
We know that you are very involved with our Green Team. Could you tell us a little bit more
about what the organization does?
Green Team is an employee-run organization within Sea Life. Essentially, we use the resources
given to us to follow through on ourpromise to Breed, Rescue, and Protect. We go out in the
community, and we find ways to take what we do at Sea Life and benefit the community.
We will clean up the rivers, spread conservation and awareness, and help with invasive
species removal.
What is your favorite animal at Sea Life Arizona?
The “car wash” fish is probably my favorite. It is known as a cleaner wrasse, scientific name
is Labroides dimidiatus, and they are hardworking, beloved species. In the tropical reefs where
they live, every single fish knows about them, and they will come from all over tofind the fish
and go to a “car wash.” The cleaner wrasse will pick off parasites that may be making the fish
sick and the fish appreciate it.
For children interested in working with animals, what is your best advice to get into the field?
My best advice if someone is interested in becoming an aquarist is to start at home. There is
so much that you can do in your own houseand at any age. Kids can go to a local bookstore and
buy a book about fish and just start reading to learn about them. By making a fish tank at home,
kids can start understanding the behaviors of the animals, the types of foods to feed them, and
how to maintain clean water so they can live healthy lives. It’s amazing what you can learn at home.
To visit Melanie and the rest of our aquarist team, buy your discounted tickets at the following link!
Kids will go Free to Sea Life Arizona for the entire month of September with the Macaroni Kid promotion:
