If you ask Fuzz what she wants to be when she grows up, she’ll give you the same answer “A Shamu trainer”. She’s had this career picked out since she was 3 and hasn’t waivered. Sometimes she says “Shamu Trainer/Author” and one time she said “Shamu Trainer/Rock Star” but any other avocation is a side job to working with killer whales.
So today, was pretty much the best day of Fuzz’s life. Her dad took her to Sea World where after three years of wishing, she was finally picked to be the kid that helps the trainers do tricks with Shamu. Yes, that kid! The one who stands in front of 3,000 people, chats with the trainer, learns about killer whales and feeds Shamu a fish or two.
I’ll post pictures when I get them. They’re on their way home, but are planning a celebratory meal at McDonald’s.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it when dreams come true! She must have just been beside herself with joy. Can you hardly wait until she gets home? Bring on the photos and detailed report!
“The Shamu Trainers” would be a great book title OR name of a rock band, so I say she can have it all.
Oh what a happy day! My kids love Shamu but only from far away!! Tell Fuzz she has a fan in Las Vegas (Sabrina!)
What a memory for her and to continue her dream and desires!
That’s so cool, that just made me so happy for Fuzz!
That is so AWESOME!!!! My “girl with the yellow hair” would also like to be a trainer at sea world when she grows up. She says she’ll settle for being a zoo keeper, but only if all of the positions at Sea World are full…
Congrats to Fuzz on her exciting day! I can’t wait to show “Yellow” the pics!
Hey, my friend DOES that. she just graduated with me from the U of A and her job last summer and most of this year was a shamu trainer/ aqua performer. NO real previous show experience, just a synchro swimmer, so if she really wants to do it (FAR down the road, ha) it really isn’t a very outlandish request. NExt time you go watch for Marisa in the show!
Wow…I’m 33 and jealous of Fuzz. Congrats.
Oh, Joy. Fuzz may not be able to sleep tonight. May be the first of “best” life experiences.
Around our house Shamu is known as Shampoo. Many years ago when there was a Sea World in the Cleveland we took two of Al’s young cousins (ages 5 & 7) to see Shamu. On the way home she refered to him as Shampoo. Since that day he has always been Shampoo to us
Looking forward to the pictures. And, Mickey Dee’s too boot.
wow!!
that is so great. what fun. gives me goosebumps.
That is really, really neat! How do you get picked for that? I have always wondered. What an experience!
Thanks for all the comments. I tried answering them each individually but it started sounding redundant, so I’ll just say I enjoyed reading them.
About getting picked. I’m not sure there is a sure-fire way, but Todd & Fuzz got to the arena about 20 minutes early. Fuzz ran up to someone and begged to be in the show. Apparently, she picked the right person because he started asking her a series of questions then whisked her (and Todd) away to a special section. I think they were lucky, really.
Another fun thing you can do at Sea World is you can buy tickets to have a buffet style lunch by the tanks with the trainers. I believe it’s called “Shamu’s Diner”. Todd suprised Fuzz with tickets to this and they had the best time. They talked to all the trainers and got some back-stories and career tips.
Derek, thanks for telling us about your friend. She must be a REALLY good swimmer. One thing we learned was that trainers have to be Scuba certified and able to dive something like 40 feet deep.
Where were you on this exciting visit–why didn’t you go?
I like Sea World, but I had some stuff I needed to do…..at Nordstrom
.
No really, I love Sea World, but I encourage daddy/daughter dates and they always have fun without mom.
Of course, after I found out Fuzz got picked I was sad I didn’t go.