train a man to stand on the edge of their pool and throw them food three times a day' Although Jessica Riederer is no stranger to animals -- having grown-up helping out at a zoo with a veterinarian and with long experience training horses -- she was totally unfamiliar with dolphins when she joined Dolphin Quest in March, 1998, after graduating from the University of Colorado with a degree in anthropology.

Like all neophyte trainers, Miss Riederer's induction began with a three-month trial period to see if she had "the right stuff.'' Not only do the trainers work with the dolphins, but they must be able to speak well and entertain the visitors to the shows.

"Dolphins are very challenging,''she explains. "They enjoy new people, and like to test you to see what you're made of. You always have to be very interesting and enthusiastic, otherwise they will find dolphin things to do.

Once I had the confidence I really enjoyed it.'' Noting that body language -- hand signals and eye contact -- are key ways to communicate, Miss Riderer says even though she is now a fully qualified trainer, the learning process is constant.

"Everything you learn changes daily,'' she explains. "Understanding the animals and getting them to understand you is the most satisfying part of my job.'' Describing the animals as "wonderful'', and her fellow staffers as "great'', Miss Riederer admits that positive public feedback is also important.

"It's great when people come down here and say we're doing a great job,'' she enthuses.

When Angela Ambrosini joined Dolphin Quest in April, 1997 it was with a degree in communications, film and video, and responsibility for supervising the establishment of the digital photography section in the Production Department.

Since rotating staff is part of Dolphin Quest's cross-training policy, and Miss Ambrosini demonstrated "the right stuff,'' she was given the opportunity to combine her production duties with learning to become a dolphin trainer.

Never having been around dolphins before, Miss Ambrosini vividly recalls her initiation.

"I was amazed. My first day was exciting and frightening at the same time. I went home that night just in awe,'' she recalls. "After that you just have lots of fun. You let the dolphins investigate and interview you under water.

Then you begin to create that bond.'' Through that bond, Miss Ambrosini developed a deep affection for the dolphins, and learned to appreciate their distinct personalities.

"You're not supposed to have favourites,'' she confesses, "but everybody may have one at the back of their minds.'' Although a qualified trainer, the young Bermudian is now focussing on the expanded responsibilities of her recent promotion.

From working as assistant to the Director of Communications, Mr. Christopher Heslop, Miss Ambrosini has now been retained as a marketing and public relations assistant with Dolphin Quest's parent company, Ocean Conservation International, which owns facilities in Hawaii and Tahiti as well as Bermuda.

"My challenge now is to get out of Bermuda and think globally,'' she says.

"It is an amazing, gradual education process that they put you through.

Firmly rooted back in Bermuda with a four-year-old son, Robin Chapman-Hilverding originally intended to turn her lifelong interest in animals into a veterinary career.

Armed with a biology degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, she worked in a US emergency animal clinic for one year before going on to gain a degree in human Surgical Technology. Thereafter, she worked in a hospital operating room during the week, and at the animal clinic on weekends.

On returning home, Mrs. Chapman-Hilverding joined Dolphin Quest in February, 1998, and is now a qualified trainer.

A self-confessed outdoors person, she is delighted to be involved in such an exciting programme.

"I couldn't ask for a better situation,'' she enthuses. "It has turned out to be an excellent learning experience as well as a job opportunity. I learn something new every day. I enjoy being with the animals, and have an excellent team of co-workers.'' Mrs. Chapman-Hilverding notes that, because the adult dolphins are like four-year-olds, in some ways it helps her to deal with her son Harley, who is the same age.

The trainer is particularly fascinated to watch a dolphin's personality develop, and notes that each one has its own learning level.

"You really have to figure out what works best with each one. Dolphins read off what you are more concerned with, and each trainer has his or her own way of communicating,'' she explains.

While everyone is fascinated with the new dolphin calf born in June, the trainers are careful not to intrude on the instincts of nature at this stage.

"Trust is the number one thing you need to build up with the mother and baby,'' she says. "You have to wait and see what the calf is ready for, and willing to allow you to manipulate. It's a lot like your own kids: if your attitude isn't right for working it isn't going to happen.'' Like her fellow trainers, Mrs. Chapman-Hilverding finds the winters at Dolphin Quest uncomfortable.

"It's pretty miserable out there, but the animals make it worthwhile. They always have a happy face and are willing to do something for you. It's an education in itself,'' she says.

Relieved that her pre-employment concerns about desecration of the shoreline to create the facility proved to be unfounded, Mrs. Chapman-Hilverding is proud to note that not only has the facility been built to prevent erosion, but also it has excellent arrangements in place to protect, and even move, the animals safely to other venues in the event of a hurricane.

"The dolphins are trained to be comfortable in a stretcher, we monitor the weather continuously and in the event of a hurricane threat we begin preparations two weeks in advance,'' she explains.

It is with thanks to his mother that Jason Hansford-Smith has embarked on a career path which he absolutely loves.

Having graduated from Bermuda College with an associate degree in psychology, and Canada's Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Recreations Administration degree, the young Bermudian was studying for a full psychology degree when his mother told him about Dolphin Quest.

Having always been "aquatic oriented'', including six years as a Government lifeguard, Mr. Hansford-Smith seized the moment and was interviewed in April, 1996. Three months later, he was sent to Florida to "learn some of the basics'' and prepare the dolphins for their trip to Bermuda.

Communication, respect is key to training dolphins Today, as Supervisor of Animal Management, he spends most of his time with the dolphins and training, but is also gaining "a well-rounded experience in the company -- from operations to the educational side''.

Having also participated in company-sponsored programmes in Florida and Hawaii, Mr. Hansford-Smith says these provide Bermudians with "a great opportunity to move around''.

While admitting that the job environment is physically challenging, he has nothing but praise for his colleagues, whom he describes as "a great unit''.

"It takes a special crew to get on with each other, especially in the area where you are on display for the entire day. With this group, we have a good family going on right here.'' Asked what qualities aspiring Bermudian trainers would need to be successful, Mr. Hansford-Smith listed enthusiasm, education, personality, and dedication as the top four requirements.

"You need a lot of enthusiasm and dedication, and a team player attitude, which is synonymous with the service industry anyway. It takes someone who is willing to do whatever is required whenever required without regard to hours.

"We also ask for a higher level of education in psychology as it relates to the specific area of animal training, and we look for great public speaking skills.

"On the training side, we require a swimming and a public speaking test.'' According to Director of Operations, Michelle Hammond, the Bermudians have proved a wonderful asset.

"I can't praise them enough,'' she says. "We look for well-rounded individuals and we are so excited with their enthusiasm and attitude. They have a great desire to learn, and that is what makes them successful.'' Not only are the present Bermudians extremely happy with their chosen professions, but they are also delighted to know that Dolphin Quest is inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

"We have heard children say they want to be trainers when they grow up, and we have also seen trainers go on to become veterinarians. Often people who work with this organisation are led to take up similar professions.'' Meanwhile, Mrs. Hammond is looking for more Bermudians to join Dolphin Quest.

For further information telephone her at 239-6957.