Shedd trainer says she's got the perfect job

Dolphins, beluga whales, alligator snapping turtles - it's all in a day's work for Kelly Schaaf.

The Shedd Aquarium marine mammals senior trainer says she's got the perfect job that tests her science background along with her people - or rather - animal skills.

Schaaf, 31, is one of more than 30 trainers who keep the more than 32,500 animals at Shedd thriving 24/7.

When the aquarium is closed to the public, it doesn't mean staff aren't around.

For Schaaf, her day starts early with a quick session assessing each animal group and conferring with colleagues who worked the night shift. Updates on animals who need special care are exchanged and then it's feeding time.

About 800 pounds of food for the marine mammal group alone are waiting to be distributed. The menu ranges from herring, squid and capelin for Shedd's beluga whales and it's all "restaurant quality food," Schaaf said.

Diets differ even for the same species depending on factors like the age of the animal, the time of year and if they're pregnant or nursing.

Another facet of Schaaf's job is the Fantasea show featuring sea lions, belugas and dolphins that dive and vocalize.

It's entertaining for the crowds but trainers aim to make the spectacle educational both for visitors and animals.

"We incorporate training into the show," Schaaf explained.

Training gives the animals mental stimulation, exercise and makes them participants in their own care, Shedd staffers said. For example, when animals need to undergo physicals, training teaches them to stay still for a blood sample or open their mouths for an exam.

Schaaf's pleased with her recent success with beluga youngster Bella, who she's teaching to do a tail wave. Rewards range from tongue scratches to toys to a snack of fish in ice.

"She made a breakthrough in training," Schaaf said. "It's fun to see the light bulb go off. Bella picks up things really quickly."

In addition to Fantasea, Schaaf's duties include animal husbandry, monitoring marine mammal health and record keeping.

"It's important to track and monitor how the animals are doing throughout the day," she said.

Schaaf, who has been with Shedd for nine years, studied ecology and biology at the University of Arizona and also took marine biology classes.

"My time with the animals is my favorite part of the job," she said.

The Daily Herald is sponsoring a Name the Baby Beluga sweepstakes with Shedd Aquarium and ABC 7. Time's running out, but you can still participate today by going to Dailyherald.com.