UT Intern Finds Oceans of Fun with Sea Lions

For Jessica Kumm ’17, getting messy is a daily expectation.

As an intern with the seal and sea lion program at Oceans of Fun at the Milwaukee County Zoo, Kumm is constantly cleaning up after her charges. While they might not make it easy, they at least make it fun.

“One of our juvenile male sea lions jumped into a salt rinse bin as I was filling it with water, because he just wanted to play in the bin of salt water,” said Kumm, who helps present the program’s educational shows. One of her favorite moments so far was leading her first show, and getting a kiss from Slick the sea lion.

“You can’t help but smile when you see these animals enjoying their life, if it’s with their trainer or during an enrichment session or even playing with a hose spraying in the pool,” she said. “It is all worth it.”

Growing up in Muskego, WI, Kumm remembers going to the Milwaukee Zoo and sitting as a spectator in the Oceans of Fun shows at least a dozen times. She knew she wanted to be an animal trainer then — and now she is getting her chance.

“Everything has come full circle,” said Kumm, who wants to work in research and education. “Although this work is physically exhausting sometimes, at the end of the day it is worth it. When I see these animals thriving in their zoological environment and being ambassadors for their species out in the wild and helping us educate the public about marine life, the environment and conservation, I know I am where I need to be.”

The UT senior is a marine science–biology major with a minor in psychology. Not a stranger to hands-on learning, Kumm has spent the past year working with Bridgette Froeschke, UT assistant professor of biology, on a study into the dietary impacts on reproductive success of sheepshead. She spent a good deal of time dissecting fish, something her roommates would complain about when she returned to her residence hall.

“I didn’t notice it anymore,” laughed Kumm about the lingering smell. “I’m used to sticking my hands in guts.”

That’s helpful given she prepares fish for feeding the seals and sea lions at Oceans of Fun. She helps set up (and take down) the educational shows, which happen four times a day, observes training and husbandry sessions, and assists with interactive programs.

As part of the intern program, Kumm is conducting her own research project that will culminate in a presentation and paper at the end of the 16-week internship. She is studying the behavioral patterns of harbor seals by conducting behavioral observations via ethograms.

“I observe the harbor seals for 15 minutes and record behaviors every minute on the minute anytime throughout the day,” Kumm said. “For my project I am comparing the social behaviors, including solitary and communal patterns, of zoological harbor seals and wild harbor seals.”

Entering the field of marine mammal care and training can be difficult without hands-on experience, said Emily Dombrowski, intern and volunteer coordinator, as well as a trainer, at Oceans of Fun. “Students learn about animal diets, facility care, animal training and assist the staff in educating the public about how to care for the environment.”

While this is a dream internship for Kumm, Dombrowski said Kumm has been an asset at Oceans of Fun.

“Jessica shows up to work each day with a great attitude. She is always ready to jump in and assist where needed with all daily tasks,” Dombrowski said. “Her passion and enthusiasm for our animals is definitely evident in all that she does.”

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