A Dream Come True

All Erin's wanted to do for the last 4 years is participate in Brookfield Zoo's Deckside with the Dolphins program. This morning her wish finally came true. The program allowed her to go behind the scenes at the zoo and work with the trainers.
Her day started with practicing husbandry with the dolphins.  She gave a fake ultra sound and pretended to test for blood.  She learned that these practices are woven into the trainers' daily care of the dolphins, so when the animals truly need these things done, they are not spooked.

Erin was up close and personal with the seals...

...and the dolphins.
We were allowed a private showing of the dolphin show area to observe Erin working with the animals.

She learned the hand signals to use to get the dolphins to do their tricks. I don't think I've ever seen her smile so big!

Erin was the only one doing the Deckside with the Dolphins program on Saturday, so she had the trainers all to herself. They were impressed with the insightful questions she asked, and told her she's well on her way to becoming a marine biologist.
Erin said it was the best day she's ever had!