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Name:
Jody Ann Westberg |
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Title:
Senior Marine Mammal Specialist |
Park:
SeaWorld San Diego |
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Hometown:
Whitewood, SD |
Time with SeaWorld:
9 years |
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Background:
As a kid, I wanted to discover the Titanic. Unfortunately, Dr. Bob Ballard found it first. But I knew I had to do something with the ocean and its mysteries. Once I reached high school, I wrote to SeaWorld in San Diego. Jim Antrim, SeaWorld's general curator at the time, wrote back and encouraged me to pursue a career in zoology or marine biology. So I did. I earned a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in zoology from South Dakota State University. Immediately after graduation, I moved to San Diego to begin my SeaWorld career. After a brief stint in the accounting department I transferred to aviculture to care for the park's impressive collection of penguins. In 1997, SeaWorld helped rescue an orphaned gray whale calf now well known as J.J. This event marked my entry into the mammal department and a childhood dream come true. During the 14 months J.J. was in our care, I was privileged to work closely with senior animal care staff, animal trainers and veterinarians to assist in J.J.'s rehabilitation and ultimate release. A few years later, I helped care for a handful of endangered Florida manatees, all of which were undergoing long-term rehabilitation due to injuries. Even though the SeaWorld San Diego manatees are far from their native Florida, these animals serve as ambassadors for all marine life.
Recent adventures: The West Coast marine mammal population continues to be affected by the domoic acid toxin. During the sea lion pupping season in June, we rescued many mothers who were unable to care for their pups. Throughout the summer I hand-reared four premature pups, each requiring around-the-clock care. That's one of the amazing things about SeaWorld's stranded animal program - the team is always on call and might be working at 2 a.m. or 2 p.m. depending on the animals' needs. So far this year we have rescued more than 115 animals.
Favorite part of the job: Rescuing sick or injured marine mammals, ranging from 5,000-pound fin whales to baby seals and sea lions. It's amazing to witness the animals' state when first rescued, then to aid their rehabilitation. Returning healthy animals to the ocean is the most rewarding part of my job. I also enjoy working with Dr. Judy St. Leger on her Prescott Grant research to benefit local marine mammal populations. And I credit my current success working within SeaWorld's zoological department to Jim Antrim. From that first letter he wrote to me and throughout the years I worked under his leadership, Jim became my mentor and friend - as he was to so many others. Thanks Jim.
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