Keeper Q & A

Name: Ryan McEnaney

Title: Animal Trainer

Tenure:  6 Months

Residence: Edmond, OK

Keeper Q & A

1.  Have you always loved being around water?

Funny you should ask.  When I had the dream of training marine mammals it never dawned on me that I would need to know how to swim.  I suddenly found myself, at the age of 23, required to take a swim test for my job and very quickly enrolling in swim lessons.  Now that I know how to swim I don’t mind the water, but I still tend to avoid it unless there is a 4 flippered friend in there with me.

 2. Why is your job important?

My job is important because I have the unique opportunity to work with amazing animals while educating the public on the importance of preserving our environment and all the animals that we share the Earth with.  I am a firm believer that people will only save what they know and understand and as an animal trainer I hope to share with others the importance of these animals.

3. What is the coolest part about working with Sea Lions?

I don’t know if I can narrow it down to just one part.  I do love when I am training a behavior and that instant hits when the sea lion understands exactly what you are asking of them.  It’s a pretty cool feeling that they understand you and of course there is nothing like walking into work and seeing those little faces looking up at you and thinking “how fortunate am I, I train sea lions for a living.”

4. Pick an animal in your area and tell us a fascinating or little-known face about that animal.

A little known fact about Midge, our 24 year old California sea lion, is that she is quite the artist!  She is a very, very passionate painter!  In fact, you can check out her excellent artwork at the In Your Eyes Studio, in the Paseo Art District from August 6-28!

5. What is your favorite childhood memory about the Zoo?

I grew up about 7 minutes down the street from Sea World, OH.  We used to go to Sea World, about 4-5 times a week, just to watch the Clyde and Seamore Show.  That’s when I realized I loved the sea lions!

About Me:

I grew up in Chagrin Falls, OH and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in psychology.  After finishing college and completing several internships, I headed off to Hawaii to work with marine mammals through shows and interactions.  After 3 years in Hawaii I decided it was time to move closer to home and The Oklahoma City Zoo seemed like a great place to be!  Now that I am here in Oklahoma City I have the opportunity to train California sea lions and Harbor seals and participate in California sea lion shows!