HSU alumna works with dolphins, other marine life
Henderson Public Relations
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: News
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After a month, she was hired by the facility and worked there for more than a year before moving on to Sea World in Orlando, where she stayed for four years. While there, Thompson worked at the whale and dolphin stadium. She also handled anteaters, sloths and birds.
Thompson then went to work at Sea Lion Park in Hawaii. There she worked with a wide variety of animals, including the only "wolphin" known to man. A "wolphin" is part whale, part dolphin.
A year later, in 2003, Thompson came back home to Arkadelphia to spend time with her mother, Joyce Thompson, and her then stepfather, J.D. Thompson. During her stay, J.D. Thompson adopted her.
Thompson considered jobs in Mexico and the Bahamas, but eventually chose to work at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. A new marine facility named Dolphin Cay opened last week, and Thompson is one of the bosses. She was just promoted to director of marine operations.
As part of her job, Thompson leads interactions with dolphins and sea lions. She has met several celebrities through these encounters. Most recently, she met NFL quarterback Matt Leinart and the prince of Saudi Arabia
While Thompson continues to enjoy success as a marine mammal specialist, she still has a passion for dancing. In fact, she teaches pilates at the Atlantis Resort.
She became a certified instructor while in Arkadelphia. She also enjoys working with stained glass, scrapbooking and Latin ballroom dancing.
Her dance education at Henderson has proven to be a big benefit for her career.
"Theater and dancing have helped me in my shows with the dolphins and other animals," Thompson said. "When you're in the water, you need to be able to move."
Thompson said she has no regrets about the path she chose. "I've had a lot of good opportunities in my life," she said. "It's like my dream has become my life … working with so many animals. I feel blessed."
Thompson then went to work at Sea Lion Park in Hawaii. There she worked with a wide variety of animals, including the only "wolphin" known to man. A "wolphin" is part whale, part dolphin.
A year later, in 2003, Thompson came back home to Arkadelphia to spend time with her mother, Joyce Thompson, and her then stepfather, J.D. Thompson. During her stay, J.D. Thompson adopted her.
Thompson considered jobs in Mexico and the Bahamas, but eventually chose to work at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. A new marine facility named Dolphin Cay opened last week, and Thompson is one of the bosses. She was just promoted to director of marine operations.
As part of her job, Thompson leads interactions with dolphins and sea lions. She has met several celebrities through these encounters. Most recently, she met NFL quarterback Matt Leinart and the prince of Saudi Arabia
While Thompson continues to enjoy success as a marine mammal specialist, she still has a passion for dancing. In fact, she teaches pilates at the Atlantis Resort.
She became a certified instructor while in Arkadelphia. She also enjoys working with stained glass, scrapbooking and Latin ballroom dancing.
Her dance education at Henderson has proven to be a big benefit for her career.
"Theater and dancing have helped me in my shows with the dolphins and other animals," Thompson said. "When you're in the water, you need to be able to move."
Thompson said she has no regrets about the path she chose. "I've had a lot of good opportunities in my life," she said. "It's like my dream has become my life … working with so many animals. I feel blessed."
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