Q+A with Zoo Keeper & Novelist Erin Perotta
Dreamers are in any group of people, but it takes a certain type of grit to live out your dreams. You will hear from Erin Perotta, a zookeeper and Novelist who has not only turned her dreams into reality but is encouraging young people to do the same. In the Panoramic Ocean Journal, we will be hearing actionable advice, uncovering hard lessons learned, and finding passion beneath the surface.
Without wasting any further time, let's quickly ask some questions and get responses from Ms. Erin.
Hi Erin, thank you for agreeing to talk to Panoramic Ocean. This journal entry is all about turning dreams into reality. What were some of the first dreams you remember having?
My first dream, and the one that would come true, was working with Sea Lions. My Dad took me to the Long Island Aquarium at three years old. Like any small child, I enjoyed the kid stuff at the aquarium. As I filled a capsule necklace with multicolored sand, I was moments from realizing my dream. That day I experienced the Sea Lion presentation. My Dad always tells me that I pointed to one of the trainers and said, "That's what I want to do when I grow up."
Baby Erin on a trip to her favorite aquarium.
Growing up, how did you find the support for your dreams?
My parents are my biggest supporters, but my Mom took it upon herself to help me reach my dreams. She invested much of her time in helping me get to where I am today. My Mom spent hours researching what university would give me the best tools to be an animal trainer. When it was time for me to get my scuba certification, I faced an incredible obstacle. I found myself to be claustrophobic. Underwater I had an overwhelming sense of my inability to get enough air. My Mom guided me through those feelings and got me the help I needed to be successful. The biggest thing she did was motivate me when I could not motivate myself.
We have been discussing dreams, but please share some of your amazing accomplishments thus far.
This is such a hard question. I am very honored to have gotten to work with such various animals. I have worked with giraffes, lions, hyenas, belugas, dolphins, sea lions, and penguins. Building a relationship with each species and even the individual animals, I worked with took work. I implemented positive reinforcement training to build each relationship. I am extremely proud of the work I have done using positive reinforcement training. These are some of the behaviors I have trained: ultrasound training for my facility's meerkat mob, training a deaf dolphin to identify pictures with a certain behavior, and then complete that behavior.
An animal that I have built an amazing relationship with is a Titi Monkey named Philo. Philo has a huge personality and is very particular about the people she tolerates. She took to me, and the feeling was mutual. I am so proud of our relationship that I got a tattoo in her honor.
Erin during a training session with Philo.
You are a multifaceted person with so many interests. How did your passion for animals evolve into self-publishing your debut novel?
In 2020, I decided to write a novel. Three years later, on and off writing, 'Journey to the Dream' was born. It made sense for my debut novel to be about my personal experiences as a trainer and keeper. There were few references for me breaking into the zoological field, and I wanted to create a source for other young people to chase their dreams.
Tell us a little bit more about your novel.
My debut novel, 'Journey to the Dream,' is a capsule of my feelings and experiences while pursuing my animal trainer/ keeper career. The book takes you on a chronological timeline of my life while exploring monumental moments throughout my internship. 'Journey to the Dream' emphasizes the different roles you can have in the zoological field and the relationships that I built with animals in these roles. A bonus that I included is a glossary of training terms, a resume guide, and photos of me throughout this journey.
What would you say to those running into walls while pursuing their dream?
NEVER GIVE UP. Zoology is an ever-evolving field, and you must build up your experience. I know from experience that if you stick with it, you WILL land the role you want.
What would you say to someone who does not know their passion?
It is more than okay not to have it all figured out. I know many people who don't know what career they want to pursue. That fear that you feel turn it into motivation. Try different things, find new hobbies, and attend classes to learn something new. See what you're good at, and perhaps you'll like it.
Before we wrap up, what are some actionable tips for someone who wants to turn their dream into a reality
- You are always young enough to start.
- Build your experiences. Ask the hard questions, research, volunteer/intern, and you will succeed.
Erin, What you are doing is amazing! Where can our readers support you and your novel?
I am extremely active on Instagram @zookeeperin. You can shop ‘Journey to the Dream’ book at this link. I also run my own blog that you can read at this link.
You can read more Q+A and journal entries at Panoramicocean.com #bepurposeful