Dennis Christen

Experience

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  Vancouver Aquarium

  Jun 1989 - Nov 1997

  Worked with Veterinarians, animal care staff, and volunteers in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals stranding along the Pacific coast of Canada. Extensive experience in neonatal pinniped hand-rearing and husbandry. Rehabilitation experience with several species including: Northern sea otter, harbor seal, Steller sea lion, Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus), Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostrus), harbor porpoise (Phocena phocena), Dall’s porpoise (Phocinoides dalli), and Killer whale (Orcinus orca). Show less

  • Marine Mammal Specialist

    May 1993 - Nov 1997

  • Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Coordinator

    May 1993 - Nov 1996

  • Marine Mammal Trainer

    Jun 1991 - May 1993

  • Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer

    Jun 1989 - Jun 1991
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  Alaska SeaLife Center

  Feb 1998 - Mar 2006

  Managed Mammal Division and the mammal components of the ASLC stranding program within the husbandry department. Directly responsible for the Center’s marine mammal collection, exhibits, and facilities. Functioned as a staff biologist coordinating with scientists using the Center’s marine mammals for authorized research activities. Member of the ASLC Dive team, Dive Control Board, Internal Animal Care and Use Committee (1998 and 1999), Steller Capture Team, Permit Committee, and ASLC Management Team. Show less

  • Mammal Curator

    Aug 1998 - Mar 2006

  • Marine Mammal Supervisor

    Feb 1998 - Aug 1998
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  Georgia Aquarium

  Mar 2006 - now

  As senior director of animal wellbeing & behavior I lead and direct Georgia Aquarium’s animal wellbeing and behavior programs, and ensure programs are in alignment with the aquarium’s strategic goals, accrediting bodies, and in compliance with local, state,regional, and federal direction. The position serves to advance the strategic vision and mission of Georgia Aquarium relative to animal welfare, animal research, exhibit design, and zoological population management. I serve as an officer of the Animal Welfare Committee to ensure wellbeing of animal residents, and contribute to research and development projects to advance the care, welfare, and display of new and novel species. I work to develop partnerships to advance animal welfare, advocate research on the animal collection, and enhance display and zoological program opportunities. I. participate in exhibit development to ensure habitats meet the needs of animals, promote enhanced animal welfare, supportbehavioral management, and stimulate novel and progressive display of the animals. The position networks with colleagues to keep Georgia Aquarium abreast of advances in marine animal welfare, training, in situ and ex situ research and conservation efforts, and exhibitry. I provides advice, counsel, and critical feedback to zoological and aquarium leadership on a diverse range of zoological issues and programs through specialized knowledge, experience, andthe activation of networks. Show less Under direction from the Sr. Vice President of Zoological Operations/ Chief Zoological Officer, responsible for working with all areas of the aquarium to facilitate behavioral management of the aquatic animal collection using contemporary animal training paradigms based upon operant conditioning. Responsible for the development and management of animal interactive programs and initiatives. Liaise with other departments on animal management and care. Play an active role in facility communications strategies including social media channels and serving as a subject matter expert on internationally televised programs ‘Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin’ (ABC) and Discovery Channel/Animal Planet’s ‘The Aquarium’. Continued involvement in capital improvement planning /project management of animal care facilities and exhibits; as well as major animal acquisition and transport logistics. Show less Under direction from the West Husbandry Manager, responsible for the Aquarium’s Cold Water Quest Gallery collection, exhibits, facilities, and the Cold Water team. Oversee husbandry, acquisition, and management of a variety of species housed in Cold Water Quest including: beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas), California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), African penguin (Sphenicus demersus), in addition to a variety of cold water fishes and invertebrates. Show less

  • Senior Director, Animal Wellbeing & Behavior

    Apr 2024 - now

  • Senior Director of Zoological Operations-Animal Training-Mammals and Birds

    Jul 2015 - Apr 2024

  • Director of Animal Training & Interactive Programs

    Jan 2012 - Jul 2015

  • Curator of Animal Training and Interactive Programs

    Apr 2009 - Jan 2012

  • Assistant Manager- Husbandry

    Mar 2006 - Apr 2009