TRACI BELTING
 

While attending UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz and UCLA, Traci Belting was fortunate to participate in a variety of marine mammal biology and natural history programs and some honors work at the USC marine science center on Catalina Island. She has been employed in the marine mammal field for 22 years. Ms Belting started at Marineland of the Pacific in Rancho Palos Verdes CA where she wore many hats including aquarist, animal keeper, education coordinator and even acted as facilitator for the ACS volunteers who worked on the annual gray whale migration census from a look out point at Marineland. When Marineland closed in 1987, Ms. Belting moved to Minnesota where she was a lead zoologist for the Minnesota Zoo's dolphin program. She remained in that capacity until 1996 when she accepted a position at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium as Marine Mammal Manager. Traci Belting assists in the management of a diverse collection of marine mammals including belugas, northern sea otters, Harbor seals, pacific walrus and polar bears. She is a member of a variety of committees for the International Marine Animal Trainer's Association and the American Association of Zookeepers.

Traci is a panelist in the discussion on 'Captivity & Whale Watching: Scientific, Educational, and Ethical Considerations'.