Coral World Ocean Park congratulates Gabriella Gammage, the marine mammal manager of sea lions and birds, on her appointment to the Animal Welfare Committee of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). Gammage has been with the Coral World family since 2018.
Assistant Curator of Marine Mammals and Birds Kristine Tartaglio said, “Gabby, who is originally from Florida, moved to St. Thomas to accompany Fred, our youngest and biggest sea lion. Gabby had worked with Fred for six years in South Carolina at Pirates Voyage before they both came to St. Thomas and made the island their home. Gabby has over 11 years working with sea lions.”
According to Lee Kellar, general curator, “Gabby’s skill in working with our sea lions, her concern for their welfare, and her ability to share her knowledge with our other trainers led to our appointing her marine mammal manager overseeing the Sea Lion and Bird Department. We are delighted that the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums has recognized her knowledge and abilities by appointing her to its Animal Welfare Committee.”
In response to her appointment, Gammage said, “The greatest privilege of my life has been developing trusting relationships with the animals I have been fortunate enough to care for. Working at Coral World has allowed me the opportunity to facilitate guest interactions with our sea lions and to share how incredible these animals are. I am so thankful to work with the most dedicated professionals in this industry, and I am thrilled to accept this appointment and to continue learning from AMMPA’s leaders.”
Coral World Ocean Park is accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), the preeminent accrediting body for zoos, aquariums and marine parks throughout the world that are dedicated to the highest quality of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through education and scientific research. As part of our accreditation, we follow and exceed AMMPA’s standards of animal care.
