Nina Leipold: Author, Illustrator and Animal Behaviorist
Nina Leipold is a multifaceted professional whose career has evolved through her lifelong passion for marine conservation, animal behavior, and education. As an author, illustrator, animal behaviorist, and former professional mermaid, Nina brings a unique perspective to her work that bridges the gap between humans and the natural world.
Conservation Through Storytelling
Originally from Pennsylvania and now residing on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Nina is a children's author and illustrator whose work is deeply influenced by her commitment to aquatic conservation. Her first book, "Sammy the Sand Dollar," was inspired after witnessing countless beachgoers unknowingly killing sand dollars by removing them from their natural habitat.
Through her writing, Nina hopes to ignite a passion for environmental protection in readers of all ages, encouraging small but impactful daily changes that can help our oceans thrive without drastically altering our lifestyles. Her work has been recognized beyond her books, including publication in National Geographic Travel.
Animal Behaviorist & Communication Pioneer
With over 15 years of experience as an animal behaviorist, Nina specializes in positive reinforcement training across a diverse range of species including dogs, cats, dolphins, river otters, harbor seals, and even monitor lizards.
She majored in Psychology with a focus on Animal Behavior at the University of Pittsburgh, which launched her career training
dolphins in Bermuda where she mastered positive reinforcement techniques and cooperative care tactics.
Nina's career has recently pivoted toward pioneering work in Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC), a field she is passionate about. Through her website, Flounder Cat, she now offers animal training classes focused on enhancing human-animal bonds through understanding animal psychology and innovative communication methods.
The Mermaid of Hilton Head Legacy
Before retiring in 2024, Nina was widely known as "Mermaid Nina" or "The Mermaid of Hilton Head." Unlike many professional mermaids, Nina's path to becoming a mermaid was uniquely driven by her desire to educate about ocean conservation in an engaging way. As a NAUI certified SCUBA diver, breath-trained free diver, and former dolphin trainer, she leveraged her aquatic expertise to create meaningful educational experiences.
After achieving her childhood dream of becoming a marine mammal trainer, Nina recognized the growing ethical concerns around marine mammal captivity. Drawing on her insider knowledge, she and her husband Rick founded the Mermaid of Hilton Head business to make conservation education more accessible and entertaining. Their award-winning Mermaid Encounter Boat Tours became one of the most popular family activities on Hilton Head Island, allowing Nina to connect with both tourists and local marine wildlife.
Her impact extended internationally as she traveled to events like the ADEX Dive Expo in Singapore to give presentations on ocean conservation and marine mammal welfare. With the ability to hold her breath for 2-3 minutes underwater, Nina created unique experiences that fostered genuine connections between people and the marine environment.
Looking Forward
While Nina has retired her tail to focus on her work with Augmentative Interspecies Communication, her commitment to education, conservation, and improving relationships between humans and animals remains steadfast. Through her ongoing writing, teaching, and advocacy, Nina continues to inspire people of all ages to develop a deeper understanding of and respect for the natural world and its inhabitants.
© 2025 Nina Leipold. All rights reserved.