TUBE IN?

Transcription

TUBE IN?

Volume 36, Number 3 ~ Third Quarter 2011
Magazine of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association
TUBE IN?
Voluntary Stomach Intubation
in West Antillean Manatees
Also in this issue
COUNTDOWN
A Dolphin's Use of Sound Cues to
Imitate Motor Behaviors
ISSN # 1007-016X
Volume 36, Number 3 ~ Third Quarter 2011
Chief Editor
PATRICK BERRY – Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas
Dedicated to advancing the humane care
and handling of marine animals by fostering
communication between professionals that serve
marine animal science through training, public display,
research, husbandry, conservation, and education.
REGIONAL REPORTER CONTACT INFORMATION
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South America:
U.S. Midwest:
U.S. North Central: U.S. Northeast:
U.S. Northwest:
U.S. South Central:
U.S. Southeast:
U.S. Southwest:
Beth Ament
Philip Wong Ryan Tate Brian Sheehan
Adrian Penny
Christiane Thiere
Sunna Edberg
John-Rex Mitchell
Pablo Joury
Monika Lechermeier Haruhiko Kato
Alex Mata
Tommy Wilken
Stephanie Vlachos
Monika Lechermeier
Gabby Harris
Miguel Marques
Stacey Lonski
John-Rex Mitchell
Beth Manning
Cinthia Alia-Mitchell Shannon Ray
Sarah Graff
Brittany Harris
MICHAEL OSBORN – Mystic Aquarium
Associate Editor
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Soundings is published four times a year by the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA)
as a service to its members. Submissions of manuscripts, photographs, and illustrations are welcomed and
encouraged, but will be returned only if accompanied by a return envelope and adequate postage. Any
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Deadlines for submission are 15 November, 15 February, 15 May, and 15 August. Submissions should be
addressed to Patrick Berry, Soundings Chief Editor, email [email protected] or mailed to IMATA, 1200 South
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©Copyright 2011. All of the articles contained within Soundings are the personal views of the respective
authors and do not necessarily represent the views of IMATA or its Board of Directors.
CONTACT US
President
MICHAEL OSBORN
Mystic Aquarium
Past President
DAVE ROBERTS
SeaWorld San Diego
First Vice President
BILL WOLDEN
Dolphin Quest, Inc
Treasurer
PATTY SCHILLING
New England Aquarium
Second Vice President
GRANT ABEL
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Secretary
LAURA YEATES
U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program
Third Vice President
MICHELLE SOUSA
Long Beach Aquarium
Director-at-Large
CHRIS DAVIS
A to Z Animal Management
President-Elect
SHELLEY WOOD
Dolphin Discovery
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Accreditation
BILLY HURLEY
Georgia Aquarium
International Services
SUNNA EDBERG
Kolmarden
Animal Training Advisory
TODD COFFMAN
SeaWorld Orlando
IMATA TV
Toni Loschiavo
Mystic Aquarium
DENNIS CHRISTEN
Georgia Aquarium
Legislation, Information,
and Policy
MARK XITCO
Central Office
KEN RAMIREZ
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Conference
ERIN CLARK
Conservation and Research
DEBI COLBERT
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Education/Membership Services
MADELYNN HETTIGER
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Finance
TRACI BELTING
Seattle Aquarium
Honors and Awards
MIKE POOL
SeaWorld San Antonio
Nominations and Elections
DAVE ROBERTS
SeaWorld San Diego
Merchandise
ERIN CLARK
Publications
PATRICK BERRY
Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas
Regional Workshops
STACI LONSKI
Indianapolis Zoo
Sponsorship
CHRIS SCULLION
CHIEF EDITORS
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DESIGN & PRODUCTION
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Proceedings
HEATHER KEENAN
Miami Seaquarium
Web Site
Beau Richter
Long Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Soundings
PATRICK BERRY
Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas
FACEBOOK
MICHAEL HUNT
Georgia Aquarium
26
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SUZANNE SMITH – Louisiana Marine Mammal &
Sea Turtle Resue Program
BACK TO BASICS – Benjamin Schreiner
ENRICHING ENVIRONMENTS – Ronnie Smith
OFF THE SHELF – Michael Belshaw
PRODUCT PROFILE – Chris Scullion
TRAINER’S FORUM – Robert Roozendaal
IMATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Front Cover Photo Credit (inset photo): Dolphin Discovery
Magazine of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association
Editorial Director
Associate Editor
BETH AMENT – Animal Behavior Consultant
REGIONAL REPORTS
Asia Philip Wong
Australia Ryan Tate
Canada Brian Sheehan
Caribbean Islands Adrian Penny
Europe North Central Christiane Thiere
Europe Northeast Sunna Edberg
Europe Northwest John-Rex Mitchell
Europe South Central Pablo Joury
Europe Southwest Monika Lechermeier
Japan Haruhiko Kato
Mexico Alex Mata
Middle East Tommy Wilken
Pacific Islands Stephanie Vlachos
Russia/Ukraine Monika Lechermeier
South Africa Gabby Harris
South America Miguel Marques
U.S. Midwest Stacey Lonski
U.S. North Central John-Rex Mitchell
U.S. Northeast Beth Manning
U.S. Northwest Cinthia Alia-Mitchell
U.S. South Central Shannon Ray
U.S. Southeast Sarah Graff
U.S. Southwest Brittany Harris
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FEATURES
16
Associate Editor
DENNIS CHRISTEN – Georgia Aquarium
WHAT’S UP DOC – Jen DeGroot
CONSERVATION BRIEFS – Shelly Samm
EDUCATION FORUM – Jason Jones
INNERviews – Kevin Roberts
NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Haley Merritt
RESEARCH BRIEFS – Beau Richter
26
Associate Editor
ERIKA PUTMAN – NMMP Foundation
CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN – Bill Wolden
CONFERENCE SITE SELECTION – Staci Lonski
LIP SYNC – Mark Xitco
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES – Laura Yeates
MERCHANDISE – Erin Clark
NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS – Dave Roberts
PRESIDENT’S CORNER – Michael Osborn
REGIONAL WORKSHOP REPORTS – Staci Lonski
Associate Editor
NEDRA HECKER
FEATURE ARTICLES
Jennifer Alexander, Georgia Aquarium
Michael Belshaw, Marineland Antibes
Traci Belting, Seattle Aquarium
Linda Beverly, Indianapolis Zoo
Margaret Black, Mystic Aquarium
Sarah Brignac, Dolphin Research Center
Carmen Colitz DVM, Animal Eye Specialty Clinic
Matt Fripp, SeaWorld San Diego
Andy Johnson, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Nina Lambert, Theater of the Sea
Brett Long, Alaska SeaLife Center
Catherine ‘CJ’ Johnson, Knoxville Zoo
Patrick W. B. Moore, SAIC BioSolutions
Ken Ramirez, John G. Shedd Aquarium
Terry Samansky, DolphinTrainer.com
Patty Schilling, New England Aquarium
Grey Stafford, Wildlife World Zoo
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Voluntary Stomach Intubation
in West Antillean Manatees
Tube in or tube out? That is the question
The challenges and success of voluntary
stomach intubation in West Antillean
manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus)
5
A Dolphin’s Use of Sound Cues
I can do that blindfolded! A dolphin's use
of sound cues to imitate motor behaviors
6
DEPARTMENTS
Conservation Briefs
Features conservation tidbits from around
the world
Back to Basics
Understanding sea otters
12
IMATA BUSINESS
Enriching Environments
What's in your closet?
13
President’s Corner
Remember the pathway you followed
and why
Education Forum
Membership level and benefit changes
18
Conference Countdown
It’s time to make plans for the 39th Annual
IMATA Conference being held in Miami,
Florida, 18-23 September 2011
20
Regional Workshops held
Two IMATA regional workshops
recently held
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30
31
Historian
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CHERYL MESSINGER - The Dolphin Connection
Photo Archivist
MARK TODD - SAIC BioSolutions
Research Briefs
IMATA “Dives” into advancing marine
animal research and conservation
opportunities!
Regional Reports
Keep up on news from IMATA members
around the world
Trainer’s Forum
Do you use various types of bridges in
your environment? If so, what types, and
how do you pick and choose them?
What's up Doc?
Shoes for a seal
Notices & Announcements
Information on conference dates and
more
Off the Shelf
Michael Hunt reviews Marineland
(Images of America series) by
Cheryl Messigner and Terran McGinnis
FILLERS AND FACTOIDS
DENNIS CHRISTEN - Georgia Aquarium
Publications Chair
PATRICK BERRY – Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas
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Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
3
Remember the Pathway You Followed and Why
I was putting my six-year-old daughter to bed and asked her if
she could write a magazine article, what would it be about? I was
expecting to hear “Little Pet Shops” or “Puppy Dogs”, but she said
the rain forest, because her teacher said it is important that they
are saved for the future. In that moment I realized her appreciation
was influenced by someone she trusted, which affects her choices
in life - to help care for our planet.
Do you remember the individuals that have influenced your
life’s decisions? Growing up my role models were my parents,
school teachers, Jacques Cousteau, and other individuals that
shared life’s adventure and beauty, gaining my trust and respect.
They influenced my choices in life because I wanted to be like
them, not because they had authority over me. These role models
inspired my passion for the ocean enabling me to enjoying the
wonderful qualities it possessed like animals, diving, surfing,
sailing and fishing. It amazed me with its vast size and how it could
bring such great serenity to my heart. At other times when the
ocean weather was so enraged it would bring fear that stimulated
every sense in my body. Thank you to my father and others that
taught me respect for the ocean at an early age- which probably
saved my life several times in sketchy moments. Eventually my
passion to learn more about the oceans and its inhabitants led
to a bachelor’s degree in general oceanography and an exciting
career as a marine animal trainer. In this career I have met many
more role models, individuals that took a minute to say something
that may have seemed as matter of fact or standard to them, but
struck something in my heart and changed the way I think. I'd
like to share the top ten traits and skills others possessed which
have influence my life and animal training decisions. They may be
a matter of fact, or standard, to many of you because that’s where
they came from.
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Volume 36, Number 3
1.
If the animal is physically capable of performing
a behavior, it can be trained by implementing
a behavior plan that includes motivation,
desensitization, and successive approximations.
2.
Taking on tasks that meet team objectives over
what I feel are my own important objectives.
3.
Understanding the basic foundation of operant
conditioning and learning to simplify complicated
situations.
4.
Solid behavioral separations within social groups
provide focused training and variability.
5.
Read the animal’s eyes and body posture to help
determine the effectiveness of a training session.
6.
Give total quality respect for others and leave no
one behind.
7.
Teaching variability and variety while maintaining
consistency.
8.
Minimize dependency of food motivation, with
an emphasis on relationship and conditioned
reinforcers.
9.
Be creative in problem solving and learn from
those that have succeeded.
10. Be a leader for animals and people, influencing
behavior through positive motivation rather than
control.
As marine animal trainers we have accepted the responsibility
of being leaders of animals and people. Reflect on the individuals
and moments in your life where others have inspired you to be
different through their actions. Then reach into your heart (and
fact sheets with good reference) to find the words and actions
knowing you could impact other’s decisions in life with one or
two sentences. In those moments “make it count”, because the
connection between the animals you care for, and the people
you introduce them to will make a lasting impression for both the
animals and the people. The impression for animals will dictate
how they respond to you for many interactions to come. For people,
they will choose one of two directions - to ignore environmental
concerns or take action to “save the rainforest”.
Thank you to all the role models in my life! I look forward to
sharing inspirational moments with many of you in Miami.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Sincerely,
Humpback Whales in Wilhelmina Bay
Picky Fish-hooks
Humpback whale diving.
For two consecutive years, Wilhelmina Bay in the western Antarctic has seen the
densest populations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) ever recorded.
In May of 2009, which is autumn in the southern hemisphere, over 300 whales were
counted feeding on krill. In the same month the following year (2010), nearly as
many were tallied again. Researchers noted that there was greater numbers of
krill (Euphausia superba), with estimates of nearly 1.8 million metric tons (2 million
tons), which was likely to have attracted the whales. The increase amount of krill is
not necessarily a good sign. With warm weather and more open waters in winter,
the krill have less ice to hide beneath, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Krill
also need ice to feed and reproduce underneath. Eleven whales were tagged in
Wilhelmina and nearby Andvord Bay, allowing the researchers to learn of their
activities while they remained in the bays. It was found the whales rested in the day,
dive over 273 m (300 yards) in the late afternoon, and fed intensely at night, when
the krill would come to surface. Estimates suggest a humpback whale can eat nearly
454 kg (1000 pounds) per day. (The New York Times)
Started this past May, in an effort to help Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus
maccoyii) populations, long-lining fishing vessels in the Gulf of Mexico are mandated
to use a new hook. Long-line fishing is a practice of dropping lines, which extend for
miles and hold hundreds of hooks, out in the morning and are pulled in at night. The
new weak hook is a lightweight circular hook, designed to retain desired catch,
such as yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and under the weight of much heavier
bluefin tuna, straighten out and release the unintended by-catch. Bluefin tuna fishing
is prohibited in the Gulf, an area where the fish come to spawn. During two years of
testing by gulf commercial fisherman, a 56% decrease of bluefin catch was noted,
without reducing the catch of the target fish. It is similar to the slightly heavier
hook used to reduce the number of sea turtles caught. The circular hook, which
tends to lodge in the jaw, sets less deeply than the regular J-shaped hooks that
often ends up in the esophagus or stomach. Another species benefiting is the white
marlin (Tetrapturus albidus). Fewer than 2% died after release from the circular
hook, compared to 35%
which died from release of
the J-hook. The Norwegian
company Mustad is one of
the businesses working with
Southeast Fisheries Science
Center of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
(NOAA)
in developing the hook.
Circular hook is being sold in
Fish Hooks Designed to Avoid the Wrong Catch.
several locations in Norway.
Photo Credit: NY Times
Researcher see the next
step is to see how long the fish are on the circular hook, before it straightens the
hook and it escapes. (The New York Times)
Save Energy & Be Green
Schmidt hub dynamo disk brake.
Photo Credit: Eva K. / Eva K. |Date=2008-10-17 |Au
Did you know that while you
ride your bike, which is an ecofriendly act all in itself, you can
generate energy to power your
MP3s, headlamps, and even
GPS units? Using the same
pedaling that gets you around,
hub dynamos are tiny electric
generators, hidden in the bike
wheel’s hub, which produce a
steady current as you ride.
CONSERVATION BRIEFS is compiled by Shelly Samm.
Krill (Euphausia superba), is a popular food
source for humpback whales.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
5
wick opens wide
otter with shell
Photo Credit: Terrie M. Williams
UNDERSTANDING SEA OTTERS
Jacob Standing
Traci L. Kendall, Marine Mammal Physiology Project
Cruz
Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa
W
e work in an industry that is often (understandably) dominated
by pinnipeds and cetaceans. However, there are many facilities
that house other species equally capable of providing educational
and inspiration opportunities and deserve the same level of dedication
and training. Admittedly, when I began working with Southern sea
otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) I didn’t think they were as trainable as many
other marine mammals. The Southern sea otter is often stereotyped
as: easily distracted, prone to toy possession, exhibits flash aggression,
and extremely destructive. Fortunately I was given the opportunity to
participate in sea otter research that challenged me to look at these animals
in a new light. This project began with a history lesson, encouraging me
to learn more about the natural history of the sea otter. Armed with
this new understanding,
Morgan With Kelp
I was able to successfully
overcome
sea
otter
stereotypes and discover
the amazing potential of
these animals.
The first step
toward
understanding
sea otters was to spend
time observing them
and learning about their
behavior in the wild.
Photo Credit: Beau Richter
Right away I noticed
that their most striking
characteristic is the otter’s extremely thick pelage. This fur was highly
sought after during the Russian fur trade and was almost the demise
of the species. During the peak years (1786-1868) of sea otter hunting
in California alone, more than 200,000 sea otters were
killed between San Francisco Bay and Baja California.
By the 1900’s sea otters were nearly extinct with less than
2,000 animals remaining in the wild. It is documented that
when sea otters were first discovered, they were curious
and would come close to humans to investigate them.
Eventually, sea otters became wary of humans, however,
and were more difficult to approach and kill. As a result,
the Russians used the Aleuts to carry out the hunt for
them. The Aleuts would dress in waterproof clothing made
of seal intestines and enter the water in their walrus or seal
skin covered baidarkas (or kayaks) to sneak up and spear
the animals (Nickerson, 1989). Sea otters have also been
6
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
the victims of increased shark
attacks in recent history. Because
they spend the majority of their
time on the surface of the water,
they are extremely vulnerable.
From these experiences, it is not
surprising that it is difficult to
gain the trust of the individual
animals that we work with. Sea
otters are clearly quick learners,
though, and as long as a consistent working system in put into place
with them, sea otters can be quite dependable.
Another unique attribute of the sea otter is that they are toolusing animals. Sea otters can use rocks or other objects to assist in
opening the shellfish they consume. While their paws and tool-use add
to the charm of the sea otter, they are also qualities that must be closely
monitored when housing these animals. Many facilities house their sea
otters in naturalistic exhibits with underwater viewing windows. Some
have discovered, the hard way, that sea otters and rocks don’t mix well
with acrylic windows. The adorable behavior of sea otters and their
tool-use can quickly become a menace when large scratches are etched
into the public viewing windows. Additionally, sea otters have semiretractable claws that are instrumental for prying prey from crevices and
subsequently holding on to their food item until it can be consumed. This
is a necessary evolutionary adaptation for living in the wild environment,
but when used to pry up a pool coating or grate, it can spell disaster.
It is essential to provide a sea otter-proof environment that is safe for
the animals. But we must also respect their natural abilities and provide
enrichment and outlets for these
animals to practice their innate
Morgan With Toy
tool-use behaviors.
Sea otters are the
smallest of all marine mammals
and the fact that they live in a
cold aquatic environment and
have fur for insulation has lead
them to possess a very fast
metabolism (Yeates, 2007).
Understanding this natural
adaptation is important while
Photo Credit: Beau Richter caring for these animals. Sea
otters need to eat fairly regularly,
requiring their daily intake of food
(generally 18-25% of their body
weight) to be given in more than one
or two feeds a day. In a behavioral
setting, it is important to keep in mind that sea otters, like most species,
are more motivated at the beginning of a training session when primary
reinforcement is more desirable. However, if a sea otter hasn’t eaten in
several hours, their ability to focus on more challenging or extended
tasks can be difficult. This is one reason why it is beneficial to spread
out their food consumption throughout the day. It is also important
to maintain an adequate weight on these delicate animals. Sometimes
the small changes (even as small as 0.3 kg) in an animal’s weight can
lead to motivational challenges. Lack of motivation with a sea otter can
manifest itself in several forms: acting fearful of scenarios or people
that they have previously been comfortable with, refusal of behavior or
offering different behaviors than those requested, disinterest in food –
particularly those food types that an animal finds less favorable, increased
resource guarding (i.e., toy possession), increased interaction with pool
mates, fixation on things around or outside an animals’ enclosure, and
increased incidents of aggression. Because decreased motivation can be
of great concern with sea otters, it’s important to keep environmental
temperatures as constant as possible and offer ice or other methods to
facilitate cooling when necessary.
In addition to a fast metabolism, sea otters have other special
needs related to their small body size. For instance, additional precautions
need to be taken when housing them. Along with their innate curiosity,
sea otters are notorious for being able to fit into small spaces that they
were not intended to go. This unfortunately has been the demise of
animals both in the wild and in an aquarium setting. There have been
multiple instances of sea otters drowning because they have become
trapped in drains or overflow areas. Similarly, laws have been passed to
help eliminate accidental sea otter deaths from getting stuck in crab and
lobster pots, drift nets, and gill nets.
Other factors affecting sea otter behavior and influencing our
training sessions are breeding and aggression. Wild male sea otters are
aggressive breeders who defend their territories from other males. This
is important information to consider when housing these animals in
a captive environment. In addition, sea otters do not have a regular
breeding season like many other marine mammals do. They possess
delayed implantation and can bare young in any season, although there
are slightly higher pupping rates from December to March. When
working with sea otters, it is important to understand that these animals
can have hormonal surges without warning, which is probably why they
are more prone to flash aggression than many other species. However,
sea otters do exhibit precursors to aggression, some of which include:
hissing, moaning, banging on their chests, orienting vertically in the
water, swimming away from you, excessive grooming, flexing their nails
and paws, and holding their breath. If you see any of these precursors
when working with a sea otter, it is best to try and get control of the
situation before the animal expresses direct aggression.
Given all that we know about sea otters, how can we use this
information to help us work more effectively with our animals? First
off, I believe that consistency is of great importance when working with
sea otters. Consistency allows our animals to understand the working
scenario with humans and allows us to succeed together. Secondly, trust
is something that may take longer to gain with these animals, but is
essential to have a successful working relationship. Third, don’t allow your
sea otters to rehearse undesired behavior. It is better to leave and return
when the reinforcement you are using has regained its value. Luckily,
since a sea otter has such a fast metabolism this usually means you don’t
have to wait for an extended period of time. Fourth, because of their
curious nature, it is pertinent for sea otters to have things to do that they
find mentally stimulating. A bored
sea otter is a potentially dangerous
wick Saluting
sea otter – particularly if they turn
their attention to redesigning their
exhibit! Lastly, (and one of the
things that challenges me to this
day when working with them)
sea otters, particularly males,
have a strong desire to control
their environment. This is often
the reason we see animals being
possessive over their toys. Finding
ways that you can work with your
sea otter in a safe manner while
still allowing them to feel some
amount of control requires some
creative training, but will make the
life of you and your animals much
better in the end. Sea otters are a
delightful species to work with,
particularly when you understand
them. If there’s one thing I’ve
learned above all else, it is to never underestimate the sea otter by
placing limitations on them. If you expect very little from an animal,
that is generally what you will get. But when you challenge the animal,
as long as it is within their natural abilities, there is a good chance you
will be pleasantly rewarded!
Nickerson, R. (1989). Sea otters: a natural history and guide.
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
Yeates, L. C., Williams, T. M., & Fink, T.L. (2007). Diving and foraging
energetics of the smallest marine mammal, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris).
The Journal of Experimental Biology, 210, 1960-1970.
BACK TO BASICS is compiled by Marcia Thissell.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
7
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Member
Non member
Full week
$400
$475
Daily
$125
$150
• PRE-REGISTRATION RATES HAVE EXPIRED AS OF 8/1/11
• Full registrations include all nighttime events: Icebreaker, Informal Night, and the
Honors & Awards Banquet, but daily registrations do not.
• Tickets to these events may be purchased separately for daily registrations and guests
on-line at www.miami2011.imata.org.
• Full registration or corresponding daily registration is required to attend each Career
Night function.
2011 Conference
COUNTDOWN
By 1st Vice
President Bill Wolden
See you in Miami
The next IMATA Conference will be held in beautiful South Beach in
Miami, Florida! We have a LOT of new and exciting things planned this
year, and it looks like this year’s conference will be one of the highest
attended, so don’t miss out! Also, hotel room availability is selling out
fast, so be sure to make your hotel room reservation at the Loews Miami
Beach Hotel as soon as possible!!!
CONFERENCE DATES
• Conference start date = Sunday, September 18, 2011
• Conference end date = Friday, September 23, 2011
CONFERENCE HOTEL
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel
• BOOK NOW! ROOMS ARE
SELLING OUT FAST!
• 1601 Collins Ave., Miami
Beach, FL – located on
South Beach
• Room rates = $189/night
• Single = $189 (king bed)
• Double = $94.50 each
(single king bed or two
twin beds)
• Triple = $63 each (two twin beds or single king bed with pullout
sofa twin bed)
• Quad = $47.25 each (two twin beds)
• You MUST request two twin beds if needed since these rooms are
limited and not guaranteed
8
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
Wow!
FREE TRIP DRAWING
• IF YOU PRE-REGISTERED THEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE!
• Book your room early to ensure they don’t sell out!!!
• If you have a roommate, you must provide everyone’s name when
making the reservation otherwise they will not be able to check in
• Room rates apply three (3) days before and after the conference based
upon availability
• PREFERRED METHOD: Make hotel reservations by phone:
1-877-604-1601
• Be sure to tell reservationist you are with IMATA when making
reservation by phone to receive special IMATA room rate
• Hotel reservations link available on-line at IMATA Conference Web site
at www.miami2011.imata.org
• If making reservations on-line, you must use this direct link to receive
special IMATA room rates
ROOMMATE FINDING SERVICE
• LOWER YOUR EXPENSES!
• Use our ‘FIND A ROOMMATE’ service located
on the IMATA Conference Web site at
www.miami2011.imata.org and save on
the cost of your room!
TRANSPORTATION
• FLY INTO MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA)
• Take a taxi to hotel = $32.00
• Rental cars are not recommended, but if you must drive then carpool
• Daytime parking at hotel = $26.00 and overnight parking at
hotel = $37.00
• Cheaper option across street of hotel: overnight = $16.00
• Sponsored by
• If you pre-registered for the conference by 1 August 2011, then you are automatically
eligible for the FREE TRIP DRAWING prize to be awarded at the IMATA Business
Meeting during the conference.
• You must be present to win!
HOST FACILITY
• MIAMI SEAQUARIUM
• 38-acre tropical paradise with dolphins,
killer whales, sea lions, sea turtles,
manatees, and more
• 8 different marine animal shows, daily
presentations, and interaction opportunities
• www.miamiseaquarium.com
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
•Animal Training class
•Conference registration
•Icebreaker
Monday, September 19, 2011
•Opening Video #1 = Dance!
•Opening ceremonies
•Keynote speaker: Wyland – World
renowned marine life artist
•Formal presentations
•VIP Lunch Chat with IMATA Board members
•Workshops
•Career Night #1 – Resume Review and Interview
Skills Workshop
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
•Opening Video #2 = Love!
•Miami Seaquarium facility visit
Photo Credit M
iami Seaquariu
m
ANIMAL TRAINING SEMINAR
• CLASS IS ALMOST FULL! BOOK NOW!
• Ken Ramirez will be conducting his
Introduction to Animal Training Seminar
before the conference
• Time = Sunday, September 18, 2011 from
9am to 6pm
• Cost = $75/person
• Registration for seminar is available on-line
NOW at www.miami2011.imata.org
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
•Opening Video #3 = Laugh!
•Panel Discussion: Education
Messaging in Programs and Shows
•VIP Lunch Chat with Panel Discussion members
•IMATA Game Show: $25,000 Pyramid
•IMATA Business meeting
•Career Night #2 – Deluxe Job Fair and
Job Interviews
Thursday, September 22, 2011
•Opening Video #4 = Train!
•Foreign language presentations
•VIP Lunch Chat with Facility Owners
& Managers
•Poster Presentations and Art Contest
•Informal Night, Live Art Auction & Silent Auction
with Ice Cream Social
NEW! OPENING VIDEOS x 5
• START EACH MORNING WITH
A MUSIC VIDEO!
• We are doing five (5) Opening Videos this
year, each with a different theme:
• Dance! Love! Laugh! Train! Sing!
• We have received footage from over
35 facilities
• A different music video compilation will be
played at the beginning of each day of the
conference so don’t be late!!!
PRESENTATIONS: FORMALS, POSTERS, AND INFORMALS
• ALL ABSTRACT DEALINED HAVE PASSED!
• We will have a wide variety of excellent presentations scheduled throughout the
conference week
Friday, September 23, 2011
•Opening Video #5 = Sing!
•2012 Conference presentation
•Swim Test workshop
•Honors & Awards Dinner and Ceremony
•Dancing
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
9
NEW AND IMPROVED! SAIC BIOSOLUTIONS
ART CONTEST
• BIGGER AND BETTER WITH $1,000 IN PRIZES!
• Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is once again
sponsoring this year’s Art Contest which occurs on Thursday, 22
September 2011
• Criteria and instructions are
available on-line at
www.miami2011.imata.org
• Criteria snapshot:
• All art submitted in one
of three categories:
• Humor
• Art
• Photography
• To enter the IMATA Art
Contest, simply bring
your art to the conference where we will be
collecting and displaying all submissions
• Winners will receive monetary awards: $200 (USD) for 1st Place and
$100 (USD) for 2nd Place and $100 for Overall Winner
JOIN THE 2011 IMATA JUDGING TEAM
• NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED!
• If you are interested in becoming a judge for the
2011 IMATA Conference, please contact Mike Pool at
[email protected] immediately.
• Team of 6-8 judges will judge every paper and poster and then vote on
who will receive awards
• We are looking for IMATA members with all levels of experience from
novice to experienced
• Criteria needed to be met to be selected as a judge:
• Be an IMATA member in GOOD standing
• NOT presenting or authoring a paper or poster this year
• Have NOT been a judge in the past 3 years
• Able to attend ALL formal presentations and view all posters
• Able to keep your identity as a judge a SECRET for
entire conference
• If you meet these criteria, please contact Mike Pool immediately!
• All judges will receive a GIFT OF THANKS and will be recognized
during the Honors and Awards Banquet
IMATA TROPHY AWARDS
• AND THE WINNERS ARE…
• We will be recognizing excellence with an IMATA
sponsored trophy in the following categories:
• People’s Choice
• Poster Presentation
• First Time Presenter
• Education and Conservation
• Research Advancements
• Husbandry Training
• Behavioral Training
EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD
• $300 PRIZE!
• Given to the expanded abstract that most effectively and accurately
follows the formatting guidelines for Proceedings and requires the
least amount of editing.
10
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
• All submitted abstracts are automatically eligible for this award
• Abstract criteria and award rules are available on-line at
• Winner will receive monetary award of $300 (USD) sponsored by
Dolphin Connection
at Night!
OUTERNET TECHNOLOGIES AWARD
• $300 IN PRIZES!
• Recognizes the best or most innovative use of science and technology
in training sessions, shows, play sessions, husbandry, conference
presentations, or record keeping for any formal, informal, or poster
presentation.
• All presentations are automatically eligible for this award
• Criteria for this award available on-line at www.miami2011.imata.org
• Winners will receive monetary awards: $200 (USD) for 1st Place and
$100 (USD) for 2nd Place
NEW! ESSAY CONTEST
• ALL ESSAYS WERE DUE BY 1 AUGUST 2011!
• We will announce the winner during the
conference opening ceremonies and have
them present their winning essay
• The essay answers the following questions:
“What does IMATA
mean to you? How has IMATA helped or
change the lives of your animals or yourself?”
• The winner will also receive a
FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION!
NEW! LIVE ART AUCTION
• UNPREDICTABLE!
FUNNY! YOU DON’T
WANT TO MISS IT!
• Bill and Billy are back to
emcee a hilarious live
auction focusing on oneof-a-kind marine themed
art pieces including
paintings
donated by Wyland
• If you plan on donating
any art pieces for the Live Art Auction (including those that might
first be included in the SAIC Art Contest), please bring your art to the
conference and we will collect all submissions then
PRE-POST CONFERENCE
FACILITY VISITS
• EXPERIENCE FLORIDA
FACILITIES!
• We have arranged a wide variety of
pre and post conference facility visit
options for you to take advantage of
while you are in Florida.
• Various facilities are offering free
in Connection
Photo Credit Dolph
admission, discounted animal
encounters, and more before and after
the conference so plan accordingly!
• For a complete list of these benefits, please visit the conference website at www.miami2011.imaga.org.
EXCITING CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – WYLAND!
• LIVE AND IN-PERSON!
• Wyland, world renowned marine life artist, will talk about his work, his
conservation fund, and will paint live on stage.
• His artwork will also be auctioned off during the Live Art Auction later
in the week
Photo Co
urtesy of
Courtesy of Wyland
Wyland
NEW! PANEL DISCUSSION
• DISCUSSING TODAY’S HOT TOPICS
• Panel of experts to discuss “Education Messaging in Animal
Programs and Shows”
• Panel members include Julie Scardina, Diane Sweeney, and more!
NEW! VIP LUNCH CHATS
• EAT! CHAT! LEARN!
• Bring your lunch and sit down to chat with a variety
of interesting people:
• IMATA Board members
and Committee Chairs
• Panel Discussion
experts
• Marine animal facility
owners and managers
NEW! CAREER NIGHTS x 2
CAREER NIGHT #1
• Resume Review and Interview
Skill Workshops
• To sign up for the Resume
Review workshop, visit
the conference web-site at
• Spaces are filling up fast
• No reservations are required
for the Interview Skills
workshop
CAREER NIGHT #2
• Deluxe Job Fair and Job Interview Room
• Job Fair tables are FREE for all organizations this year!
• If your company would like to reserve a table please let Michelle
Campbell know at [email protected]
NEW! SWIM TEST WORKSHOP
• RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!
• This workshop aims to prepare you for your first swim test and build
your confidence for in-water work.
• Friday, 23 September 2011 at 2:00pm
• Skill sets covered include:
• Swimming techniques
• Tips on diving properly
• Breath hold strategies
• Strength exercises and
expectations
• We are taking RESERVATIONS
NOW for this workshop, so please
visit the conference web-site at
to make your reservation today
• Spaces are limited!!!
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
11
See you in
Miami!
EDUCATION FORUM
Membership Level and Benefit Changes
IMATA constantly strives to add value to being a member. Membership level benefits
are reviewed on a regular basis. As part of the 2011 mid-year meeting, IMATA’s Board
of Directors evaluated member benefits and approved a series of changes. These
changes are to insure that IMATA continues to protect sensitive information about our
members. While adjusted benefits are now in place, any changes that may affect your
membership level will not take effect until your renewal date.
Membership Directory
IMATA’s Membership Directory is a valuable tool that allows members to contact
other members electronically and share other personal contact information. To
further secure the information maintained in the Directory, access will be provided to
members who have been endorsed at the Active and Professional levels. Subsequently,
as of 1 July 2011, the Directory is no longer accessible to Associate and Organizational
members. Associate and Organizational members wishing to access the Membership
Directory are encouraged to upgrade to the Active or Professional level of membership.
NEW! FOREIGN LANGUAGE FORMAL
PRESENTATIONS
• SPANISH! FRENCH! CHINESE!
• Three formal presentation
will be conducted in their
native language with
English subtitles
in their PowerPoint
NEW! ANIMAL WORKSHOPS
• WORKSHOP #1 = SHOW ANIMAL TRAINING
• Professional marine animal trainers
will show you the
steps they took to train their
animals to perform high
energy show behaviors
• Filled with video footage and step
by step instructions, this workshop
is perfect for anyone looking for
new show behavior ideas, or who
needs help training their animals.
• WORKSHOP #2 = DOG TRAINING
• Professional dog trainer and past
SeaWorld killer whale trainer
Joel Beckman will conduct an
exciting workshop on dog training
with live dogs on stage!
• Watch as Joel utilizes his marine
mammal training experience to
train dogs on problem solving,
agility, and show behaviors.
NEW! $25,000 PYRAMID GAME SHOW
• IMATA STYLE GAME SHOW!
• Come enjoy IMATA’s version of the $25,000 Pyramid game show with
our celebrity guests!
• Scheduled right before the IMATA Business Meeting
EXPANDED! EXHIBITOR HALL
• OUR LARGEST EXHIBITOR HALL EVER!
• A large array of exhibitors will be located in a huge ballroom all week
12
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
• All coffee breaks, VIP Lunch Chats, and other events
will also be located in this space to help you take
advantage of these exciting exhibitors here to offer
incredible business opportunities
• The Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor Packet is available
on-line at www.miami2011.imata.org under the ‘Sponsorship
and Exhibit’ and is filled with additional information.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• BECOME A PROUD SPONSOR!
• We are continuing to collect sponsorships for this year’s
conference which allowed us to provide a lower conference
registration rate and will help us to include more food and drinks
throughout the week
• If you are interested in becoming a $2,500 Facility Sponsor –
please let us know immediately by contacting Bill Wolden at
[email protected]
• Current $2,500 Facility Sponsors include:
• Miami Seaquarium
• Dolphin Quest
• Georgia Aquarium
• SeaWorld
• Dolphin Connection
• Mystic Aquarium
• Amneville Zoo
• Ocean Park Hong Kong
• There are additional sponsorship opportunities available and to
help you decide how to get involved, the Conference Sponsor and
Exhibitor Packet is available now at www.miami2011.imata.org under
‘Sponsorships’ and is filled with useful information including our list of
benefits for each sponsorship level.
• Our current sponsors include:
•
•
•
•
•
Lunar Cow
Atlantic/Pacific
McRoberts
Animal Necessity
The Petting Zoo
•
•
•
•
Reef Safe/Tropical Seas
STA
Meridian Subtec
Pisces Fish
For more conference information visit www.miami2011.imata.org
Friends of IMATA
IMATA is excited to announce the creation of a new level called “Friends of IMATA”.
This level is similar to the current Organizational Membership and will enjoy the
following benefits:
• Access to the current issue of eSoundings
• Access to IMATA’s digital library of past Soundings and Proceedings
• Access to IMATA’s online job postings
• Invitation to regional workshops
• Discounted conference registration for one member associated with the
facility or company
• One printed Soundings magazine every quarter
• Company log in the online Membership Directory
• Company link on the IMATA website
• Discounted rate for table at the Exhibitor Hall during the conference
Current Organizational members will migrate to the “Friends of IMATA” level upon
renewal. In addition, to secure access to the above online benefits for their employees,
IMATA will be implementing an automatic password change which may be regularly
shared with current staff, interns, and volunteers.
Organizational Membership
With the creation of the “Friends of IMATA” level, IMATA has modified the
Organizational membership requirements to include accreditation of the facility’s
trainer development program. To learn about IMATA Accreditation please email the
Accreditation Committee Chair at: [email protected] or visit: http://www.imata.
org/index.php/committeeaccreditation?cfid=108. Benefits for this level are similar
to the “Friends of IMATA” level. As part of the transition, Organizational members
will no longer have access to the “Trainer Forum” found within the IMATA website.
This modification reserves the feature for individual members to share their personal
opinions in personal posts and conversations.
Complimentary Job Fair Table
A staple at each IMATA conference is the popular job fair table. At the Job Fair,
facilities from across the globe host tables to meet job-seekers face-to-face. The Job
Fair facilitates discussions related to position openings, internship opportunities, and
more. IMATA’s Job Fair is a tremendous benefit to conference attendees and facilities
alike. IMATA anticipates that the 2011 conference in Miami will host the largest
Job Fair ever! Historically, IMATA has made the Job Fair tables available to facility
employment representatives at a nominal charge. To better serve the membership
and aspiring trainers, IMATA is pleased to announce that the Job Fair tables are now
complimentary. For information on being part of the 2011 Job Fair, please contact
IMATA 1st Vice-President, Bill Wolden, via email at: [email protected].
The Future
IMATA continues to work hard to insure that the privacy of its member’s personal
information is protected and that quality benefits are offered to members across
all levels of affiliation. IMATA’s leadership is always eager to hear new ideas and
feedback via email at [email protected]. For a complete list of Board and Committee
Chairs please visit: http://www.imata.org/index.php/board&chairs?cfid=2. If you
have any questions regarding your membership at any level, please contact IMATA’s
Education & Membership Services Committee Chair, Madelynn Hettiger.
EDUCATION FORUM is compiled by Madelynn Hettiger and Jason Jones.
McRoberts Sales
specializes in the distribution of #1 Food Grade Frozen Fish and Seafood
to Zoos and Aquariums around the world for animal consumption.
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No orders too small
Shipping domestically and internationally
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All items fit for human consumption
Product inquiries welcomed
With a vast inventory we can help you with your specialized dietary needs:
Anchovy
Blue Runner
Bonito
Butterfish
Capelin
Crab
PO Box 489
Crevalle Jack
Clams
Glass Minnows
Herring
Pacific Krill
Superba Krill
Ruskin, FL 33575
Lake Smelt
Lobster
Mackerel
Mahi
Mullet
Pollock
Phone 813.645.2561
California Sardines
Spanish Sardines
Salmon
Shrimp
Silversides
Silver Smelt
Fax 813.645.2565
Squid
Tilapia
Trout
Tuna
White Bait
Whiting
Kathi L. Davis
President
[email protected]
Michelle Davis Garis
Secretary/Treasurer
[email protected]
www.mcrobertssales.com
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
13
DOLPHIN QUEST BERMUDA
Underwater Mirror
What’s in Your Closet?
In this issue we kick off a series of articles that will peek into the toy closets of facilities around the world to
see what fun and affordable enrichment items our peers have come up with! This issue focuses on cetaceans.
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM
DOLPHINS PLUS
Tether Ball
Boomer Bottle
Shopping List:
• hippity hop
• rope
Time: Minimal time needed to tie rope
to hoist
Assembly: Tie rope extremely tight to
handle of hippity hop. Tie a tight loop in
Photo Credit: Rebecca Snowden, webmaster
other end and slip over the hoist
About: Let the hippity hop dangle over the water, about 2-3 inches above
the water. The dolphins come over and investigate and when they finally
bop the ball (usually with their rostrum but sometimes with their flukes),
they are quite surprised to see the ball swing back. For an alternate
option, we sometimes have someone actually operating the hoist. The
dolphins watch the toy go up and down, and sometimes come over and
bump it with their rostrum. Sometimes it’s moved a little higher so they
have to try harder, and once in a while it’s high enough to be out of reach.
Keeping it variable always keeps them guessing! We don't always use
a person working the hoist, this is just to make it variable-- they seem to
have a lot of fun with or without!
Shopping List:
• five-gallon water jug
• swim belt with floats
Time: Minimal time to wrap swim belt around jug
Assembly: Minimal
About: Fill the jug with water, ice and small fish
and push it out into the pool. The animals bump
and push the bottle around to make the fish and
ice come out.
DOLPHIN COVE
Textured Gloves
Shopping List:
• textured gloves (lobster gloves, gardening
gloves, bath mitts)
Time: None!
Photo Credit: Jennifer Baker,
Assembly: No Assembly Required!
staff photographer
About: Place gloved hands on the surface of or
underneath the water and the animals can swim back and forth to get rubs
from the different textures.
Water gun
Photo Credit: Jennifer Baker,
staff photographer
14
Shopping List:
•
water guns
Time: None!
Assembly: No Assembly Required!
About: Shoot the water out in front of
you or shoot underneath the water. Some
dolphins love to swim in the spray or swim
in the pressure of the water underneath.
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
Floating Feed
Photo Credit: Cassie Snider, staff trainer
Shopping List:
• inner tube or other flotation device
• silversides/capelin
Time: Minimal time
to inflate inner tube
Assembly:
No
Assembly Required!
About:
Staff
members sit in the
inner tube and float
around the pool,
tossing fish and
ice as they go. You
Photo Credit: Dr. Holli Byerly, staff trainer
can use a variety
of floating devices, including closed cell foam mats, gymnastic tumble
mats, and large beaching mats.
Natural Swim
Shopping List:
• fins
• snorkel
• goggles/mask
Time: None!
No Assembly Required!
About: It is an observational
swim, swimming with the
Photo Credit: Jordan Walker, staff trainer
animals in their pool. You can
add a variety of toys to toss, dive, or push around, but their favorite "toy"
seems to be the pressure wake as we swim through the water. This is a
great way for staff to build relationships with the animals.
Shopping List:
• acrylic mirror (20”x20”)
• zip ties
• foam noodle
• watering hose
Time: About 20 minutes to construct
Assembly: Drill a small hole on
each corner of the square mirror
and two small holes on each side
of the mirror. Cut foam noodle to fit Photo Credit: Kelly Winfield
the length of the top of the mirror and can overlap the front and back
of the mirror. Cut the hose and wrap it around the mirror to create a
soft border around the mirrors sides and edges. Zip tie around the
noodle and hose and through the mirror to secure it in place, making
sure to cut the zip ties so they are short and soft on the edges.
About: The mirror portion sinks into the water column while the
top remains at the surface because of the noodle. It makes it easy
to retrieve from the water. You may even find that it may be more
enjoyable if you had it double sided (two mirrors back to back), so that
no matter which way the animal approaches, they will be able to see
themselves.
GEORGIA AQUARIUM
Potted Plant
Shopping List:
• carwash material
• Fortex feed pan
Time: About 30 minutes
Assembly: Drill or cut 1-inch holes into the bottom
of the Fortex pan. Then cut the carwash material
strips to 4" x 15'. Thread the carwash material
strips through the holes on the pan to end with
2 feet on the bottom of the pan and the longer
remaining lengths coming out of the pan. Secure
the strips with double knots tied on either side to
prevent pull through.
About: The belugas will use this item by carrying
it by the strips on their tails or backs, swimming or
rubbing through the strips and occasionally carrying
the tub on their heads.
Photo Credit: Corey
Groom, intern
JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM
Jellyfish Tie Rack
Shopping List:
• large cutting board
• carwash strips
Time: Minimal maintenance time is needed--checking the kelp knots
periodically, trimming any ragged kelp, and filing down any rough surfaces.
Assembly: Cut an irregular design in the cutting board using a table
saw. (Tip: A standard round cutting board will work as well, if a saw
is not available.) Drill several quarter-inch slits, 1-2 inches in length
around the outer edge
of the board. File all
rough edges. Cut the
kelp material into 2-inch
wide strips. The kelp is
fairly easy to work with
and can be cut into
2-inch wide pieces with
a utility knife or heavy- Photo Credit: Megan Vens-Policky
duty kitchen shears. Tie
a knot in one end, leaving only a small tail. Pull the kelp strip from
the top though the drilled slit and tie another knot on the underside
of the cutting board, securing the strip on both sides and creating the
tie appearance. (Tip: The kelp material is more pliable and easier to
tie when wet.)
About: The lags enjoy holding the strips in their mouths and letting
the toy drag behind them like a kite, draping the toy over their backs,
and pulling the toy along with their tail flukes. They also enjoy pulling
the toy underwater, letting it go and swirling around it as it floats
to the surface. This toy is considered safe for long, intermittently
observed exposure during the daytime.
Tuboodle
Shopping List:
• compressed felt material (aka carwash strips, non-woven P cloth,
“kelp
• vacuum tubing
• water noodles (Note: Find ones that come with a hole drilled through
the core of the noodle, creating a cylinder.)
Time: Construction involves a little time and a few tools, but once the
toy is made, checking the integrity of the water noodle is the main
form of maintenance
Assembly: Cut the
noodle into two,
1-foot long pieces.
Cut the kelp into a
2-inch x 5-foot long
strip. The kelp is
fairly easy to work
with and can be cut
Photo Credit: Megan Vens-Policky
into 2-inch wide
pieces with utility knives or heavy-duty kitchen shears. Slide the kelp
strip through one of the water noodle pieces (a long rod may help!)
and tie a knot in the end. Slide a 1-foot piece of vacuum tubing onto
the kelp strip, followed by the second water noodle. Tie a knot to
secure. Make sure the cut edges of the vacuum tubing are smooth by
using a file or a small blowtorch.
About: The tuboodle is a great toy for the Pacific white-sided dolphins
to tow around on their melon or their dorsal fin, and because it is so
buoyant, they can pull it underwater and follow it as it floats back
to the surface. This toy is newly developed and still in the midst of
observation to determine its safety. It will likely become a daytime
toy (long, intermittently-observed exposure) in the near future.
ENRICHING ENVIRONMENTS is compiled by Ronnie Smith.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
15
Figure 4
evident that the tube was
not hard enough (i.e. too
flexible) to reach into the
gastric region.
We also noticed a
low level of tolerance
for this intrusion by the
manatees. The manatees
demonstrated movements
that indicated discomfort
while the tube was
inserted in the nostrils.
The animal’s flat resting position was not helping at all because the tube
bent every time the trainers reached 22.8 cm (9 in).
THE CHALLENGES AND SUCCESS OF VOLUNTARY
STOMACH INTUBATION IN WEST ANTILLEAN MANATEES
(Trichechus manatus manatus).
Dolphin Discovery has been
involved in training manatees
since 2001. Currently there
are ten manatees (3.7); two of
them were born under human
care, one in 2005, and one in
2008. Throughout these eight
years of training, Dolphin
Discovery has developed a
database of medical behaviors
based on our population,
which has helped to keep
our manatees both physically
and mentally healthy. Our
first husbandry advances date back to 2005, when we first obtained blood
samples under stimulus control as well as ultrasounds to detect and monitor
gestations. Ultrasound measurements provide an important database
of fetal growth. Fecal, nasal, genital cytology, urine, and other collection
behaviors complement the repertoire of trained behaviors, which provide
further information about our manatees.
Our main objectives were
to continue training our
Figure 2
manatees to provide mental
stimulation as well as reduce
any discomfort during medical
procedures by training another
husbandry behavior. What staff
felt was still missing in the
husbandry repertoire was a
controlled gastric intubation.
Voluntary intubation training
has important applications
such as hydration and oral
application of laxatives in
cases of constipation.
Figure 1
16
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
Edgar A. Urbina, Manuel Garduño, Alejandro
Mata, Daniel T. Nyselius, Silvia P. Becerra,
Roberto Sánchez, Alfoanso Delgado, &
Shelley L. Wood. Dolphin Discovery
Initial Pre-Training Concerns
Before any training was begun, staff consulted with the veterinarian
regarding the physiological risks that this behavior could produce. Dr. Roberto
Sanchez agreed to let the trainers start the behavior with the conditions
that 1) a veterinarian must be present to check if the approximation was
safe for the manatee and 2) during the tube introduction, both trainers and
veterinarians must be certain, that the tube is passing through the gastric,
not the respiratory canal. Dr Sanchez was extremely cautious about this
procedure as in manatees the gastric and respiratory canals are in close
proximity to each other. We wanted to prevent any human error by passing
the tube down the
incorrect canal.
Figure 3
The veterinary
department presented
to all the involved
trainers a very useful
videotape
showing
an endoscopy of a
manatee highlighting
the proximity between
the two canals which is
indeed very close, less
than 7.6 centimeters
(3 inches). To watch a
video of this procedure
go to www.dolphindiscovery.com/imata-husbandry-award-part1.asp
First attempts; Desensitizing a Fine Tube.
(Figure 1.)
The first intubation involved passing through the nostrils, as this was the
veterinarians preferred method. Passing the tube via the mouth had risks
because of the potential of the strong molars and jaw cutting through the
tube, which might result in a manatee’s accidental ingestion of the tube.
Having as a baseline the prior open nostrils/inspection husbandry behavior
it was not difficult to keep this area opened. We were able to introduce the
tube 22.8 cm (9 in), through successive approximations. It was an excellent
beginning as it also kept the respiratory area open. However, it soon became
Second attempt: introducing the tube orally.
Again, the trainers started with a previously trained behavior, the open
mouth inspection, which is emitted during the daily physical evaluation and
education programs for the guests. With the mouth ready to be explored,
it was very easy to introduce the end of the tube, but every time the tube
passed the molar area the manatee started chewing movements in an
apparently appetitive behavior. Reinforcing the manatee with small pieces
of banana could accelerate the process of intubation and allowed the
manatee to be reinforced while the tube was inside the mouth. The intent
was to fade out the banana pieces but the chewing movement behavior
remained, and was incompatible with the previously set rules from Dr.
Roberto Sanchez. (Figure 2.)
Trainers now had to figure out how to overcome the chewing movement
behavior. First ideas put on the table included conditioning a PVC pipe that
had a hole in the middle to insert the tube into the manatee’s mouth. The
gastric tube was not affected, but the chewing behavior was still present
every time the tube touched the molar area. The chewing motion on the PVC
pipe suggested the manatee’s continued discomfort with this new method.
(Figure 3.)
Success: a new method
After several failed attempts, we began to think that this behavior was
not possible to be trained. Training stopped for several weeks. Then an idea
presented itself. Instead of focusing on the problem, we focused on the
behavior to be trained.
There was just
Figure 5
one goal remaining:
Train the manatee
to keep the mouth
open and to remain
stationary. Whether
it is a finger, a fruit,
or a tube inside the
mouth, the manatee
should not move
its mouth until the
trainer bridged. Once
this was achieved,
subsequent training
went quickly. When reaching the larynx area, the key for the trainer was
to keep a constant pressure on the larynx with the tube. If the manatee
did not breathe in, the tube would not be introduced into the trachea, and
it was in those moments, between breaths, when the manatee began to
relax the esophagus entrance. Applying magnitude reinforcement with the
manatee’s favorite fruit, bananas, at this step conditioned the manatee to
allow passage of the tube beyond the larynx while establishing specific
criteria with the behavior.
The criteria was improved now to a stage which allowed the inching
of the tube into the stomach by just being selective in two aspects: not
reinforcing any mouth movement and that the manatee did not constrict the
opening to the esophagus Finally, staff was able to introduce 111.76 cm (44
in) of tube. Further training also allowed the tube to remain in the stomach
area for at least one minute in the case that liquids needed to be introduced.
Result: pleased staff and veterinarians
After several months, we obtained our first set of results. See the
following link for a demonstration, http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/
imata-husbandry-award-part2.asp.
1. Conditioned gastric sampling: by sampling for actual pH it is now
possible to determine if digestion is normal or not.
2. Conditioned hydration: half of a liter of water was introduced
by tube directly to the stomach, aiding in the avoidance of the
constipation process during slow digestion. (Figure 4.)
3. Introduction of laxatives to the manatees.
Conclusion
After this process, we know that the welfare of our animals still remains
in our hands, no matter how difficult the goals appear. Setting goals is the
first step to transform the invisible… to the visible. (Figure 5.)
References
Conti, L., Becerra, S., Nyselius, D., Juárez, A., Vásquez, R., Name, M., Barrera, R., Urbina, E.,
& Garduño, M. (Oct, 2007). Presenting our new sea life interactive program: West Indian
manatees, California sea lions, stingrays, and guests interacting together. Paper given at
the 25th Conference of the International Animal Trainers’ Association, Indianapolis, USA.
Urbina, E., Wood, S., Becerra, S., Nyselius, D., Mata, A., & Hernández, L. A. (2008). Old
trainers can learn new tricks new challenges and breaking myths training WestIindian
manatees. Paper given at the 26th Annual Conference of the International Animal Trainers’
Association, Cancun, Mexico.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
17
Research briefs
IMATA “Dives” into Advancing Marine Animal Research
and Conservation Opportunities!
The International Marine Animal Trainers'
Association (IMATA) is a non-profit organization
that is dedicated to advancing the humane care
and handling of marine animals by fostering
communication between professionals that serve
marine animal science through training, public
display, research, husbandry, conservation, and
education. IMATA’s Board and Research and
Conservation Committee are proud to announce
the commencement of two funding opportunities
that will make significant contributions towards
marine animal science and conservation oriented
issues; promote research and conservation efforts
in the domestic and international marine animal
community; increase IMATA member awareness
of the research initiatives and conservation
issues being supported; promote the IMATA
Gives Back philosophy; expand IMATA’s role
and position in the scientific and conservation
community; and increase the number of research
and conservation oriented IMATA members.
The NEW International Marine
Animal Trainers' Association
Research Grant
This grant is designed to provide financial
support for investigations which focus on
marine animal research-oriented scientific
investigations that address IMATA’s mission.
Investigations may focus upon, but are not limited
to areas such as: marine animal physiology,
sensory biology, or cognitive measurements;
marine animal husbandry or behavior training
technique advancements; professional training,
communication or cooperation assessments;
and education program, public display, or
outreach evaluations.
The NEW International Marine
Animal Trainers Association
Conservation Fund Award
This award is designed to provide financial
support for third-party non-profit organization
projects which focus on marine animal
conservation-oriented topics that promote
IMATA’s Mission. Topics may include, but are
not limited to: support for habitat, species
or individual animal conservation issues;
conservation research projects or programs;
educational promotions of conservation issues;
inter-disciplinary cooperation for conservation
issues; and publication of peer-reviewed
journals. Examples of some of IMATA’s previously
18
Volume 36, Number 3
funded conservation projects were managed by
the Marine Mammal Care Center, Manatee
Rehabilitation Partnership, Pacific Marine Life
Foundation, UNCW-Marine Mammal Stranding
Program, Manatee Research, and Zoo to You.
Requirements:
Some (but not all) of the IMATA Research Grant
and Conservation Award funding requirements
specify that:
• All Principal Investigators and Co-Principal
Investigators identified in the IMATA
Research Grant application must be current
Active or Professional IMATA members who
have maintained this membership level for a
minimum of two years prior to the application
submission deadline.
• IMATA Conservation Fund Award nomination
applications may only be submitted by current
Active or Professional IMATA members and
must have a designated Project Manager
who is a current Active or Professional
IMATA member.
• IMATA Research Grant investigations
and Conservation Fund projects should be
completed within one year.
• Application and Nomination budgets must
be itemized, may not include allocations for
salary, university tuition or fees, fringe or
overhead costs, or unrelated travel, and may
not exceed $3,000.00.
• Project Managers and Principal Investigators
must provide Statements of Organizational
Support and agree to IMATA’s Terms of
Acceptance prior to the distribution of any
funds.
• Principal Investigators and Project Managers
must submit a six month progress report, a
final report upon completion of the project,
and present their results at the Annual
IMATA Conference to be held subsequent to
its completion.
To learn more about the IMATA Research
Grant and Conservation Fund Award as well
as view and download all application and
nomination requirements, materials, and
documents, log onto the IMATA website and
select Funding from the top navigational bar
(www.imata.org/index.php/funding).
SOUNDINGS 2011
The IMATA Research & Conservation
Committee will review all applications
and nominations to ensure they meet all
requirements and are fully completed, and will
present funding recommendations to the IMATA
Board for consideration. Funding will be denied
if nominations and applications are received
after the due date, are not of significant merit,
do not promote IMATA’s Mission, or fail to agree
to IMATA’s Terms of Acceptance, provide proof
of the Organization’s non-profit status, Statement
of Organizational Support, or copies of required
permits (if applicable).
The IMATA Board will determine if, and
how much, funding will be awarded to the
recommended applications and nominations.
Funding amounts may be reduced from the
requested amount in order to accommodate
other awards or if the IMATA Board determines
that dispersal of these funds interfere with
IMATA’s fiscal solvency.
Information regarding application deadlines,
as well as funding decisions and dispersal
can be found on the IMATA website under the
Funding menu.
Support these Funding
Opportunities!
Show your excitement for these new funding
opportunities and help IMATA make significant
advancements in marine animal science and
conservation! You now have the ability to
make tax-deductible donations to the IMATA
Conservation Fund and Research Grant! Simply
click on the Donate button on the IMATA website
homepage (www.imata.org) or add a donation to
your IMATA membership purchase.
IMATA REGIONAL WORKSHOPS
Brookfield Zoo Hosts U.S. Midwest IMATA Regional Workshop
Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo hosted
the Midwest IMATA regional workshop this past May.
This year's workshop filled two full days as over 60 IMATA
members gathered at the Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL.
Regional Workshop
Day one included formal presentations and discussion on
training trainers, IMATA's accreditation program, a Marine
Mammal Tag update and plenty of training discussions
directed towards staff training, development of successful
animal training plans, and implementing training throughout
our parks. Visitors were treated to behind the scene tours,
training sessions and an afternoon dolphin show at Seven
Seas. Shelley Ballmann, Oceans of Fun, ran a pinniped
workshop on the second day. The Midwest Region is home
Participants at the U.S. Midwest IMATA Regional Workshop pose for a
to numerous pinniped facilities so the day was designed
photo inside the Brookfield Zoo’s dolphin pavilion.
around discussion of aggression management, husbandry
training, behavior problem solving, pinniped breeding,
rearing, and weaning. Population Management updates were delivered, as well as a presentation on the current status of the predation occurring at
the Bonneville Dam. Discussion also centered on Ethotrak and behavioral monitoring of pinniped populations collectively. Representatives from over
17 facilities gathered together for continued evening fun giving colleagues the opportunity to network and personally and professionally enjoy each
other's company.
MW
IMATA
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Hosts U.S. Southwest IMATA Regional Workshop
In 1973, IMATA held their first national conference
at Marine World Africa USA in Redwood City, CA.
Nearly forty years later, with a location and name
change, we are once again meeting where our
founders brainstormed years ago. Six Flags Discovery
Kingdom was honored to host the 2011 Southwest
Regional IMATA Workshop in Vallejo, CA from 3-6
May. We remembered and honored the people who
started IMATA and expressed the importance of
communication between trainers to continue moving
forward in the animal training field. Today, over twenty
facilities/schools were represented and over 100
people attended the 2011 workshop. We were excited
to welcome visitors from California, Nevada, Texas
and Florida. The workshop started with an evening ice
breaker at the Courtyard Marriott. We played a game
Regional Workshop
revolving around our theme “Play by the Bay.” The
winner won a custom made killer whale painting. Our
Participants at the U.S. Southwest IMATA Regional Workshop pose for a
first full day began with a welcome from our animal
photo at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
ambassadors. As the mammals, reptiles and birds
filled the room, we were able to showcase the land
animals of our Park. We expressed the importance of our voice in educating the public about the animals in our care. There were presentations each
morning and included topics with advancements in marine and land animal research, conservation, training, husbandry, education, enrichment, water
quality, and rescue/rehabilitation. When not in the classroom, we offered a variety of behind the scenes tours and training sessions at dolphin, killer
whale, sea lion, bird, small animal, elephant, giraffe and lion. During lunch, there were group activities such as go cart racing. First place winners
were seen proudly displaying their ribbons on their name tags. Bragging rights are always fun! We saved our group discussions for the end of the
day when our agenda was flexible. Good thing because everyone was so interested in the topics that most groups went well over their scheduled
time frame. Many of us even continued talking while we celebrated Cinco de Mayo at Chevy’s restaurant. As a grand finale, we invited all of our new
friends to enjoy Discovery Kingdom from a guest’s point of view. They spent the day watching shows, riding thrilling coasters and posing for pictures
with our Looney Tunes characters. Always a great day! We would like to thank the Six Flags family for all their support and hard work putting together
this event. Hosting the regional workshop was an excellent team building experience for our staff. - Becky Tagg
SW
IMATA
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
19
Regional Reports
Photo Credit: Dalian
Laohutan Ocean Park
Co., Ltd
Two polar bear (Ursus maritimus) cubs at LHT
Ocean Park, Dalian.
ASIA REGION
Philip Wong
Ocean Park
Hong Kong, China
Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park Co., Ltd –
Zhongshan District, Dalian of Liaoning Province, CHINA
The weaning process of two polar bear (Ursus
maritimus) cubs at Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park is going well
and the cubs will be expected to meet guests in early June.
Two micro blogs of the cubs are available for letting people
know the hand-rearing knowledge and promoting public
awareness of polar bears conservation.
The emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) started
their new breeding cycle. Mating was observed and research
projects were also integrated with the breeding program this
year as part of emperor penguins conservation program.
The following reports were submitted for publication on 15 May 2011
Pet Porpoise Pool – Coffs Harbour, AUSTRALIA
During the first quarter, Pet Porpoise Pool trialed a new
land based animal experience where guests interact and play
with a 1-year-old Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphin calf, Jet and
1-year-old Australian sea lion pup (Neophoca cinerea), Miri.
The Meet the Babies program was so successful that it will
now be a permanent experience available at the park.
Two aged Australian sea lions, Solomon and Nikki, have
recovered well from eye cataract surgery by leading marine
mammal eye specialist, Dr. Carmen Colitz.
The marine mammal training team would like to welcome
Vanessa Pirotta.
Sydney Aquarium – Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Sydney Aquarium has new owners, the Merlin
Entertainments Group. There are many changes including an
oceanarium overhaul.
Both dugongs (Dugong dugon) continue to do well.
The behavior of the male, Pig, has been much improved since
the hormone implant late last year, but fecal samples from
both animals continue to be regularly collected to assess
reproductive state. Conditioning of dugongs, white-spotted
eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), lemon sharks (Negaprion
brevirostris), leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) and reef
sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) for husbandry behaviors
is continuing.
Brian Sheehan
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver, British Columbia
A healthy male dolphin calf was born to one of
Ocean Park’s resident female dolphins, Angel.
Ocean Park – Hong Kong, CHINA
At Ocean Park, 1.1 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops aduncus), Domino and Dumisa were transported
to Ocean Park from Bayworld Port Elizabeth Museum, South
Africa in July 2009. Both dolphins have settled well into their
new life in Hong Kong.
On 21 March 2011, the healthy male dolphin calf was
born to Domino and one of Ocean Park’s resident female
dolphins, Angel. This successful live birth was conceived
by the technique of artificial insemination. The calf is doing
fantastic and learning from his mother and the rest of the
dolphins in the group.
AUSTRALIA REGION
Ryan Tate
Taronga Zoo
Sydney, Australia
20
Volume 36, Number 3
Dolphin Cay, Atlantis – Nassau, BAHAMAS
On February 26th Dolphin Cay successfully rescued
and transported a beached dolphin from West Andros
Island, Bahamas for medical care and rehabilitation. This
live stranded dolphin rescue is the first for Dolphin Cay. The
dolphin was spotted by Mr. Charles Bethel and he reported
the stranding to the Bahamas Marine Mammal Stranding
Network. Due to the severe condition of the animal, Mr.
Bethel offered to fly two members of the Dolphin Cay team,
Staff Veterinarian Dr. Charles Manire and Jim Horton to
Andros in his sea plane to help rescue the animal.
The dolphin, named Miss Turner was an older female
bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) that had severe
sunburn on the dorsal surface and lateral scoliosis. Due to
the severity of the dolphin’s condition, Miss Turner and crew
flew back to Paradise Island and she was transferred to
Dolphin Cay Quarantine Facility at Atlantis for further care
and rehabilitation.
Miss Turner cleared quarantine and was introduced
to the animal collection at Dolphin Cay and will continue
to receive physical therapy treatment daily. She is
gradually being introduced to the current social structure at
Dolphin Cay.
Taronga Zoo – Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Taronga Zoo has recently moved two juvenile sea
lions to the seal theatre complex, Pepper a 3-year-old male
Californian sea lion (Zalophus Californianus) and Nala a 2-yearold Australian sea lion. They have both already made brief
show appearances during the Easter school holidays.
Taronga had a very successful little penguin (Eudyptula
Minor) breeding season with a total of 72 penguins on display.
CANADA REGION
Photo Credit: Ocean Park
World staff and sea lions very busy. The staff would like to
wish Leah Colecchia well as she leaves Coral World.
Vancouver Aquarium –
Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Vancouver Aquarium continues to successfully
collect voluntary metabolic rates, twice a month, on all three of
their Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhyncus obliquidens).
Researchers are looking at determining whether or not Pacific
white-sided dolphins experience seasonality in their metabolic
rates.
Imaq, a 23-year-old male beluga whale (Delphinapterus
leucas), was recently moved from the Vancouver Aquarium to
SeaWorld of San Antonio. Thanks to everyone at San Antonio
for their help and hospitality during the transport.
Training and research continue to progress with the
aquariums 0.6 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). Recently
all six were on exhibit, giving visitors a rare treat, as the entire
back reserve area was being painted.
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS REGION
Adrian Penny
Atlantis Paradise Island
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Coral World Ocean Park – St. Thomas, USVI
In February, Coral World welcomed a team of
veterinarians to the Caribbean. Thanks to Dr. Noll, Dr. Betz,
Dr. Colitz and Dr. Holmstrom for their roles in performing
successful tooth extraction surgeries on two of the South
American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). After a few days of
rest both Franco’s and Romulo’s mouths were healing well.
In March and April, spring break crowds kept the Coral
SOUNDINGS 2011
Photo Credit: Raul Novelo
Dolphin calf training at Dolphin Discovery
Tortola.
Dolphin Discovery – Tortola,
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
On 13 January 2011, Dolphin Discovery is proud to
announce the certification as part of AMMPA (Alliance
of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums) through a very
exhaustive inspection. Thanks to all the people that made
this possible. A special thanks to Bill R. Winhall for all the
advice during this process.
The department has had some changes and welcomes
Jon Ham to trainer apprentice and Ernesto Mendoza to
trainer, and Daniel Nyselius to senior trainer. Both Ernesto
and Dany were already part of the company back in Mexico.
Dolphin Quest Bermuda – Dockyard,
BERMUDA
Dolphin Quest Bermuda’s three calves celebrated their
first birthdays in April 2011. Cooper, Cavello and Marley are
learning new behaviors at an astonishing speed, and they
continue to touch the hearts and minds of guests.
Dolphin Quest Bermuda’s summer camp for 2011 has
a focus on dolphin training. Titled, Dolphin Trainer Camp,
it is highlighting techniques used in training in addition to
how they are fed and cared for by the incredible bottlenose
dolphin family.
Tiergarten Nuremberg – Nuremberg,
GERMANY
At Tiergarten Nuremberg, the staff had to say good bye
to Daniel Zieger who became assistant head keeper in the
zoos´ aquapark. There he will be responsible for polar bears,
cheetahs, sea lions, penguins and birds of prey.
The construction of the new dolphin lagoon and
manatee tropical house is expecting the big opening in
August 2011.
EUROPE NORTH WEST REGION
Pablo Joury
Amnéville Zoo
Amnéville, France
Delphinarium Muenster – Muenster,
GERMANY
All the animals are doing fine at Delphinarium
Muenster. The Delphinarium had a nice photo shooting
with the bottlenose dolphin, Nando for a calendar about
animal eyes, with incredible results.
Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) and rockhoppers
(Eudyptes chrysocome) are busy preparing their nests for this
year’s breeding season while the king penguins (Aptenodytes
patagonicus) are anxious to finish molting.
In June, Odense Zoo is opening a new Africa exhibit
which will include a lion training platform so guests can
observe the lion training sessions.
John-Rex Mitchell
Shedd Aquarium
Chicago, Illinois
Photo Credit:Chris Ireland
Photo Credit: Ricardo Aguilar
Dolphin Discovery Los Cabos facility.
MEXICO REGION
Photo Credit: Nuremberg Zoo
Filling the main pool at Nuremberg Zoo.
Captain Jack with 15-year-old dominant
bull California sea lion (Zalophus
Californianus), Murphy, at West Midland
Safari & Leisure Park to celebrate
Pirate Week.
West Midland Safari & Leisure Park –
Worcestershire, UNITED KINGDOM
Fresh from his voyage to the Fountain of Youth,
Captain Jack Sparrow dropped by to help the California
sea lions celebrate, Pirate Week, at West Midland Safari
& Leisure Park between 28 May 2011 and 5 June 2011.
This event also linked in with World Ocean Day on 8 June
2011 and helped the team to raise awareness of marine
conservation issues.
The 18-month-old male California sea lion, Bounty,
mentioned in Soundings Volume 36 has safely arrived from
Belfast Zoo, Northern Ireland. He has already mixed well
with the rest of the bachelor group.
Elsewhere in the Park the marine mammal trainers
are putting their skills to good use and have now started
working with a group of black and white ruffed lemurs
(Varecia variegata) to develop sound husbandry behaviors
for veterinary examination.
Tiergarten Nuremberg – Nuremberg,
GERMANY
The staff at the Nuernberg Zoo is looking forward
to the big opening of the dolphin lagoon and the manatee
house this summer. At this time, the five new pools of
the dolphin lagoon are already filled to test the filtration,
while the first plants arrived in the tropical house. In
the lagoon, the dolphins will live together with one of
the two sea lion groups while the manatees (Trichechus
manatus) will join their house with fishes, turtles, birds,
frogs, monkeys, ants, sloths, reptiles and butterflies, all
living free.
Photos of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus),
Nando, for a calendar about animal eyes.
Dolphin Discovery Group – Cancun,
Quitanta Roo, MEXICO
On 14 February 2011, Dolphin Discovery Group
opened a new facility in San Jose del Cabo with 2.4
dolphins relocated from the facilities in Quintana Roo.
Interactive programs, public exhibitions plus educational
and conservational efforts are running now in Los Cabos.
Thanks to all the staff involved in this new challenge,
and good luck to Ricardo Aguilar as Animal Training
Supervisor.
The past Alliance conference in Alexandria,
Dolphin Discovery was re-accredited on three facilities
and welcome to a new member in Grand Cayman. At the
moment five of the ten facilities of the Group, are proud
to be part of Alliance.
Tommy Wilken
Zoological Consultancy Worldwide
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photo Credit: Amneville Zoo
The Amneville Zoo’s sea lion team is now
complete.
Sunna Edberg
Kolmarden, Sweden
Photo Credit: Dolphinarium Muenster
Alejandro G. Mata
Dolphin Discovery
Cancún, Quintana Roo
MIDDLE EAST REGION
EUROPE NORTH EAST REGION
EUROPE NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Christiane Thiere
Tiergarten Nuremberg
Nuremberg, Germany
EUROPE SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Odense Zoo – Odense, DENMARK
In March, the Odense Zoo unfortunately had to
euthanize a 22-year-old male California sea lion, Fut. He
had leukemia and severe arthritis in his hind flippers. Fut
continued to participate in training sessions and be an active
part of presentations. He had been at Odense Zoo longer
than any other animal and his loss has saddened the entire
staff. On a happy note, two female sea lions are pregnant
with his last offspring.
In April, 4-year-old manatee, Femoere, was
transported to Zoo Beauval, France, on a breeding loan.
Odense Zoo currently has 3.3 manatees and is expecting the
eighth birth this June.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Dolphin Bay, Atlantis, The Palm
Jumeirah – Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Record numbers of tourists flocked to Dolphin Bay,
Atlantis to take part in the various interaction programs
to offer.
The Marine Mammal Specialists have been training
the dolphins for two new programs to be introduced in
June/July. These new programs are a diving interaction
and a meet and greet program. The meet and greet will
be known as, Dolphin Photo Fun, and is aimed at guests
who would like to kiss and get close to a dolphin without
getting wet.
The dolphins and Marine Mammal Specialists are
looking forward to welcoming back the children from
the Dubai Autism Centre, as well as continuing with the
Marine Mammal Education Camp aimed at school groups.
Dubai Dolphinarium – Dubai, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
At the Dubai Dolphinarium, the temperatures are
soaring and it is going into the slow season. The acrobats
have returned to the Ukraine and normal dolphin shows
continue throughout summer. This time of year is always
utilized to make few changes in the show, improve
lighting and sound from the technical department as well
Volume 36, Number 3
21
Regional Reports
as a few new behaviors from the training team.
Dubai Dolphinarium is very proud to be welcoming
its 3rd anniversary in May 2011. The Dolphinarium has
reached thousands of people educating them about the
marine environment.
Photo Credit: Dolphin Quest Hawaii
Kai Nalu with his new toy.
PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION
Stephanie Vlachos
Waimanalo, Hawaii
Dolphin Quest Hawaii – Waikoloa, HAWAII
As part of Dolphin Quest’s commitment to conservation,
education and the advancement of marine mammal research,
the staff at Dolphin Quest Hawaii continues to provide inkind support by volunteering with local research projects.
One of the many organizations that DQH is affiliated with is
Cascadia Research. Since 2005, DQH continues to contribute
and help with the Examination of the Population Size and
Structure of Whales and Dolphins in the Hawaiian Islands.
Photographic catalogs are being developed along with the
collection of genetic samples of odontocetes species found
around Hawaiian waters. The primary study is on population
estimates of false killer whales, (Pseudorca crassidens). This
project will provide information about the population of false
killer whales in Hawaiian waters, which may be at risk due
to a greater than acceptable level of injury or mortality due to
the offshore long-line fishery.
Dolphin Quest Oahu – Honolulu, HAWAII
Photo Credit:
Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest Oahu incorporates
encounter program participants into
laser therapy sessions, which creates
novelty for healthcare training and an
educational experience for guests.
22
Volume 36, Number 3
By incorporating guests into animal husbandry
behaviors during encounter programs, Dolphin Quest
Oahu creates novelty for healthcare training. This results
in a more in-depth, educational experience for guests
as well as provides variability for husbandry sessions.
One of the sessions involves a human-grade soft laser,
which DQO is using with QuickDerm ointment to see if
the combination can heal deeper abrasions faster. Guests
serve as in-water assistants by handing the trainer gauze,
opening the ointment tube and giving the dolphin tactical
and primary reinforcement throughout the session. DQO is
tracking the results by photographing and measuring the
areas. To test which therapy generates the best results,
abrasions have been designated as either controls,
to receive QuickDerm only or to receive QuickDerm
plus the laser.
SOUTH AFRICA REGION
Gabby Harris
Durban, South Africa
Sea World at uShaka Marine World –
Durban, SOUTH AFRICA
Sea World at uShaka supports the Penguin Promises
Campaign. Visit www.penguinpromises.com for more
details.
Welcome to Moby and Spongie, two young South
African male fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) that were
born at the National Zoo. They have just joined the seal
family.
Congratulations to the following staff on their
promotions. Raecine Bates and Sandile Xulu to Trainer 1,
Shannah Giannone, Tarryn Abrahams, Johnathan Ellerbeck,
Bilal Limbada to Assistant Trainer. Well done to Gabrielle
Harris on her animal training book being published, Touching
Animal Souls.
U.S. MIDWEST REGION
Stacey Lonski
Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis, Indiana
Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield, ILLINOIS
Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo hosted
the IMATA Midwest Regional Workshop. The conference
had a great turnout with 13 different facilities being
represented and over 70 attendees.
With Memorial Day around the corner, staff is
preparing to celebrate 50 years of dolphin shows at the
zoo.
The staff bids a fond farewell and good luck to
Cade Schulke who has taken on the position of Associate
Curator of Alaska Sea life Center.
Indianapolis Zoo – Indianapolis, INDIANA
This past winter has been very busy at the Indianapolis
Zoo. At the end of February they received a 6- month-old
stranded Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calf name Taz. He
stranded on Sanibel Island and his Mom was nowhere
in sight. Mote Marine Lab did a wonderful job with Taz
providing excellent care for him during his rehabilitation.
The zoo would also like to welcome Erika, Katherine,
Angela and Amanda to the staff.
Minnesota Zoo – Apple Valley, MINNESOTA
It is with immense sadness that Minnesota Zoo
reports the loss of their 44-year-old, female Atlantic
bottlenose dolphin, April. April was mom to the MN Zoo’s
other female, Allie and grandmother to Allie’s female calf,
Taijah. April has touched the lives of so many people over the
years and they all feel very privileged and honored to have
SOUNDINGS 2011
worked with such a wonderful, sweet animal.
The other 1.2 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have been
doing well since the loss. Taijah is thriving and increasing her
repertoire of behaviors.
Scheduled to open summer of 2011, the first phase
of the Heart of the Zoo project will increase their education
program capacity and quality, provide guests with exciting
animal encounters, including the 3M Penguins of the African
Coast exhibit, replicating the habitat of South Africa’s
Boulder’s Beach.
Oceans of Fun, Inc. –
Milwaukee, WISCONSIN
The summer season is in full swing for the Oceans
of Fun animals and staff. Presentations and interactive
programs have begun for the season and have taken
off with great success as they head into their twentieth
season at the Milwaukee County Zoo. They are eagerly
awaiting opening day for their third season at Hershey
Park, where animals and trainers are working hard to
make this season spectacular.
Oceans of Fun was recently accredited by both
IMATA and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and
Aquariums. They are also are excited to announce and
readily awaiting the arrival of pups this summer. A harbor
seal (Phoca vitulina) pup and a California sea lion pup are
the just what the doctor ordered after a challenging start
to 2011.
They would like to bid a fond farewell to Harley and
Sequoia. These two amazing animals touched the lives
and captured the hearts of many people and will forever
be remembered
Thank you to the Oceans of Fun trainers, interns
and volunteers who over the past three months have gone
above and beyond to care for the animals.
U.S. NORTHEAST REGION
Beth Manning
Baltimore, Maryland
Atlantis Marine World – Riverhead, Long
Island, NEW YORK
At Atlantis Marine World, the staff is eagerly
awaiting the birth of another harbor seal pup from their
19-year-old female, Buoy.
Two young male Japanese snow monkeys (Macaca
fuscata) are being introduced to the existing 2.0 in the
exhibit. Initial introductions are going smoothly and
the staff is hopeful that the final introductions will be
positive. Construction of a Hyatt Hotel and Exhibition
Center adjacent to the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium
is underway and on schedule. Expected to open in June,
the Exhibition Center will house both exotic butterflies
and birds.
The Animal Staff at Atlantis Marine World
congratulates trainer Valerie Olstad on the birth of her
baby girl, Eisley Rose, on February 28, 2011.
Aquarium of Niagara – Niagara Falls,
NEW YORK
The Aquarium of Niagara would like to extend best
wishes to Johanna Black who recently left the training
team for a position on the west coast. Filling this full-time
position is Assistant Trainer, Lara Weber, who joins the
team from Six Flags Great Adventure.
As the staff gears up for the busy summer season,
the two newest sea lions Kiah and Arie, continue to excel
in both husbandry and show behaviors. Some of their
new behaviors include teeth brushing, dorsal layouts, eye
drops, leaps, flips, flipper stands, and water work.
New England Aquarium – Boston,
MASSACHUSETTS
The New England Aquarium is pleased to announce
that the renovations on the fur seal exhibit were
completed in April, and all of the animals and staff have
returned safely to Boston. Thanks again to the Mystic
Aquarium & Institute for Exploration for their hospitality
throughout this entire process. The NEAQ staff have since
been developing and working on new in-water interaction
programs with both the northern fur seals and Atlantic
harbor seals, which will be available to the public in June.
The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch
Tank had its grand opening in April, bringing record
breaking numbers of visitors into the Aquarium during
school vacation weeks. The exhibit displays a wide
variety of species, including cownose rays (Rhinoptera
bonasus), Atlantic rays, bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna
tiburo), and epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum).
The mammal department is sad to report the loss
of JD, a 20-year-old female northern fur seal, who had
lived at New England Aquarium since June 2009, and
previously resided at New York Aquarium.
Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium –
Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s staff is
gearing up for the busy summer months. The Zoo’s
sea lion trainers continue conditioning all four adult
California sea lion females for ultrasound exams. Sidney,
born 13 June 2009 was picked up by the North Carolina
Zoological Park’s staff at the end of April and is settling in
to her new home. Maggie’s pup born 26 September 2010
is eating live shiners on her own and continues to play
with capelin and squid.
Members of the Zoo’s Water’s Edge and Kids
Kingdom staff attended the IMATA Midwest Regional
Conference hosted by The Chicago Zoological Society.
As part of Polar Bears International’s network of
Arctic Ambassador Centers, The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG
Aquarium will host a Be Cool for Polar Bears event on
25 June 2011. As part of the celebration, PBI’s president,
Robert Buchanan, will give a public presentation on polar
bears in a warming world. He will also present the Zoo
with a, Champions of Polar Bear Award, in recognition of
the Zoo’s efforts in motivating the public to take action to
reduce their carbon footprint. The Zoo will be honoring
one of their partners, Duquesne Light Watt Choices as
an organization that is working towards CO2 reduction.
Photo Credit: Karen Landmesser
The Virginia Aquarium welcomes to their
collection a 1.0 North America river otter (Lontra
Canadensis) named Homer.
holding area getting used to his new home and being
introduced to the other otters. He can now be seen on
exhibit with some of his new friends exploring and
playing. Homer is a great addition to the collection, as
he is very playful and has been doing a great job learning
new behaviors.
U.S. NORTHWEST REGION
Cinthia Alia-Mitchell
Tualatin, Oregon
Alaska SeaLife Center – Seward, ALASKA
The mammal division at Alaska SeaLife Center has
had a busy winter with the addition of 1.3 steller sea lions
(Eumetopias jubatus) to the research collection. Tasu and
Eden, 10-year-old females, traveled from Vancouver
Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium respectively to join the
collection in January. In March, husbandry director Brett
Long traveled to Harderwijk, The Netherlands to transport
sister and brother, Sitka and Pilot to ASLC. The three
females will be included in the sea lion breeding program.
ASLC is excited to announce its acceptance into
the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums
(AMMPA).
Farewell to Amber Stephens, and welcome Cade
Schulke into the Assistant Mammal Curator position.
Seattle Aquarium – Seattle, WASHINGTON
Seattle Aquarium held the sixth Sea Otter
Conservation Workshop in March. It was a smashing
success with the most attendees ever.
Oregon Zoo – Portland, OREGON
At the Oregon Zoo, Gus, the steller sea lion is
recovering from a yeast and/or fungal infection in his eye.
The Oregon Zoo will discontinue the use of
Deslorelin in the male southern sea otter (enhydra lutris
nereis) Eddie. Staff will continue to monitor hormone
levels for research. The zoo has been given the permission
to castrate him and will do so in the near future.
The staff has succeeded with voluntary anesthesia
using a tail vein for a routine exam on the female Amur
tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).
The Oregon Zoo welcomes animal keeper Jen
DeGroot to the Marine Life department.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium –
Tacoma, WASHINGTON
Kaladi, a rescued sea otter pup is growing in leaps
and bounds at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. After
being housed behind-the-scenes for several months
with Homer, the resident 23-year-old female sea otter,
Kaladi was introduced to Abra and Nellie, the other 0.2
sea otters. The introductions went smoothly, and all four
otters are living together in the main exhibit.
In April, PDZA acquired 1.3 juvenile magellanic
penguins (Speniscus magellanicus) to join the
resident collection 3.1. These penguins came from a
rehabilitation facility in Brazil, where they had been
housed since being caught up in the currents and
washed ashore. Once cleared through quarantine, they
will join the exhibit penguins and will hopefully pair up
to breed in the coming years.
Virginia Marine Science Center –
Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA
The Virginia Aquarium welcomes to their collection
a 1.0 North America river otter (Lontra Canadensis)
named Homer. Homer was born at the Beardsley Zoo
in Connecticut and joined the 4.0 river otters in March
at 1-year-old. Homer spent the first month or so in the
SOUNDINGS 2011
Photo Credit:
Shannon Ray
Summertime at Oklahoma City Zoo.
U.S. SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Shannon Ray
Oklahoma City Zoo
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Zoo – Oklahoma City,
OKLAHOMA
Feels like summer at the Oklahoma City Zoo and
show season is in full swing. Show revisions were made
over the fall to change up sea lion and trainer routines,
and the change has been welcomed by both groups. The
California sea lions from the Tulsa Zoo, Briney and Dorsey,
will be returning in the fall and preparations for their
transport are underway. Both sea lions have enjoyed their
relaxing visit in OKC, but are eager to return to their new
expanded home in Tulsa.
Photo Credit: Mike Pool,
Elrod and Bud at SeaWorld San Antonio.
SeaWorld San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas
Spring Break has come and gone, and summer is
fast approaching at SeaWorld San Antonio. Atla, the
1-year-old beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is doing
very well, is constantly learning new behaviors and is
having a blast participating in playtimes with her mom
and the rest of the belugas.
In June, SeaWorld San Antonio is proud to debut
the new Shamu show called One Ocean. Construction
on the new set is coming along well and the trainers are
rehearsing and preparing for a great new experience for
the whales and guests. Soon-to-be 2-year-old California
sea lion Bud has begun participating in the educational
show called A Sea Lion Story, much to the delight of the
trainers and guests. Bud has learned several behaviors
and is becoming very comfortable participating in the
education show with some of the more experienced
sea lions.
Volume 36, Number 3
23
Regional Reports
Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi, TEXAS
Dolphin Bay at the Texas State Aquarium has been
very busy preparing for two inspections. One for AZA
reaccreditation and the second a peer review, as TSA is
one of seven host facilities for the Atlantic bottlenose
dolphin breeding consortium.
The Dolphin Bay staff has also been working with
the Marketing Department to facilitate the opening of a
new summer show with a theme of, Magical Connections,
in which the dolphins act as ambassadors for the Gulf of
Mexico and its inhabitants. Oliver, a male North American
river otter, has just completed quarantine. He will be
introduced to Odie, another male in the TSA collection,
in the near future.
having the option to leave it blank. This law is designed
to increase organ donation in New York which currently
ranks last in the nation with 11% participation. The
New York senate passed Lauren’s Law on Lauren’s 11th
birthday.
Dolphin Connection Co-Owner, Cheryl Messinger,
in partnership with Education Supervisor, Terran
McGinnis, proudly announce the release of their book,
Marineland. This book made its debut on 2 May 2011 and
is a photographic tribute to the people and animals of the
world’s first oceanarium which opened in St. Augustine,
Florida USA in1938. The book is available for sale at many
retailers, including amazon.com and copies will also be
available at this year’s IMATA conference in Miami.
Photo Credit:
Martha Hill
Photo Credit: Dolphins Plus
Oliver, a North American river otter at Texas
State Aquarium.
U.S. SOUTHEAST REGION
Sarah Graff
Miami Seaquarium
Miami, Florida
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas –
New Orleans, LOUISIANA
The Audubon Aquarium of the America’s just
celebrated Buck, the sea otter’s 14th birthday. Trainers
have been working hard on new behaviors with both
Buck and Emma including an exciting speak and open
mouth behavior.
Staff is preparing for the upcoming hurricane
season, making significant progress in re-establishing
lost behaviors such as, kennel and netting, both
behaviors that were significantly hindered following
Hurricane Katrina.
Discovery Cove – Orlando, FLORIDA
This summer was filled with excitement as the
Grand Reef at Discovery Cove opened in June. The new
million gallon salt-water reef is home to thousands of
exotic fish and rays. Designed to accommodate all levels
of swimming ability, the reef allows guests to choose
their level of immersion, from wading, to snorkeling, to
swimming throughout the reef. For the truly adventurous
guest, the SeaVenture program allows the participant to
walk fully underwater while wearing a dive helmet, giving
them more time to enjoy the aquatic life surrounding
them. For those not wanting to venture into the water,
there is 360 degree dry access to the entire exhibit.
Dolphin Connection – Duck Key, FLORIDA
Dolphin Connection is grateful for a record-breaking
Spring Break crowd that kept programs full for six weeks
straight. Among these many guests was Lauren Shields,
a heart transplant recipient, who along with her brother
participated in a dolphin interaction program. Lauren is
the namesake of New York’s, Lauren’s Law, which would
mandate that every driver’s license applicant answer
the organ donor question on the paperwork, rather than
24
Volume 36, Number 3
Kyle Lane and Wono, a female California sea
lion, working on squeeze cage desense.
Dolphins Plus – Key Largo, FLORIDA
Dolphins Plus is proud to announce the new Marine
Mammal Research Internship. This program allows
participants to learn about the ongoing investigations
of marine mammal development, social dynamics,
acoustics, and conservation.
The animal training staff has had a successful
husbandry season with 22-year-old, female California
sea lion accomplishing voluntary blood draw, EKG and
ultrasound in preparation for cataract surgery.
The animal training staff would like to welcome
seasonal trainer Meghan Weinpress back for the Spring/
Summer season and new full time trainer Ramiro
Barbuzano to the team.
Dolphins plus would like to thank the Ocean
Embassy team, especially Ted Turner and to the spring
and Summer Animal Care and Training Interns.
Photo Credit: Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is saddened
to announce the loss of their senior dolphin,
Theresa.
Dolphin Research Center – Grassy Key,
FLORIDA
Dolphin Research Center is saddened to announce
the loss of the most senior dolphin, Theresa. She was a
member of the family for 43 of her estimated 56 years.
Living at DRC longer than any other dolphin or human, she
earned the title, Director of Human Training.
Theresa was a devoted mother, and in her later
years she earned the nickname, Nana. Expectant mothers
SOUNDINGS 2011
frequently chose Theresa as a companion during labor
and as a trusted babysitter in the months following birth.
She is survived by daughter Santini and grandson Tanner,
though she played an active role in the upbringing of all
DRC calves
Theresa was the pioneer of the Dolphin Encounter
swim program, the first in the world. With over four
decades of bringing joy to people, she has touched the
lives of countless individuals. She was especially known
for stealing kisses from bearded men, leading to another
nickname Hot Lips. DRC is grateful for the many years
with Theresa and for all that she shared.
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, GEORGIA
The Georgia Aquarium recently launched the Beluga
& Friends Interactive Program. The program includes an
in-water interaction with beluga whales followed by an
up close experience with the aquarium’s harbor seals.
Initial response to the program has been positive and the
Animal Care & Training Team is continuing behavioral
development of program behaviors to further compliment
the program.
A group of six male Asian small clawed otters
(Aonyx cinerea) was recently acquired from the National
Zoo. This acquisition was made to create a more active
exhibit. The animals share time on exhibit opposite the
original female group of otters. The team is studying the
animals’ activity budgets as they are encouraged to nest
and rest off exhibit, and forage and play while on display.
Georgia Aquarium welcomes Bryan Martin,
Samantha Theobald and Ashley Coffey to the Animal
Care & Training Team and Katie Allen, Lisa Green, Jen
Kaiser and Kevin Krueger to the Animal Training Team at
the Dolphin Theatre.
Photo Credit:
Georgia Aquarium
American icon and animal advocate, Betty
White, was keepin’ cool in Hotlanta at the
Georgia Aquarium. Betty recently spent
some time with the animals and staff at the
aquariums new, Dolphin Tales show.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure –
Marineland, FLORIDA
The rebranding has been completed for the
Marineland facility since its purchase by the Georgia
Aquarium, and it is now known officially as Marineland
Dolphin Adventure. Many upgrades and improvements
have been completed or are in progress on the physical
facilities, including the life support system.
Nellie, the world’s oldest dolphin born under
human care, celebrated her 58th birthday on 27 February
2011. She celebrated with a special ice-and-fish cake
and over one hundred well-wishers who came by to
celebrate with her and her trainers. She continues to
astound and amaze the guests with her longevity, and
has generated a lot of positive media coverage for the
zoological and aquarium community.
Welcome to Jamie Stanley-Bahnsen, Jessica
Aditays, and Mary Pederson to the Animal Training team.
Photo Credit:
Memphis Zoo
A polar bear at the Memphis Zoo.
Memphis Zoo – Memphis, TENNESSEE
As part of Polar Bear International’s Be Cool for
Polar Bears, PBI President Robert Buchanan came and
talked to the keepers and docents at the Memphis Zoo.
He also presented the zoo with a Champion of Polar
Bear Award due to the research department developing
a process for determining pregnancy in a polar bear by
testing urine samples.
Sea lion pool repairs went well, and the sea lions
were back out on exhibit after just a short month, just
in time for the increased summer show schedule. The
Zoo’s AZAK chapter started holding training lunches,
where all departments can meet and trouble shoot
training problems.
SeaWorld – Orlando, FLORIDA
On 22 April 2011, Earth Day, SeaWorld Orlando
premiered its new Shamu show titled One Ocean. The
core message of the show is conservation driven and
the pre-show spotlights SeaWorld’s role in the rescue,
rehabilitation, and release of sick and or injured marine
animals. Along with showcasing the speed and power
of the killer whales (Orcinus orca), this multimedia
presentation reminds guests that the ocean touches
every shore and that as individuals each make a
difference that affects the future of the ocean and all of
the creatures that live within it.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquarium Team recently
returned their 1,000th rescued sea turtle, a sub-adult
loggerhead (Caretta caretta), to the wild. The sea
turtle rescue program began at SeaWorld Orlando in
1980 and since then more than 1,530 sea turtles have
been cared for by the park's experts and veterinarians.
Affected turtles have been treated for cold stress,
injuries from nets, fishing line, and hooks, ingestion of
trash, boat strikes, natural causes, and most recently
oil contamination. The Team's success rate in caring for
turtles is amazingly high: 68% of the turtles brought to
SeaWorld in the past 30 years have been successfully
returned to the wild.
The Seas, Disney’s Animal Programs
and Environmental Initiatives –
Orlando, Florida
One of the many conservation efforts undertaken
by Disney’s Animal Programs team members is
rehabilitating and returning rescued manatees to the
wild. Manatees are considered an endangered species.
With only 5,000 around the state of Florida, The Disney
Animal Programs team released Jasper into the Indian
River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast on 22 February 2011.
By that afternoon, a report was received from the Florida
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that Jasper
was cavorting with a group of 30 other manatees. The
same day, Animal Programs animal care experts brought
another rescued manatee, Vail, to The Seas. Vail has
been cared for in manatee rehabilitation facilities since
he was injured 15 years ago due to a watercraft strike.
A portion of his tail paddle is missing-an injury similar
to that of Seas manatee, Lou.
U.S. SOUTHWEST MAINLAND REGION
Brittany Harris
SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego, California
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Zoo
On the left is Atlantic harbor seal (Phoca
vitulina) pup, Hudson, middle is dad, Alfred,
and right is mom, Asia.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical
Gardens – Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
On 12 June 2010 at the Los Angeles Zoo, Hudson,
a male Atlantic harbor seal, was born to Asia, a 19-yearold on loan from the New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium.
The sire is Alfred, an adult rescued from the Marine
Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey. It
has been 20 years since the last marine mammal birth
at the Zoo. Hudson is housed with not only Asia and
Alfred, but also other New Jersey natives, Mysti, Nika,
and Mira. Introductions went smoothly with the group.
Since Hudson's formal training began on 15 August
2010, he is learning quickly.
Marine Mammal Physiology Project
at Long Marine Lab – Santa Cruz,
CALIFORNIA
The Marine Mammal Physiology Project
continues to push forward with its pioneering research
to help conserve Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus
schauinslandi). H’õ ailona is now working with his
trainers to determine the energetic cost per swim stroke
for Hawaiian monk seals, in addition to determining
how much energy it costs for these animals to perform
dives of varying depth and duration.
The MMPP staff is preparing for their upcoming
season of Ocean Explorers, a science summer camp for
kids ages 9-14. The staff is creating all new activities for
the kids to highlight the current research and the things
we can all do to help with ocean conservation.
Visiting researchers will be arriving soon to
continue work with the dolphins and sea otters. The
staff looks forward to the training challenges ahead for
the many projects that will begin within the year.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey,
CALIFORNIA
So far, 2011 has been filled with many exciting
changes to the Sea Otter Team, both for the staff and
animals at Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Farewell to sea otter aquarist, Jennifer Cacioppo,
and wish her luck in her new endeavors at the Navy
Marine Mammal program in San Diego. With her
departure, it is a pleasure to announce the newest sea
otter staff member, Hannah Ban-Weiss, who comes to
us from Long Marine Lab in Santa Cruz.
At the sea otter exhibit, Rosa has been acting
as a surrogate mother behind the scenes with the
SORAC program (Sea Otter Research and Conservation)
for her 7th stranded pup. Rosa is nearly at the end of
her surrogate mother duties and will rejoin the sea
otter exhibit in the next couple of weeks. Mae is also
currently behind the scenes acting as a surrogate for
her third pup. On the exhibit, Kit, Toola, and Joy have
been working hard to maintain all of their behaviors. Kit,
a 16-month-old has been working on an assortment of
new behaviors and is progressing very well.
Photo Credit: The Seas
Manatees (Trichechus manatus) Lou and Vail at Disney’s The Seas®.
REGIONAL REPORTS is compiled by Beth Ament.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
25
Figure 1. In a typical blindfolded
imitation trial, Tanner copies another
dolphin's bobbing behavior while
wearing eyecups.
Kelly O. Jaakkola, Emily E. Guarino, & Mandy L. Rodriguez
Dolphin Research Center
For humans, imitation is an extremely important ability.
From a very young age, human infants and children copy the
noises other people make, the things other people do, and the
way they do them. Imitation is one of the primary ways we learn
about the world, and is believed to play an important role in
the development of many higher cognitive achievements such
as language, human culture, and understanding others' minds
(e.g., Meltzoff, 1996; Tomasello, 1999). Because it is such a
natural part of how we function in the world, it often surprises
people to learn that imitation is not at all widespread in the
animal kingdom. Yes, many animals can learn certain basic
information from each other, such as which places and things
they should pay attention to. But the ability to copy specific
behaviors is rare.
Dolphins, however, are excellent imitators. They have
been shown to copy each other's whistles (e.g., Tyack,
1986), computer-generated sounds (e.g., Richards, Wolz,
& Herman, 1984), and the motor behaviors of humans,
dolphins, and other animals (e.g., Bauer & Johnson, 1994;
Tayler & Saayman, 1973; Xitco, 1988). In fact, next to
humans, dolphins may be the best imitators in the animal
kingdom (Herman, 2002; Whiten, 2001).
At Dolphin Research Center, we wanted to explore
these imitative capacities further. Our goal was to push
the known limits of dolphin imitation, to see how flexible
their ability to imitate really is.
Do-as-I-Do
We started with an imitation game (called
the do-as-I-do task in scientific literature) that
our dolphins already knew. In this game, one
dolphin acts as the demonstrator. His job
is to perform specific behaviors as
directed by a trainer. The other
dolphin is the imitator. His job
is to copy whatever behaviors
the demonstrator performs.
At Dolphin Research
Center, the dolphins
26
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
play this game routinely, copying the behavior of other dolphins or humans
in the water. But for this study, we changed the rules by taking away the
imitator's ability to see the behaviors. That is, we asked him to imitate
while blindfolded (i.e., while wearing soft, removable, latex eyecups that
completely occluded his vision).
Our imitator was a 7-year-old male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin
(Tursiops truncatus) named Tanner, who lived with two other male
dolphins that played the demonstrator role: AJ, age 21, and Kibby, age
30. Tanner was selected as the imitator because he was already very
comfortable with the two prerequisite behaviors: (1) playing the do-as-Ido game when sighted; and (2) wearing eyecups in other contexts, such
as for retrieving objects in echolocation demonstrations for guests. The
question was whether he could put these two behaviors together. That is,
could the imitator use a different source of information (i.e., sound rather
than sight) to figure out the demonstrator dolphin's behavior in order to
copy it?
Imitation was tested in two conditions: sighted and blindfolded. In
each session, two trainers sat on the dock approximately 0.45 M (1.5 ft)
apart, with Tanner and the demonstrator dolphin (AJ or Kibby) stationed in
front of them. For blindfolded imitation trials, Tanner began the trial wearing
a single eyecup. His trainer gave the hand signal for ‘imitate’ in view of
his uncovered eye, then put the remaining eyecup into place. The second
trainer then gave the demonstrator dolphin a hand signal for a particular
behavior (e.g., spin, tail, speed), and the demonstrator (usually) performed
the target behavior. Tanner's job was to figure out that behavior and copy
it. (Figure 1 shows a photo of a typical trial. For video examples, see:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwaNGoQl3Gg.) For sighted imitation
trials, Tanner's trainer held the two eyecups over his eyes while the
second trainer gave the hand signal to the demonstrator dolphin, before
she removed the eyecups and gave Tanner the signal for ‘imitate’.
Training for this task was minimal, consisting of a single 12-trial
session in which we set up the context for the sighted imitation game
that Tanner already knew, but asked him to wear a single eyecup. This
way he could still use vision to imitate, but could also get used to wearing
an eyecup at the same time. In the next several trials, the trainer touched
the second eyecup to Tanner's eye, slowly increasing the amount of time
he was blindfolded, but still removed that eyecup before the demonstrator
dolphin performed the target behavior. On the twelfth trial, the trainer left
the second eyecup in place, and Tanner still copied the demonstrator's
behavior. Testing began the following day.
How Did He Do?
In all we tested 19 motor behaviors and 8 vocal behaviors, both
sighted and blindfolded. For vocal behaviors,
Tanner imitated just about as well whether he was sighted
(69% correct) or blindfolded (75%). That's no surprise, since there's no
good reason that blindfolding should make any difference in the ability
to copy sounds. For motor behaviors, Tanner imitated more reliably when
sighted (63%) than when blindfolded (41%). This was also expected,
given that we already knew he was proficient at copying motor behaviors
sighted. (In fact, it was a prerequisite to starting this project.) But the new
and exciting result was that he was also able to imitate motor behaviors
while blindfolded.
In interpreting these results, it's important to note that the probability
of Tanner getting a behavior right by guessing was extremely low -about 5% for motor behaviors. (Specifically, because we coded Tanner's
attempted motor imitations as falling into any of 20 possible categories
-- including the 19 tested behaviors plus "other" -- chance performance
for any particular trial was 1/20.) And even this is a conservative estimate,
because it assumes that Tanner could only choose among the behaviors
we were testing. But of course, he could have performed any behavior at
all. It's also important to point out that we coded very strictly. For a trial
to count as correct, Tanner had to perform the exact same behavior as
the demonstrator, immediately. If the behavior was close -- for example,
gliding along the surface dorsal up rather than belly up -- it was coded
as incorrect. If Tanner began his response with an incorrect behavior and
quickly switched to the correct one, we rewarded him for the correct
behavior, but still coded that trial as incorrect. Such strict coding allowed
us to be absolutely certain of any positive results. But if anything, it also
likely resulted in an underestimate of Tanner's imitative ability.
How Did He Do It?
So how was Tanner able to imitate motor behaviors while wearing
eyecups? Since he couldn't have used sight, the obvious candidate
is sound. Of course, in dolphins this comes in two varieties. Either he
recognized the behavior via echolocation, in a sense ‘seeing’ the behavior
with sound, or he recognized the characteristic sound the behavior makes,
much like if someone asked you to close your eyes and imitate hands
clapping or a foot stomping.
But which was it?
To examine the possibility of recognition by echolocation, we
looked for patterns in his echolocation data. During test trials, Tanner
echolocated primarily when he was copying motor behaviors blindfolded,
which is exactly the pattern we would expect if he were recognizing the
behaviors by echolocation. Unfortunately, it may also be the pattern we
would expect if he were using echolocation for navigation. For example,
in order to copy a speed run blindfolded, he had to perform a speed run
blindfolded. And in order to do that, he may have needed echolocation to
navigate. Therefore, these data can't tell us for sure whether he was using
echolocation to recognize the behaviors or to navigate while performing
the behaviors.
To examine the possibility of recognition based on the characteristic
sound of the behaviors, we tested this ability in humans who were familiar
with these behaviors. Specifically, we blindfolded a couple of trainers on a
dock, had our demonstrator dolphins perform the behaviors, and asked the
trainers to try to identify them. The results showed that the trainers could
identify the behaviors by their sound, at levels not all that different from
what we’d seen with Tanner (55% for motor behaviors, versus Tanner's 41%).
Of course, the caveat here is that the human test was not strictly
analogous to the dolphin test. We know that dolphins and humans have
different auditory systems
with different sensitivities (e.g., Au, Popper,
& Fay, 2000). Also, the trainers listened in air,
while Tanner may have listened underwater, and the
trainers typically waited until the end of the model behavior
before announcing their guess, while Tanner responded almost
as soon as the model behavior began. However, what these
results show is that the information for identifying the behaviors
via their characteristic sound was certainly available in the environment,
and therefore could have been used by the dolphin, without the need
for echolocation.
Upshot
So where are we? Previous studies have shown that dolphins can
imitate. In this study, we asked a dolphin to imitate without the benefit
of sight. He immediately adapted to the new situation, found a way to
recognize the behaviors, and copied them. We can't say yet whether the
method he used for figuring out the behaviors came from echolocation,
from recognizing the characteristic sound of the behavior, or from some
combination of the two. But in any case, his performance showed a
flexibility in using multiple perceptual routes to imitation that's never
before been documented in a nonhuman animal.
For more information about this study, please see: Jaakkola,
K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in
a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal
of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. -- available online at:
www.comparativepsychology.org/ijcp-2010-4/08.Jaakkola_etal_Final.pdf.
References
Au, W. W. L., Popper, A. N., & Fay, R. R. (Eds.). (2000). Hearing by whales and dolphins.
New York: Springer-Verlag.
Bauer, G. B., & Johnson, C. M. (1994). Trained motor imitation by bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus). Perceptual and Motor Skills, 79, 1307-1315.
Herman, L. M. (2002). Vocal, social, and self-imitation by bottlenosed dolphins.
In K. Dautenhahn & C. Nehaniv (Eds.), Imitation in animals and artifacts (pp. 63-108).
Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Meltzoff, A. N. (1996). The human infant as imitative generalist: A 20-year
progress report on infant imitation with implications for comparative psychology.
In C. M. Heyes & B. G. Galef, Jr. (Eds.), Social learning in animals: The roots of culture
(pp. 347–370). New York: Academic Press.
Richards, D. G., Wolz, J. P., & Herman, L. M. (1984). Vocal mimicry of computer-generated
sounds and vocal labeling of objects by a bottlenosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus.
Journal of Comparative Psychology, 98, 10-28.
Tayler, C. K., & Saayman, G. S. (1973). Imitative behaviour by Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops aduncus) in captivity. Behaviour, 44, 286–298.
Tomasello, M. (1999). The cultural origins of human cognition. Cambridge, MA:
Harvard University Press.
Tyack, P. L. (1986). Whistle repertoires of two bottlenosed dolphins, Tursiops truncatus: Mimicry
of signature whistles? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 18, 251-257.
Whiten, A. (2001). Imitation and cultural transmission in apes and cetaceans.
Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 24, 359-360.
Xitco, M. J., Jr. (1988). Mimicry of modeled behaviors by bottlenose dolphins
(Unpublished master's thesis). University of Hawaii, Honolulu.
Editor’s Note: This paper received the following award during the 38th
IMATA conference at Boston, MA: 1st Place in Research Advancements.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
27
QUESTION:
Do you use various types of bridges in your environment?
If so, what types, and how do you pick and choose them?
ANSWER 1
At SeaWorld San Antonio, the Animal Training
Department uses different ways to bridge our animal collection. Discussing
this question within the department brought about the following points
concerning bridges and their effective use at SeaWorld San Antonio.
In its simplest form, the bridge indicates that criteria are being met
and that some form of reinforcement will be delivered upon return! More
specifically, the bridge serves these primary functions. First, the bridge
is used to indicate the instant in time when an animal has successfully
completed a desired approximation or behavior, or any time in which the
desired topography is being emitted. Secondly, the bridge serves as a
secondary reinforcer and finally, it “spans the gap” between indicating
correct performance and the delivery of additional reinforcement.
At SeaWorld, bridging stimuli fall into one of the three categories.
Bridges may be auditory bridges which animals can hear; visual bridges
which animals can see; or tactile bridges which animals can feel. Within
a complex interactive session, our trainers use various bridges to enhance
communication and provide clarity in delivering the message of “correct”.
Although animals can, and do, respond to different bridges, certain species
respond better to different types of stimuli due to their specific physiology.
With a wide variety of cetaceans, pinnipeds, birds and small mammals
being trained, taking into account the species and their natural capabilities
can help determine which type of bridging stimulus might be most effective.
In the end our primary goal is to clearly indicate correct behavior so that
reinforcement can follow.
Ask yourself one simple question. Is the animal responding to your
bridge? The rate of correct response to a bridging stimulus helps us choose
which bridge to use in different contexts. Take for example, an animal on an
underwater run. An auditory bridge is obviously more effective than a tactile
bridge or a visual bridge because it is easier for an animal to respond while
underwater and away from a trainer. In this context, we would choose an
auditory bridge due to the expected higher correct response rate using an
auditory bridge. This would naturally lead to a strong reinforcement history
and increased motivation. Evaluating how an animal responds to a bridge
goes a long way to determining which type of bridge to use. When the day is
done, an effective bridge is one that is clear and that an animal responds to.
Animal Training Department
ANSWER 2
Currently, we use three different bridges – a
whistle, a visual point and a tactile double tap. Generally we reserve the
whistle bridge for away behaviors, aerials and traveling behaviors. When
shaping new behaviors we primarily rely on the whistle bridge and ask other
trainers in the immediate vicinity to hold their whistle bridges to eliminate
28
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
any confusion for the animal. The visual point bridge is used when animals
are stationing or performing behaviors in front of us. And, we use the double
tap bridge during tactile behaviors and medical line ups. Sometimes the
double tap serves as a soft secondary bridge (intermediate bridge) during
long duration medical behaviors. To terminate the medical behaviors we
then switch to the whistle bridge. Our animals respond well to this multiple
use of the double tap and have no problem discriminating between its use
as an intermediate and terminal bridge. After giving the double tap as an
intermediate bridge, we maintain a tactile target to make it clear that the
behavior is not complete.
Training Staff
Dolphin Quest Oahu
ANSWER 3
At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s Sea Lion Stadium,
we currently use three different types of bridges; verbal, whistle, and tactile.
Primarily, we use our verbal bridge “ok” due to its convenience. With
a verbal bridge there are no tools to carry around with you or keep clean.
Our second most commonly used bridge is the common Acme dog whistle.
We use a whistle bridge for a number of different behaviors and reasons.
The whistle bridge is more suitable when our animals are underwater, at a
distance, doing something that creates a lot of noise, or if there is a visual
barrier between the trainer and animal. Sometimes the whistle bridge also
comes in handy during shows or other situations where there is a lot of
background noise. Aside from necessity, we also use our whistle bridge
randomly in training sessions to keep sessions variable and maintain a
positive reinforcement history with the whistle bridge.
The bridge used most infrequently here at Sea Lion Stadium is the tactile
bridge. The tactile bridge has come in handy with one particular animal that
has a very loud vocal behavior. When other bridging techniques proved
ineffective, trainers introduced a tactile bridge to which he responds very
well. We also utilize this type of bridge when working on water layouts with
the seals and sea lions.
Besides our seals and sea lions, we also house Asian small clawed river
otters. During their initial training we used a clicker as a bridge. However,
over the course of their training, we have faded the clicker out as we feel it
became an inconvenience due to its cumbersomeness in our hands with the
rest of our training tools. Hope that helps!
Sea Lion Staff
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
TRAINER’S FORUM is compiled by Robert Roozendaal
What’s
Up Doc?
Shoes for a Seal
Robbert van Schie, Dolfinarium Harderwijk
In 2006, the Dolfinarium Harderwijk
plaster mold of Artis' back flippers. The mold
found that one of our harbor seals
enabled precise tailoring for a prosthetic
(Phoca vitulina) named Artis had
device. After one week, Frank Schonagen
paralyzed back flippers. We discovered
had the prosthesis completed for Artis
this because he stopped using them as
(Photo 1). Staff took two weeks and basic
would a normal seal; he used only his
approximations to get Artis gradually used to
front flippers. We do not know exactly
the new prosthetic shoes.
what the cause was. Artis came as a
Thanks to the protection provided by the
young animal from a zoo in Amsterdam
prosthesis, Artis' back flippers soon began to
and has lived his whole life in the
heal and improve. In the beginning, we used
Dolfinarium.
the prosthesis all day and night. Haowever,
In the Dolfinarium, husbandry
we soon decided that similar to wearing
PHOTO 1: Artis’ back flipper
sessions are a daily occurrence with
gloves all day, the skin on his back flippers
prostheses. Photo Credit:
Dolphinarium Harderwijk
all our animals, so of course the same
needed to breathe. For that reason, we began
and Frank Schonagen
was true with Artis. While Artis’
to attach the prosthesis after the last feeding
paralyzed back flippers didn’t appear
of the day and taking them off during the first
to impact his quality of life, a challenge did develop. feeding of the next day, since during daylight hours he
Artis preferred to sleep on a platform within his exhibit. was almost always swimming (Photo 2). Additionally,
However, every time he did this he dragged his back this approach worked well for the staff who were always
flippers in the process of trying to make it up onto the around to observe when Artis’ flippers were exposed
platform. This occurred every time he went onto the and intervene if necessary.
platform and again when he went back in the water.
This treatment worked very well for Artis and his
This activity always happened in the evenings and early back flippers. We were able to utilize his shoes for over
mornings when trainers were not around.
a year. We were very pleased with how this treatment
The issue was not only that he was rubbing himself worked for him and still have his shoes as a memory.
on the platform which caused abrasions, but also when
the wounds were bleeding birds would pick at the
WHAT’S UP DOC? is compiled by Jen DeGroot.
flippers, thereby causing infections. A bigger issue was
that Artis could not feel any of this.
Staff, working together with our veterinarian Dr.
Niels van Elk, now had to find a creative solution for
both problems. Treatment of the wounds was our first
goal, but was not a long-term solution. We also tried
Aluspray, a spray product to protect and camouflage the
wounds, which helped to prevent the bird problem for
a brief time. However, the Aluspray did not address our
platform rubbing issue. We even tried one of the plastic
collars used for cats and dogs to protect wounds or
stitches, but this fell off after only a couple of minutes.
A colleague happened to have encountered an
PHOTO 2: Robbert van Schie working with Artis to place
orthopaedic shoe technician, Frank Schonagen, who
the prothetic shoes on his back flippers. Photo Credit:
specializes in making prostheses for humans. Frank
Dolphinarium Harderwijk
Schonagen came to the Dolfinarium where he made a
30
Volume 36, Number 3
SOUNDINGS 2011
&
Notices Announcements
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
ON ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT
The 10th International Conference on Environmental
Enrichment is being held in Portland, Oregon at the
Benson Hotel on 14-19 August 2011. The Oregon Zoo
and the Oregon National Primate Research Center will
be hosting the event. Updates can be found at www.
enrichment.org as information becomes available.
AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The American Association of Zoo Keepers has
updated the information about their upcoming 2011
National Conference being held 24-28 August 2011.
The conference will be hosted by the San Diego
AAZK and held at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter. More
information concerning presentation submissions can
be found at www.aazk.org.
AZAD NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents
is holding a national conference in Memphis,
Tennessee on 30 August – 4 September 2011.
Visit www.mzsdocents.org for more information.
ABC DOLPHIN TRAINER ACADEMY –
BASIC COURSE
Live your dream and gain practical hands on
experience with three marine mammal species at
the ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy! Learn the science
of animal training while having fun working with
dolphins, sea lions, and manatees. The Basic Course
is being offered 5-9 September 2011. The workshop
is hosted by Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras,
Riviera Maya, Mexico. More information is available
at www.abcanimaltraining.com and visit us at http://
www.facebook.com/dolphin.training or email swood@
abcanimaltraining.com
AZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2011 annual
conference date has been announced. Zoo Atlanta
and the Georgia Aquarium will co-host the conference
12-17 September 2011. More information can be found
at www.aza.org.
EAZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 2011 annual conference of the European
Association of Zoos and Aquaria will be take place
in Montpellier, France on 20-24 September 2011.
Information will be posted at www.eaza.net as it
becomes available.
TEWZA WORKSHOP
The 5th Training and Enrichment Workshop for Zoo
Animals is taking place at the Oakland Zoo in Oakland,
California on 26-30 September 2011. More information
can be found at www.enrichment.org/MiniWebs/
International/tewza.pdf.
WAZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The 66th annual conference for the World Association
of Zoos and Aquariums will take place on 2-6
October 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic. Registration
information can be found at www.waza.org.
AKAA CONFERENCE
The Animal Keepers Association of Africa is holding
its annual conference 4-6 October 2011. Continue to
check www.akaafrica.com for more information.
AAZV ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
annual conference will be taking place in Kansas City,
Missouri on 23-28 October 2011. More information will
be posted at www.aazv.org closer to the conference
date.
JOINT EAAM/IMATA REGIONAL WORKSHOP
The European Association for Aquatic Mammals and
the International Marine Animal Trainers Association
are hosting a joint animal training and husbandry
workshop in the Netherlands at Ouwehands Zoo
and Dolfinarium Harderwijk 3-4 November 2011.
Please visit www.animaltrainingworkshop.nl for more
information.
ZAA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Zoologoical Association of America is hosting its
7th annual conference in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
area on 9-12 November, 2011. Visit http://zaa.org for
more information.
SMM BIENNIAL CONFERENCE
The 19th biennial conference for the Society for
Marine Mammalogy will be held at the Tampa
Convention Center in Tampa, Florida on 26 November
-2 December 2011. Visit www.marinemammalscience.
org for more information.
ABMA CONFERENCE
The dates for the 2012 conference for the Animal
Behavior Management Alliance have been
announced. The conference will be held in San
Francisco, California on 6-11 May 2012. This event
is taking place at the San Francisco Airport Marriott.
Updates can be found at www.theabma.org.
IAAAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE
AND MEETING
The 43rd Annual International Association for Aquatic
Animal Medicine conference and meeting will
take place in Atlanta, Georgia on 12-16 May 2012.
Visit www.iaaam.org for more information as it
becomes available.
ICZ CONFERENCE
The 4th International Congress on Zoo Keeping
conference will be held in Singapore on 9-13
September 2012. This event is sponsored by the
Wildlife Reserve Singapore and the Singapore Tourism
Bureau. Updates on information for this conference
can be found at www.aszk.org.au/.
PHOTOS NEEDED All IMATA members are
invited to submit photographs for use in Soundings
magazine. High quality images at 300dpi are preferred.
Please identify the photographer for credit and mail
your photos to “IMATA Photo Archivist” as well as
“Soundings Chief Editor” at the IMATA Central Office,
[email protected].
IMATA LIBRARY Are you looking for an article
from a past conference or an old issue of Soundings?
IMATA’s library is available online to Associate, Active,
and Professional members! Go to imata.org and click
Publications. Our searchable index is also found there.
CHANGING ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES,
OR EMAIL? Keep your information current on
IMATA’s website. You have the ability to update your
information. It’s as easy as 1, 2, and 3.
1. L og onto the member’s section of the IMATA
website with your username and password.
2. C
lick on edit profile and update your
current information.
3. A
fter updating your information, click on submit
at the bottom of the page and recheck the
information you just entered.
That’s all you have to do. Your changes are immediately
entered into the website. If you have any problems,
click on feedback, and write your questions in the
comment section.
WEBSITE Visit us online at www.imata.org.
NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
is compiled by Haley Merritt.
Off the Shelf
Marineland (Images of America series);
Price $21.99; 128 pages / softcover
By Cheryl Messinger and Terran McGinnis
Reviewed By Michael Hunt, Georgia Aquarium
One my fondest childhood memories was taking part in a school field trip
to Marineland. As a child, my visit to this quiet stretch of Florida coastline near
St. Augustine allowed me to witness sea life as I had never been seen before—
through 200 underwater portholes. My visit clearly inspired my future career
path and it’s clear that Marineland also made a profound impression on the rest
of the world as well. Now, we are able to revisit the magic of days gone by
with Marineland – the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of
America series.
As the first “oceanarium,” Marineland sparked the world’s fascination with
marine animals, displaying rare and unusual ocean life in daily performances that
included divers hand-feeding sharks and the world’s first dolphin show. Meanwhile,
behind the scenes, Marineland perfected scientific innovations, breeding and
raising the first dolphin calf in human care, and
pioneering research on cetacean echolocation.
A must-have for any trainer’s library,
Marineland resurrects memories of the historic
location through the visuals of more than 200
vintage images. Authors Cheryl Messinger and Terran McGinnis have a clear
passion for preserving the historic significance of Marineland, and bring together
this collection of images from its archives, uncovering the lasting relevance of the
vision set forth by Marineland’s founders more than 70-years ago.
OFF THE SHELF is compiled by Michael Belshaw.
SOUNDINGS 2011
Volume 36, Number 3
31
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