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 's Use of Sound Cues to Imitate Motor Behaviors

ISSN # 1007-016X Volume 36, Number 3 ~ Third Quarter 2011

Chief Editor D edicated to advancing the humane care PATRICK BERRY – Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas Magazine of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association and handling of marine animals by fostering Editorial Director communication between professionals that serve MICHAEL OSBORN – Mystic marine animal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation, and education. Associate Editor SUZANNE SMITH – Louisiana & Sea Turtle Resue Program BACK TO BASICS – Benjamin Schreiner ENRICHING ENVIRONMENTS – Ronnie Smith 8 26 OFF THE SHELF – Michael Belshaw PRODUCT PROFILE – Chris Scullion TRAINER’S FORUM – Robert Roozendaal Front Cover Photo Credit (inset photo): Dolphin Discovery IMATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Associate Editor President Past President BETH AMENT – Animal Behavior Consultant MICHAEL OSBORN DAVE ROBERTS REGIONAL REPORTS SeaWorld Asia Philip Wong REGIONAL REPORTER CONTACT INFORMATION Ryan Tate Associate Editor: Beth Ament [email protected] First Vice President Treasurer Canada Brian Sheehan Asia: Philip Wong [email protected] BILL WOLDEN PATTY SCHILLING Caribbean Islands Adrian Penny Australia/New Zealand: Ryan Tate rtate@.nsw.gov.au Dolphin Quest, Inc Europe North Central Christiane Thiere Europe Northeast Sunna Edberg 16 Canada: Brian Sheehan [email protected] Europe Northwest John-Rex Mitchell Second Vice President Secretary Caribbean Islands: Adrian Penny [email protected] Europe South Central Pablo Joury GRANT ABEL LAURA YEATES Europe North Central: Christiane Thiere [email protected] Europe Southwest Monika Lechermeier Park Hong Kong U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Japan Haruhiko Kato Europe Northeast: Sunna Edberg [email protected] Mexico Alex Mata Europe Northwest: John-Rex Mitchell [email protected] Third Vice President Director-at-Large Middle East Tommy Wilken Europe South Central: Pablo Joury [email protected] MICHELLE SOUSA CHRIS DAVIS Pacific Islands Stephanie Vlachos Long Beach Aquarium A to Z Animal Management Russia/Ukraine Monika Lechermeier Europe Southwest: Monika Lechermeier [email protected] South Gabby Harris Japan: Haruhiko Kato [email protected] President-Elect South America Miguel Marques Mexico: Alex Mata [email protected] U.S. Midwest Stacey Lonski SHELLEY WOOD U.S. North Central John-Rex Mitchell Middle East: Tommy Wilken [email protected] Dolphin Discovery U.S. Northeast Beth Manning Pacific Islands: Stephanie Vlachos [email protected] U.S. Northwest Cinthia Alia-Mitchell Russia/Ukraine: Monika Lechermeier [email protected] U.S. South Central Shannon Ray FEATURES COMMITTEE CHAIRS U.S. Southeast Sarah Graff South Africa: Gabby Harris gabby@.org.za Accreditation International Services U.S. Southwest Brittany Harris 16 V oluntary Stomach Intubation South America: Miguel Marques [email protected] BILLY HURLEY SUNNA EDBERG in West Antillean Manatees U.S. Midwest: Stacey Lonski [email protected] Kolmarden Associate Editor Tube in or tube out? That is the question DENNIS CHRISTEN – Georgia Aquarium The challenges and success of voluntary DEPARTMENTS U.S. North Central: John-Rex Mitchell [email protected] WHAT’S UP DOC – Jen DeGroot U.S. Northeast: Beth Manning [email protected] Advisory IMATA TV stomach intubation in West Antillean TODD COFFMAN Toni Loschiavo CONSERVATION BRIEFS – Shelly Samm Conservation Briefs EDUCATION FORUM – Jason Jones manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) U.S. Northwest: Cinthia Alia-Mitchell [email protected] SeaWorld Orlando Mystic Aquarium 5 Features conservation tidbits from around U.S. South Central: Shannon Ray [email protected] INNERviews – Kevin Roberts NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS – Haley Merritt A Dolphin’s Use of Sound Cues the world U.S. Southeast: Sarah Graff [email protected] DENNIS CHRISTEN Legislation, Information, RESEARCH BRIEFS – Beau Richter 26 I can do that blindfolded! A dolphin's use Georgia Aquarium and Policy Back to Basics U.S. Southwest: Brittany Harris [email protected] of sound cues to imitate motor behaviors MARK XITCO Associate Editor 6 Understanding sea otters Soundings is published four times a year by the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) Central Office U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program ERIKA PUTMAN – NMMP Foundation as a service to its members. Submissions of manuscripts, photographs, and illustrations are welcomed and KEN RAMIREZ CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN – Bill Wolden 12 Enriching Environments encouraged, but will be returned only if accompanied by a return envelope and adequate postage. Any John G. Nominations and Elections CONFERENCE SITE SELECTION – Staci Lonski What's in your closet? DAVE ROBERTS LIP SYNC – Mark Xitco material accepted is subject to such revision as is necessary in our sole discretion to meet the requirements MEMBERSHIP UPDATES – Laura Yeates of publication. Soundings is produced using Microsoft Word; the style manual followed is the fifth edition Conference SeaWorld San Diego IMATA BUSINESS E ducation Forum ERIN CLARK MERCHANDISE – Erin Clark 13 (2002) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Electronic submissions are preferred NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS – Dave Roberts Membership level and benefit changes New England Aquarium Merchandise and can be sent to IMATA Soundings Chief Editor, Patrick Berry, at: [email protected]. (Typed submissions PRESIDENT’S CORNER – Michael Osborn President’s Corner ERIN CLARK 4 will also be accepted and should be double spaced on 8.5” x 11” paper.) Include the name, address, FAX REGIONAL WORKSHOP REPORTS – Staci Lonski Remember the pathway you followed Research Briefs Conservation and Research New England Aquarium 18 number, and phone number of the author on the title page. Slides and hard copy or photographs can be color and why IMATA “Dives” into advancing marine DEBI COLBERT Associate Editor or black and white; photographs should be at least 3” x 5”. Digital photographs are welcomed and should animal research and conservation Association of and Publications NEDRA HECKER Conference Countdown have adequate resolution when viewed on a computer screen. For all images, include captions, identify all opportunities! PATRICK BERRY FEATURE ARTICLES 8 It’s time to make plans for the 39th Annual recognizable persons, and include a photo credit. The act of submitting an article, photograph, or illustration Jennifer Alexander, Georgia Aquarium Education/Membership Services Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas IMATA Conference being held in Miami, Regional Reports constitutes an agreement that (1) the materials are free of copyright restrictions, (2) photo releases have MADELYNN HETTIGER Michael Belshaw, Marineland 20 been obtained, and (3) the material may be published by IMATA in Soundings or other IMATA publications. John G. Shedd Aquarium Regional Workshops Traci Belting, Seattle Aquarium , 18-23 September 2011 Keep up on news from IMATA members Deadlines for submission are 15 November, 15 February, 15 May, and 15 August. Submissions should be STACI LONSKI Linda Beverly, Indianapolis Zoo around the world addressed to Patrick Berry, Soundings Chief Editor, email [email protected] or mailed to IMATA, 1200 South Margaret Black, Mystic Aquarium Regional Workshops held Finance Indianapolis Zoo Sarah Brignac, Dolphin Research Center 19 Lake Shore Drive, , Illinois, USA, or faxed to (312) 939-2216. Address changes should be sent to TRACI BELTING Two IMATA regional workshops Trainer’s Forum Carmen Colitz DVM, Animal Eye Specialty Clinic recently held 28 IMATA’s Secretary, Laura Yeates, at the same address. Address changes can also be made online at IMATA’s Seattle Aquarium Sponsorship Matt Fripp, SeaWorld San Diego Do you use various types of bridges in web site, www.imata.org. CHRIS SCULLION Andy Johnson, your environment? If so, what types, and Honors and Awards U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program Nina Lambert, Theater of the Sea how do you pick and choose them? ©Copyright 2011. All of the articles contained within Soundings are the personal views of the respective MIKE POOL Brett Long, Alaska SeaLife Center authors and do not necessarily represent the views of IMATA or its Board of Directors. SeaWorld San Antonio Catherine ‘CJ’ Johnson, Knoxville Zoo What's up Doc? Patrick W. B. Moore, SAIC BioSolutions 30 Shoes for a seal Ken Ramirez, John G. Shedd Aquarium CONTACT US Terry Samansky, DolphinTrainer.com Notices & Announcements 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605 USA Patty Schilling, New England Aquarium 31 CHIEF EDITORS Grey Stafford, World Zoo Information on conference dates and PHONE (312) 692-3193 FAX (312) 939-2216 Proceedings Web Site more [email protected] or visit our website at www.imata.org HEATHER KEENAN Beau Richter Historian Long Marine Laboratory and Aquarium CHERYL MESSINGER - The Dolphin Connection 31 Off the Shelf DESIGN & PRODUCTION Michael Hunt reviews Marineland Lunar Cow Soundings FACEBOOK Photo Archivist (Images of America series) by 137 S. Main Street, STE 202 • Akron, OH 44308 PATRICK BERRY MICHAEL HUNT MARK TODD - SAIC BioSolutions Cheryl Messigner and Terran McGinnis Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas (330) 253-9000 • www.lunarcow.com Georgia Aquarium FILLERS AND FACTOIDS DENNIS CHRISTEN - Georgia Aquarium

Publi cations Chair PATRICK BERRY – Disney’s Animal Programs, The Seas

2 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 3 Humpback Whales in Wilhelmina Bay Picky Fish-hooks 1. If the animal is physically capable of performing Started this past May, in an effort to help Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus a behavior, it can be trained by implementing maccoyii) populations, long-lining fishing vessels in the Gulf of Mexico are mandated a behavior plan that includes motivation, to use a new hook. Long-line fishing is a practice of dropping lines, which extend for desensitization, and successive approximations. 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, 2. Taking on tasks that meet team objectives over what I feel are my own important objectives. 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 3. Understanding the basic foundation of operant is prohibited in the Gulf, an area where the fish come to spawn. During two years of conditioning and learning to simplify complicated testing by gulf commercial fisherman, a 56% decrease of bluefin catch was noted, situations. 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 4. Solid behavioral separations within social groups tends to lodge in the jaw, sets less deeply than the regular J-shaped hooks that provide focused training and variability. 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 5. Read the animal’s eyes and body posture to help hook, compared to 35% determine the effectiveness of a training session. Humpback whale diving. which died from release of 6. Give total quality respect for others and leave no the J-hook. The Norwegian one behind. company Mustad is one of Remember the Pathway You Followed and Why For two consecutive years, Wilhelmina Bay in the western Antarctic has seen the the businesses working with 7. Teaching variability and variety while maintaining densest populations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) ever recorded. Southeast Fisheries Science I was putting my six-year-old daughter to bed and asked her if consistency. In May of 2009, which is autumn in the southern hemisphere, over 300 whales were Center of the National she could write a magazine article, what would it be about? I was counted feeding on krill. In the same month the following year (2010), nearly as Oceanic and Atmospheric expecting to hear “Little Pet Shops” or “Puppy Dogs”, but she said 8. Minimize dependency of food motivation, with many were tallied again. Researchers noted that there was greater numbers of Administration (NOAA) the rain forest, because her teacher said it is important that they an emphasis on relationship and conditioned krill (Euphausia superba), with estimates of nearly 1.8 million metric tons (2 million in developing the hook. are saved for the future. In that moment I realized her appreciation reinforcers. tons), which was likely to have attracted the whales. The increase amount of krill is Circular hook is being sold in was influenced by someone she trusted, which affects her choices not necessarily a good sign. With warm weather and more open waters in winter, several locations in Norway. Fish Hooks Designed to Avoid the Wrong Catch. in life - to help care for our planet. 9. Be creative in problem solving and learn from Photo Credit: NY Times those that have succeeded. the krill have less ice to hide beneath, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Krill Researcher see the next also need ice to feed and reproduce underneath. Eleven whales were tagged in step is to see how long the fish are on the circular hook, before it straightens the Do you remember the individuals that have influenced your life’s decisions? Growing up my role models were my parents, 10. Be a leader for animals and people, influencing Wilhelmina and nearby Andvord Bay, allowing the researchers to learn of their hook and it escapes. (The New York Times) school teachers, Jacques Cousteau, and other individuals that behavior through positive motivation rather than activities while they remained in the bays. It was found the whales rested in the day, shared life’s adventure and beauty, gaining my trust and respect. control. dive over 273 m (300 yards) in the late afternoon, and fed intensely at night, when Save Energy & Be Green They influenced my choices in life because I wanted to be like the krill would come to surface. Estimates suggest a humpback whale can eat nearly Did you know that while you them, not because they had authority over me. These role models As marine animal trainers we have accepted the responsibility 454 kg (1000 pounds) per day. (The New York Times) of being leaders of animals and people. Reflect on the individuals ride your bike, which is an eco- inspired my passion for the ocean enabling me to enjoying the friendly act all in itself, you can wonderful qualities it possessed like animals, diving, surfing, and moments in your life where others have inspired you to be sailing and fishing. It amazed me with its vast size and how it could different through their actions. Then reach into your heart (and generate energy to power your bring such great serenity to my heart. At other times when the fact sheets with good reference) to find the words and actions MP3s, headlamps, and even ocean weather was so enraged it would bring fear that stimulated knowing you could impact other’s decisions in life with one or GPS units? Using the same every sense in my body. Thank you to my father and others that two sentences. In those moments “make it count”, because the pedaling that gets you around, connection between the animals you care for, and the people taught me respect for the ocean at an early age- which probably hub dynamos are tiny electric saved my life several times in sketchy moments. Eventually my you introduce them to will make a lasting impression for both the animals and the people. The impression for animals will dictate generators, hidden in the bike passion to learn more about the and its inhabitants led Schmidt hub dynamo disk brake. wheel’s hub, which produce a to a bachelor’s degree in general oceanography and an exciting how they respond to you for many interactions to come. For people, Photo Credit: Eva K. / Eva K. |Date=2008-10-17 |Au career as a marine animal trainer. In this career I have met many they will choose one of two directions - to ignore environmental steady current as you ride. more role models, individuals that took a minute to say something concerns or take action to “save the rainforest”. that may have seemed as matter of fact or standard to them, but CONSERVATION BRIEFS is compiled by Shelly Samm. struck something in my heart and changed the way I think. I'd Thank you to all the role models in my life! I look forward to sharing inspirational moments with many of you in Miami. like to share the top ten traits and skills others possessed which Krill (Euphausia superba), is a popular food have influence my life and animal training decisions. They may be source for humpback whales. a matter of fact, or standard, to many of you because that’s where Sincerely, they came from.

4 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 5 wick opens wide otter with shell

Photo Credit: Terrie M. Williams

Jacob Standing UNDERSTANDING SEA OTTERS requiring their daily intake of food Photo Credit: Beau Richter Traci L. Kendall, Marine Mammal Physiology Project (generally 18-25% of their body Long Marine Laboratory, University of , Santa Cruz weight) to be given in more than one or two feeds a day. In a behavioral Given all that we know about sea otters, how can we use this setting, it is important to keep in mind that sea otters, like most species, information to help us work more effectively with our animals? First are more motivated at the beginning of a training session when primary off, I believe that consistency is of great importance when working with reinforcement is more desirable. However, if a hasn’t eaten in sea otters. Consistency allows our animals to understand the working several hours, their ability to focus on more challenging or extended scenario with humans and allows us to succeed together. Secondly, trust tasks can be difficult. This is one reason why it is beneficial to spread is something that may take longer to gain with these animals, but is e work in an industry that is often (understandably) dominated the victims of increased out their food consumption throughout the day. It is also important essential to have a successful working relationship. Third, don’t allow your by and cetaceans. However, there are many facilities attacks in recent history. Because to maintain an adequate weight on these delicate animals. Sometimes sea otters to rehearse undesired behavior. It is better to leave and return Wthat house other species equally capable of providing educational they spend the majority of their when the reinforcement you are using has regained its value. Luckily, the small changes (even as small as 0.3 kg) in an animal’s weight can and inspiration opportunities and deserve the same level of dedication time on the surface of the water, lead to motivational challenges. Lack of motivation with a sea otter can since a sea otter has such a fast metabolism this usually means you don’t and training. Admittedly, when I began working with Southern sea they are extremely vulnerable. manifest itself in several forms: acting fearful of scenarios or people have to wait for an extended period of time. Fourth, because of their otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) I didn’t think they were as trainable as many From these experiences, it is not that they have previously been comfortable with, refusal of behavior or curious nature, it is pertinent for sea otters to have things to do that they other marine mammals. The Southern sea otter is often stereotyped surprising that it is difficult to offering different behaviors than those requested, disinterest in food – find mentally stimulating. A bored as: easily distracted, prone to toy possession, exhibits flash aggression, gain the trust of the individual particularly those food types that an animal finds less favorable, increased sea otter is a potentially dangerous wick Saluting and extremely destructive. Fortunately I was given the opportunity to Photo Credit: Beau Richter animals that we work with. Sea resource guarding (i.e., toy possession), increased interaction with pool sea otter – particularly if they turn participate in sea otter research that challenged me to look at these animals otters are clearly quick learners, their attention to redesigning their in a new light. This project began with a history lesson, encouraging me mates, fixation on things around or outside an animals’ enclosure, and though, and as long as a consistent working system in put into place exhibit! Lastly, (and one of the to learn more about the natural history of the sea otter. Armed with increased incidents of aggression. Because decreased motivation can be with them, sea otters can be quite dependable. things that challenges me to this this new understanding, of great concern with sea otters, it’s important to keep environmental Another unique attribute of the sea otter is that they are tool- day when working with them) Morgan With Kelp I was able to successfully temperatures as constant as possible and offer ice or other methods to using animals. Sea otters can use rocks or other objects to assist in sea otters, particularly males, overcome sea otter facilitate cooling when necessary. opening the shellfish they consume. While their paws and tool-use add have a strong desire to control stereotypes and discover In addition to a fast metabolism, sea otters have other special their environment. This is often the amazing potential of to the charm of the sea otter, they are also qualities that must be closely needs related to their small body size. For instance, additional precautions these animals. monitored when housing these animals. Many facilities house their sea need to be taken when housing them. Along with their innate curiosity, the reason we see animals being The first step otters in naturalistic exhibits with underwater viewing windows. Some sea otters are notorious for being able to fit into small spaces that they possessive over their toys. Finding toward understanding have discovered, the hard way, that sea otters and rocks don’t mix well were not intended to go. This unfortunately has been the demise of ways that you can work with your sea otters was to spend with acrylic windows. The adorable behavior of sea otters and their animals both in the wild and in an aquarium setting. There have been sea otter in a safe manner while time observing them tool-use can quickly become a menace when large scratches are etched multiple instances of sea otters drowning because they have become still allowing them to feel some and learning about their into the public viewing windows. Additionally, sea otters have semi- trapped in drains or overflow areas. Similarly, laws have been passed to amount of control requires some behavior in the wild. retractable claws that are instrumental for prying prey from crevices and help eliminate accidental sea otter deaths from getting stuck in crab and creative training, but will make the Photo Credit: Beau Richter Right away I noticed subsequently holding on to their food item until it can be consumed. This lobster pots, drift nets, and gill nets. life of you and your animals much that their most striking is a necessary evolutionary adaptation for living in the wild environment, Other factors affecting sea otter behavior and influencing our better in the end. Sea otters are a characteristic is the otter’s extremely thick pelage. This fur was highly but when used to pry up a pool coating or grate, it can spell disaster. training sessions are breeding and aggression. Wild male sea otters are delightful species to work with, Photo Credit: Beau Richter sought after during the Russian fur trade and was almost the demise It is essential to provide a sea otter-proof environment that is safe for aggressive breeders who defend their territories from other males. This particularly when you understand of the species. During the peak years (1786-1868) of sea otter hunting the animals. But we must also respect their natural abilities and provide is important information to consider when housing these animals in them. If there’s one thing I’ve in California alone, more than 200,000 sea otters were enrichment and outlets for these a captive environment. In addition, sea otters do not have a regular learned above all else, it is to never underestimate the sea otter by animals to practice their innate placing limitations on them. If you expect very little from an animal, killed between San Francisco Bay and Baja California. Morgan With Toy breeding season like many other marine mammals do. They possess By the 1900’s sea otters were nearly extinct with less than tool-use behaviors. delayed implantation and can bare young in any season, although there that is generally what you will get. But when you challenge the animal, 2,000 animals remaining in the wild. It is documented that Sea otters are the are slightly higher pupping rates from December to March. When as long as it is within their natural abilities, there is a good chance you when sea otters were first discovered, they were curious smallest of all marine mammals working with sea otters, it is important to understand that these animals will be pleasantly rewarded! and would come close to humans to investigate them. and the fact that they live in a can have hormonal surges without warning, which is probably why they cold aquatic environment and Nickerson, R. (1989). Sea otters: a natural history and guide. Eventually, sea otters became wary of humans, however, are more prone to flash aggression than many other species. However, San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. and were more difficult to approach and kill. As a result, have fur for insulation has lead sea otters do exhibit precursors to aggression, some of which include: the Russians used the Aleuts to carry out the hunt for them to possess a very fast hissing, moaning, banging on their chests, orienting vertically in the Yeates, L. C., Williams, T. M., & Fink, T.L. (2007). Diving and foraging them. The Aleuts would dress in waterproof clothing made metabolism (Yeates, 2007). water, swimming away from you, excessive grooming, flexing their nails energetics of the smallest marine mammal, the sea otter (Enhydra lutris). The Journal of Experimental Biology, 210, 1960-1970. of seal intestines and enter the water in their walrus or seal Understanding this natural and paws, and holding their breath. If you see any of these precursors skin covered baidarkas (or kayaks) to sneak up and spear adaptation is important while when working with a sea otter, it is best to try and get control of the Photo Credit: Beau Richter BACK TO BASICS is compiled by Marcia Thissell the animals (Nickerson, 1989). Sea otters have also been caring for these animals. Sea situation before the animal expresses direct aggression. . otters need to eat fairly regularly,

6 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 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 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE (subject to change) Honors & Awards Banquet, but daily registrations do not. • Tickets to these events may be purchased separately for daily registrations and guests Sunday, September 18, 2011 on-line at www.miami2011.imata.org. • Animal Training class • Full registration or corresponding daily registration is required to attend each Career • Conference registration Night function. • Icebreaker Monday, September 19, 2011 FREE TRIP DRAWING • Opening Video #1 = Dance! • IF YOU PRE-REGISTERED THEN YOU ARE ELIGIBLE! Wow! • Opening ceremonies 2011 Conference • Sponsored by • Keynote speaker: Wyland – World • If you pre-registered for the conference by 1 August 2011, then you are automatically renowned marine life artist eligible for the FREE TRIP DRAWING prize to be awarded at the IMATA Business • Formal presentations Meeting during the conference. • VIP Lunch Chat with IMATA Board members By 1st Vice • You must be present to win! • Workshops President Bill Wolden COUNTDOWN • Career Night #1 – Resume Review and Interview HOST FACILITY Skills Workshop • MIAMI SEAQUARIUM Tuesday, September 20, 2011 • 38-acre tropical paradise with , • Opening Video #2 = Love! killer whales, sea , sea turtles, • Formal presentations manatees, and more • Miami Seaquarium facility visit • 8 different marine animal shows, daily Wednesday, September 21, 2011 presentations, and interaction opportunities Photo Credit Miami Seaquarium • www.miamiseaquarium.com • Opening Video #3 = Laugh! See you in Miami • Formal presentations • Panel Discussion: Education The next IMATA Conference will be held in beautiful South Beach in • Book your room early to ensure they don’t sell out!!! ANIMAL TRAINING SEMINAR Messaging in Programs and Shows Miami, Florida! We have a LOT of new and exciting things planned this • If you have a roommate, you must provide everyone’s name when • CLASS IS ALMOST FULL! BOOK NOW! • VIP Lunch Chat with Panel Discussion members year, and it looks like this year’s conference will be one of the highest making the reservation otherwise they will not be able to check in • Ken Ramirez will be conducting his • IMATA Game Show: $25,000 Pyramid attended, so don’t miss out! Also, hotel room availability is selling out • Room rates apply three (3) days before and after the conference based Introduction to Animal Training Seminar • IMATA Business meeting fast, so be sure to make your hotel room reservation at the Loews Miami upon availability before the conference • Career Night #2 – Deluxe Job Fair and Beach Hotel as soon as possible!!! • PREFERRED METHOD: Make hotel reservations by phone: • Time = Sunday, September 18, 2011 from Job Interviews 1-877-604-1601 9am to 6pm CONFERENCE DATES • Be sure to tell reservationist you are with IMATA when making • Cost = $75/person Thursday, September 22, 2011 • Conference start date = Sunday, September 18, 2011 reservation by phone to receive special IMATA room rate • Registration for seminar is available on-line • Opening Video #4 = Train! • Conference end date = Friday, September 23, 2011 • Hotel reservations link available on-line at IMATA Conference Web site NOW at www.miami2011.imata.org • Formal presentations at www.miami2011.imata.org • Foreign language presentations CONFERENCE HOTEL • If making reservations on-line, you must use this direct link to receive NEW! OPENING VIDEOS x 5 • VIP Lunch Chat with Facility Owners • Loews Miami Beach Hotel special IMATA room rates • START EACH MORNING WITH & Managers • BOOK NOW! ROOMS ARE A MUSIC VIDEO! • Poster Presentations and Art Contest SELLING OUT FAST! ROOMMATE FINDING SERVICE • We are doing five (5) Opening Videos this • Informal Night, Live Art Auction & Silent Auction • 1601 Collins Ave., Miami • LOWER YOUR EXPENSES! year, each with a different theme: with Ice Cream Social • Dance! Love! Laugh! Train! Sing! Beach, FL – located on • Use our ‘FIND A ROOMMATE’ service located Friday, September 23, 2011 South Beach on the IMATA Conference Web site at • We have received footage from over 35 facilities • Opening Video #5 = Sing! • Room rates = $189/night www.miami2011.imata.org and save on • Formal presentations • Single = $189 (king bed) the cost of your room! • A different music video compilation will be played at the beginning of each day of the • 2012 Conference presentation • Double = $94.50 each • Swim Test workshop (single king bed or two TRANSPORTATION conference so don’t be late!!! • Honors & Awards Dinner and Ceremony twin beds) • FLY INTO MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA) • Dancing • Triple = $63 each (two twin beds or single king bed with pullout • Take a taxi to hotel = $32.00 PRESENTATIONS: FORMALS, POSTERS, AND INFORMALS sofa twin bed) • Rental cars are not recommended, but if you must drive then carpool • ALL ABSTRACT DEALINED HAVE PASSED! • Quad = $47.25 each (two twin beds) • Daytime parking at hotel = $26.00 and overnight parking at • We will have a wide variety of excellent presentations scheduled throughout the • You MUST request two twin beds if needed since these rooms are hotel = $37.00 conference week limited and not guaranteed • Cheaper option across street of hotel: overnight = $16.00

8 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 9 NEW AND IMPROVED! SAIC BIOSOLUTIONS • All submitted abstracts are automatically eligible for this award ART CONTEST • Abstract criteria and award rules are available on-line at • BIGGER AND BETTER WITH $1,000 IN PRIZES! www.miami2011.imata.org • Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is once again • Winner will receive monetary award of $300 (USD) sponsored by sponsoring this year’s Art Contest which occurs on Thursday, 22 Dolphin Connection September 2011 • Criteria and instructions are OUTERNET TECHNOLOGIES AWARD available on-line at • $300 IN PRIZES! www.miami2011.imata.org • Recognizes the best or most innovative use of science and technology at Night! • Criteria snapshot: in training sessions, shows, play sessions, husbandry, conference • All art submitted in one presentations, or record keeping for any formal, informal, or poster of three categories: presentation. • Humor • All presentations are automatically eligible for this award • Art • Criteria for this award available on-line at www.miami2011.imata.org • Photography • Winners will receive monetary awards: $200 (USD) for 1st Place and • To enter the IMATA Art $100 (USD) for 2nd Place Contest, simply bring your art to the conference where we will be NEW! ESSAY CONTEST collecting and displaying all submissions • ALL ESSAYS WERE DUE BY 1 AUGUST 2011! • Winners will receive monetary awards: $200 (USD) for 1st Place and • We will announce the winner during the $100 (USD) for 2nd Place and $100 for Overall Winner conference opening ceremonies and have them present their winning essay JOIN THE 2011 IMATA JUDGING TEAM • The essay answers the following questions: • NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED! “What does IMATA • If you are interested in becoming a judge for the mean to you? How has IMATA helped or NEW! LIVE ART AUCTION NEW! CAREER NIGHTS x 2 2011 IMATA Conference, please contact Mike Pool at change the lives of your animals or yourself?” • UNPREDICTABLE! CAREER NIGHT #1 [email protected] immediately. • The winner will also receive a FUNNY! YOU DON’T • Resume Review and Interview • Team of 6-8 judges will judge every paper and poster and then vote on FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION! WANT TO MISS IT! Skill Workshops who will receive awards • Bill and Billy are back to • To sign up for the Resume • We are looking for IMATA members with all levels of experience from PRE-POST CONFERENCE emcee a hilarious live Review workshop, visit novice to experienced FACILITY VISITS auction focusing on one- the conference web-site at • Criteria needed to be met to be selected as a judge: • EXPERIENCE FLORIDA of-a-kind marine themed www.miami2011.imata.org • Be an IMATA member in GOOD standing FACILITIES! art pieces including • Spaces are filling up fast • NOT presenting or authoring a paper or poster this year • We have arranged a wide variety of paintings • No reservations are required • Have NOT been a judge in the past 3 years pre and post conference facility visit donated by Wyland for the Interview Skills • Able to attend ALL formal presentations and view all posters options for you to take advantage of • If you plan on donating workshop • Able to keep your identity as a judge a SECRET for while you are in Florida. any art pieces for the Live Art Auction (including those that might CAREER NIGHT #2 entire conference • Various facilities are offering free first be included in the SAIC Art Contest), please bring your art to the • Deluxe Job Fair and Job Interview Room Photo Credit Dolphin Connection • If you meet these criteria, please contact Mike Pool immediately! admission, discounted animal conference and we will collect all submissions then • Job Fair tables are FREE for all organizations this year! • All judges will receive a GIFT OF THANKS and will be recognized encounters, and more before and after • If your company would like to reserve a table please let Michelle during the Honors and Awards Banquet the conference so plan accordingly! NEW! PANEL DISCUSSION Campbell know at [email protected] • For a complete list of these benefits, please visit the conference web- • DISCUSSING TODAY’S HOT TOPICS IMATA TROPHY AWARDS site at www.miami2011.imaga.org. • Panel of experts to discuss “Education Messaging in Animal NEW! SWIM TEST WORKSHOP • AND THE WINNERS ARE… Programs and Shows” • RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW! • We will be recognizing excellence with an IMATA EXCITING CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS • Panel members include Julie Scardina, Diane Sweeney, and more! • This workshop aims to prepare you for your first swim test and build sponsored trophy in the following categories: KEYNOTE SPEAKER – WYLAND! your confidence for in-water work. • People’s Choice • LIVE AND IN-PERSON! NEW! VIP LUNCH CHATS • Friday, 23 September 2011 at 2:00pm • Poster Presentation • Wyland, world renowned marine life artist, will talk about his work, his • EAT! CHAT! LEARN! • Skill sets covered include: • First Time Presenter conservation fund, and will paint live on stage. • Bring your lunch and sit down to chat with a variety • Swimming techniques • Education and Conservation • His artwork will also be auctioned off during the Live Art Auction later of interesting people: • Tips on diving properly • Research Advancements in the week • IMATA Board members • Breath hold strategies • Husbandry Training and Committee Chairs • Strength exercises and • Behavioral Training Photo Courtesy of Wyland • Panel Discussion expectations experts • We are taking RESERVATIONS EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD Courtesy of Wyland • Marine animal facility NOW for this workshop, so please • $300 PRIZE! owners and managers visit the conference web-site at • Given to the expanded abstract that most effectively and accurately www.miami2011.imata.org follows the formatting guidelines for Proceedings and requires the to make your reservation today least amount of editing. • Spaces are limited!!!

10 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 11 IMATA will be implementing an automatic password change which may be regularly EDUCATION FORUM shared with current staff, interns, and volunteers. Membership Level and Benefit Changes IMATA constantly strives to add value to being a member. Membership level benefits Organizational Membership See you in are reviewed on a regular basis. As part of the 2011 mid-year meeting, IMATA’s Board With the creation of the “Friends of IMATA” level, IMATA has modified the of Directors evaluated member benefits and approved a series of changes. These Organizational membership requirements to include accreditation of the facility’s changes are to insure that IMATA continues to protect sensitive information about our trainer development program. To learn about IMATA Accreditation please email the Miami! members. While adjusted benefits are now in place, any changes that may affect your Accreditation Committee Chair at: [email protected] or visit: http://www.imata. membership level will not take effect until your renewal date. 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 Membership Directory will no longer have access to the “Trainer Forum” found within the IMATA website. IMATA’s Membership Directory is a valuable tool that allows members to contact This modification reserves the feature for individual members to share their personal other members electronically and share other personal contact information. To opinions in personal posts and conversations. further secure the information maintained in the Directory, access will be provided to Complimentary Job Fair Table members who have been endorsed at the Active and Professional levels. Subsequently, A staple at each IMATA conference is the popular job fair table. At the Job Fair, as of 1 July 2011, the Directory is no longer accessible to Associate and Organizational facilities from across the globe host tables to meet job-seekers face-to-face. The Job members. Associate and Organizational members wishing to access the Membership Fair facilitates discussions related to position openings, internship opportunities, and Directory are encouraged to upgrade to the Active or Professional level of membership. 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 Friends of IMATA Job Fair ever! Historically, IMATA has made the Job Fair tables available to facility IMATA is excited to announce the creation of a new level called “Friends of IMATA”. employment representatives at a nominal charge. To better serve the membership NEW! FOREIGN LANGUAGE FORMAL • All coffee breaks, VIP Lunch Chats, and other events This level is similar to the current Organizational Membership and will enjoy the and aspiring trainers, IMATA is pleased to announce that the Job Fair tables are now PRESENTATIONS will also be located in this space to help you take following benefits: complimentary. For information on being part of the 2011 Job Fair, please contact • Access to the current issue of eSoundings • SPANISH! FRENCH! CHINESE! advantage of these exciting exhibitors here to offer IMATA 1st Vice-President, Bill Wolden, via email at: [email protected]. • Access to IMATA’s digital library of past Soundings and Proceedings The Future • Three formal presentation incredible business opportunities • Access to IMATA’s online job postings IMATA continues to work hard to insure that the privacy of its member’s personal will be conducted in their • The Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor Packet is available • Invitation to regional workshops information is protected and that quality benefits are offered to members across native language with on-line at www.miami2011.imata.org under the ‘Sponsorship • Discounted conference registration for one member associated with the all levels of affiliation. IMATA’s leadership is always eager to hear new ideas and English subtitles and Exhibit’ and is filled with additional information. facility or company feedback via email at [email protected]. For a complete list of Board and Committee in their PowerPoint • One printed Soundings magazine every quarter Chairs please visit: http://www.imata.org/index.php/board&chairs?cfid=2. If you • Company log in the online Membership Directory have any questions regarding your membership at any level, please contact IMATA’s SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES • Company link on the IMATA website Education & Membership Services Committee Chair, Madelynn Hettiger. NEW! ANIMAL WORKSHOPS • BECOME A PROUD SPONSOR! • Discounted rate for table at the Exhibitor Hall during the conference • WORKSHOP #1 = SHOW ANIMAL TRAINING • We are continuing to collect sponsorships for this year’s Current Organizational members will migrate to the “Friends of IMATA” level upon EDUCATION FORUM is compiled by Madelynn Hettiger and Jason Jones. • Professional marine animal trainers conference which allowed us to provide a lower conference renewal. In addition, to secure access to the above online benefits for their employees, will show you the registration rate and will help us to include more food and drinks steps they took to train their throughout the week animals to perform high • If you are interested in becoming a $2,500 Facility Sponsor – energy show behaviors please let us know immediately by contacting Bill Wolden at • Filled with video footage and step [email protected] by step instructions, this workshop • Current $2,500 Facility Sponsors include: is perfect for anyone looking for • Miami Seaquarium new show behavior ideas, or who • Dolphin Quest needs help training their animals. • Georgia Aquarium • WORKSHOP #2 = DOG TRAINING • SeaWorld McRobertsSales • Professional dog trainer and past • Dolphin Connection specializes in the distribution of #1 Food Grade Frozen Fish and Seafood SeaWorld trainer • Mystic Aquarium to Zoos and Aquariums around the world for animal consumption. Joel Beckman will conduct an • Amneville Zoo exciting workshop on dog training • Ocean Park Hong Kong ● No orders too small ● All items fit for human consumption with live dogs on stage! • There are additional sponsorship opportunities available and to ● Shipping domestically and internationally ● Product inquiries welcomed • Watch as Joel utilizes his marine help you decide how to get involved, the Conference Sponsor and mammal training experience to Exhibitor Packet is available now at www.miami2011.imata.org under train dogs on problem solving, ‘Sponsorships’ and is filled with useful information including our list of With a vast inventory we can help you with your specialized dietary needs: agility, and show behaviors. benefits for each sponsorship level. Anchovy Crevalle Jack Lake Smelt California Sardines Squid Kathi L. Davis • Our current sponsors include: Blue Runner Clams Lobster Spanish Sardines Tilapia President [email protected] NEW! $25,000 PYRAMID GAME SHOW • Lunar Cow • Reef Safe/Tropical Seas Bonito Glass Minnows Mackerel Salmon Trout • IMATA STYLE GAME SHOW! Michelle Davis Garis • Atlantic/Pacific • STA Butterfish Herring Mahi Shrimp Tuna Secretary/Treasurer • Come enjoy IMATA’s version of the $25,000 Pyramid game show with • McRoberts • Meridian Subtec Capelin Pacific Krill Mullet Silversides White Bait [email protected] our celebrity guests! • Animal Necessity • Pisces Fish Crab Superba Krill Pollock Silver Smelt Whiting • Scheduled right before the IMATA Business Meeting • The

EXPANDED! EXHIBITOR HALL For more conference information visit www.miami2011.imata.org • OUR LARGEST EXHIBITOR HALL EVER! PO Box 489 Ruskin, FL 33575 Phone 813.645.2561 Fax 813.645.2565 www.mcrobertssales.com • A large array of exhibitors will be located in a huge ballroom all week

12 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 13 around the outer edge DOLPHIN QUEST BERMUDA of the board. File all Underwater Mirror rough edges. Cut the Shopping List: kelp material into 2-inch • acrylic mirror (20”x20”) wide strips. The kelp is • zip ties fairly easy to work with What’s in Your Closet? • foam noodle and can be cut into • watering hose 2-inch wide pieces with In this issue we kick off a series of articles that will peek into the toy closets of facilities around the world to Time: About 20 minutes to construct a utility knife or heavy- Photo Credit: Megan Vens-Policky see what fun and affordable enrichment items our peers have come up with! This issue focuses on cetaceans. Assembly: Drill a small hole on duty kitchen shears. Tie each corner of the square mirror a knot in one end, leaving only a small tail. Pull the kelp strip from and two small holes on each side the top though the drilled slit and tie another knot on the underside Photo Credit: Kelly Winfield CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM DOLPHINS PLUS of the mirror. Cut foam noodle to fit of the cutting board, securing the strip on both sides and creating the the length of the top of the mirror and can overlap the front and back tie appearance. (Tip: The kelp material is more pliable and easier to Tether Ball Boomer Bottle of the mirror. Cut the hose and wrap it around the mirror to create a tie when wet.) Shopping List: Shopping List: soft border around the mirrors sides and edges. Zip tie around the About: The lags enjoy holding the strips in their mouths and letting • hippity hop • five-gallon water jug noodle and hose and through the mirror to secure it in place, making the toy drag behind them like a kite, draping the toy over their backs, • rope • swim belt with floats sure to cut the zip ties so they are short and soft on the edges. and pulling the toy along with their tail flukes. They also enjoy pulling Time: Minimal time needed to tie rope Time: Minimal time to wrap swim belt around jug About: The mirror portion sinks into the water column while the the toy underwater, letting it go and swirling around it as it floats to hoist Assembly: Minimal top remains at the surface because of the noodle. It makes it easy to the surface. This toy is considered safe for long, intermittently Assembly: Tie rope extremely tight to About: Fill the jug with water, ice and small fish to retrieve from the water. You may even find that it may be more observed exposure during the daytime. handle of hippity hop. Tie a tight loop in and push it out into the pool. The animals bump enjoyable if you had it double sided (two mirrors back to back), so that Photo Credit: Rebecca Snowden, webmaster other end and slip over the hoist and push the bottle around to make the fish and no matter which way the animal approaches, they will be able to see Tuboodle About: Let the hippity hop dangle over the water, about 2-3 inches above ice come out. themselves. Photo Credit: Cassie Snider, staff trainer the water. The dolphins come over and investigate and when they finally Shopping List: Floating Feed • compressed felt material (aka carwash strips, non-woven P cloth, bop the ball (usually with their rostrum but sometimes with their flukes), Shopping List: GEORGIA AQUARIUM “kelp they are quite surprised to see the ball swing back. For an alternate • inner tube or other flotation device Potted Plant • vacuum tubing option, we sometimes have someone actually operating the hoist. The • silversides/capelin • water noodles (Note: Find ones that come with a hole drilled through Shopping List: dolphins watch the toy go up and down, and sometimes come over and Time: Minimal time the core of the noodle, creating a cylinder.) • carwash material bump it with their rostrum. Sometimes it’s moved a little higher so they to inflate inner tube Time: Construction involves a little time and a few tools, but once the • Fortex feed pan have to try harder, and once in a while it’s high enough to be out of reach. Assembly: No toy is made, checking the integrity of the water noodle is the main Time: About 30 minutes Keeping it variable always keeps them guessing! We don't always use Assembly Required! form of maintenance Assembly: Drill or cut 1-inch holes into the bottom a person working the hoist, this is just to make it variable-- they seem to About: Staff Assembly: Cut the of the Fortex pan. Then cut the carwash material have a lot of fun with or without! members sit in the noodle into two, strips to 4" x 15'. Thread the carwash material inner tube and float 1-foot long pieces. strips through the holes on the pan to end with around the pool, Cut the kelp into a DOLPHIN COVE 2 feet on the bottom of the pan and the longer tossing fish and 2-inch x 5-foot long Textured Gloves remaining lengths coming out of the pan. Secure ice as they go. You strip. The kelp is Shopping List: Photo Credit: Dr. Holli Byerly, staff trainer the strips with double knots tied on either side to can use a variety fairly easy to work • textured gloves (lobster gloves, gardening prevent pull through. of floating devices, including closed cell foam mats, gymnastic tumble with and can be cut gloves, bath mitts) About: The belugas will use this item by carrying Photo Credit: Megan Vens-Policky mats, and large beaching mats. into 2-inch wide Time: None! it by the strips on their tails or backs, swimming or pieces with utility knives or heavy-duty kitchen shears. Slide the kelp Assembly: No Assembly Required! Photo Credit: Jennifer Baker, Natural Swim rubbing through the strips and occasionally carrying staff photographer Photo Credit: Corey strip through one of the water noodle pieces (a long rod may help!) About: Place gloved hands on the surface of or Shopping List: the tub on their heads. Groom, intern and tie a knot in the end. Slide a 1-foot piece of vacuum tubing onto underneath the water and the animals can swim back and forth to get rubs • fins the kelp strip, followed by the second water noodle. Tie a knot to from the different textures. • snorkel JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM • goggles/mask secure. Make sure the cut edges of the vacuum tubing are smooth by Water gun Time: None! Jellyfish Tie Rack using a file or a small blowtorch. Shopping List: Photo Credit: Jennifer Baker, No Assembly Required! Shopping List: About: The tuboodle is a great toy for the Pacific white-sided dolphins staff photographer • water guns About: It is an observational • large cutting board to tow around on their melon or their dorsal fin, and because it is so Time: None! swim, swimming with the • carwash strips buoyant, they can pull it underwater and follow it as it floats back Assembly: No Assembly Required! Photo Credit: Jordan Walker, staff trainer animals in their pool. You can Time: Minimal maintenance time is needed--checking the kelp knots to the surface. This toy is newly developed and still in the midst of About: Shoot the water out in front of add a variety of toys to toss, dive, or push around, but their favorite "toy" periodically, trimming any ragged kelp, and filing down any rough surfaces. observation to determine its safety. It will likely become a daytime you or shoot underneath the water. Some seems to be the pressure wake as we swim through the water. This is a Assembly: Cut an irregular design in the cutting board using a table toy (long, intermittently-observed exposure) in the near future. dolphins love to swim in the spray or swim great way for staff to build relationships with the animals. saw. (Tip: A standard round cutting board will work as well, if a saw in the pressure of the water underneath. is not available.) Drill several quarter-inch slits, 1-2 inches in length ENRICHING ENVIRONMENTS is compiled by Ronnie Smith.

14 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 15 Figure 4

evident that the tube was it was in those moments, between breaths, when the manatee began to not hard enough (i.e. too relax the esophagus entrance. Applying magnitude reinforcement with the flexible) to reach into the manatee’s favorite fruit, bananas, at this step conditioned the manatee to gastric region. allow passage of the tube beyond the larynx while establishing specific We also noticed a criteria with the behavior. low level of tolerance The criteria was improved now to a stage which allowed the inching for this intrusion by the of the tube into the stomach by just being selective in two aspects: not manatees. The manatees reinforcing any mouth movement and that the manatee did not constrict the demonstrated movements opening to the esophagus Finally, staff was able to introduce 111.76 cm (44 that indicated discomfort in) of tube. Further training also allowed the tube to remain in the stomach while the tube was area for at least one minute in the case that liquids needed to be introduced. inserted in the nostrils. The animal’s flat resting position was not helping at all because the tube Result: pleased staff and veterinarians bent every time the trainers reached 22.8 cm (9 in). After several months, we obtained our first set of results. See the THE CHALLENGES AND SUCCESS OF VOLUNTARY Edgar A. Urbina, Manuel Garduño, Alejandro following link for a demonstration, http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/ Mata, Daniel T. Nyselius, Silvia P. Becerra, imata-husbandry-award-part2.asp. STOMACH INTUBATION IN WEST ANTILLEAN MANATEES Roberto Sánchez, Alfoanso Delgado, & Second attempt: introducing the tube orally. Again, the trainers started with a previously trained behavior, the open Shelley L. Wood. Dolphin Discovery (Trichechus manatus manatus). mouth inspection, which is emitted during the daily physical evaluation and 1. Conditioned gastric sampling: by sampling for actual pH it is now education programs for the guests. With the mouth ready to be explored, possible to determine if digestion is normal or not. it was very easy to introduce the end of the tube, but every time the tube 2. Conditioned hydration: half of a liter of water was introduced passed the molar area the manatee started chewing movements in an by tube directly to the stomach, aiding in the avoidance of the Dolphin Discovery has been Initial Pre-Training Concerns Figure 1 apparently appetitive behavior. Reinforcing the manatee with small pieces constipation process during slow digestion. (Figure 4.) involved in training manatees Before any training was begun, staff consulted with the veterinarian of banana could accelerate the process of intubation and allowed the 3. Introduction of laxatives to the manatees. since 2001. Currently there regarding the physiological risks that this behavior could produce. Dr. Roberto manatee to be reinforced while the tube was inside the mouth. The intent are ten manatees (3.7); two of Sanchez agreed to let the trainers start the behavior with the conditions was to fade out the banana pieces but the chewing movement behavior them were born under human that 1) a veterinarian must be present to check if the approximation was Conclusion remained, and was incompatible with the previously set rules from Dr. care, one in 2005, and one in safe for the manatee and 2) during the tube introduction, both trainers and After this process, we know that the welfare of our animals still remains Roberto Sanchez. (Figure 2.) 2008. Throughout these eight veterinarians must be certain, that the tube is passing through the gastric, in our hands, no matter how difficult the goals appear. Setting goals is the Trainers now had to figure out how to overcome the chewing movement years of training, Dolphin not the respiratory canal. Dr Sanchez was extremely cautious about this first step to transform the invisible… to the visible. (Figure 5.) behavior. First ideas put on the table included conditioning a PVC pipe that Discovery has developed a procedure as in manatees the gastric and respiratory canals are in close had a hole in the middle to insert the tube into the manatee’s mouth. The database of medical behaviors proximity to each other. We wanted to prevent any human error by passing gastric tube was not affected, but the chewing behavior was still present References based on our population, the tube down the Conti, L., Becerra, S., Nyselius, D., Juárez, A., Vásquez, R., Name, M., Barrera, R., Urbina, E., every time the tube touched the molar area. The chewing motion on the PVC which has helped to keep incorrect canal. & Garduño, M. (Oct, 2007). Presenting our new interactive program: West Indian Figure 3 pipe suggested the manatee’s continued discomfort with this new method. manatees, California sea lions, stingrays, and guests interacting together. Paper given at our manatees both physically The veterinary (Figure 3.) the 25th Conference of the International Animal Trainers’ Association, Indianapolis, USA. and mentally healthy. Our department presented Urbina, E., Wood, S., Becerra, S., Nyselius, D., Mata, A., & Hernández, L. A. (2008). Old first husbandry advances date back to 2005, when we first obtained blood to all the involved trainers can learn new tricks new challenges and breaking myths training WestIindian samples under stimulus control as well as ultrasounds to detect and monitor trainers a very useful manatees. Paper given at the 26th Annual Conference of the International Animal Trainers’ Success: a new method Association, Cancun, Mexico. gestations. Ultrasound measurements provide an important database videotape showing After several failed attempts, we began to think that this behavior was of fetal growth. Fecal, nasal, genital cytology, urine, and other collection an endoscopy of a not possible to be trained. Training stopped for several weeks. Then an idea behaviors complement the repertoire of trained behaviors, which provide manatee highlighting presented itself. Instead of focusing on the problem, we focused on the further information about our manatees. the proximity between behavior to be trained. Our main objectives were the two canals which is There was just to continue training our indeed very close, less Figure 5 Figure 2 one goal remaining: manatees to provide mental than 7.6 centimeters Train the manatee stimulation as well as reduce (3 inches). To watch a to keep the mouth any discomfort during medical video of this procedure open and to remain procedures by training another go to www.dolphindiscovery.com/imata-husbandry-award-part1.asp stationary. Whether husbandry behavior. What staff it is a finger, a fruit, felt was still missing in the First attempts; Desensitizing a Fine Tube. (Figure 1.) or a tube inside the husbandry repertoire was a The first intubation involved passing through the nostrils, as this was the mouth, the manatee controlled gastric intubation. veterinarians preferred method. Passing the tube via the mouth had risks should not move Voluntary intubation training because of the potential of the strong molars and jaw cutting through the its mouth until the has important applications tube, which might result in a manatee’s accidental ingestion of the tube. trainer bridged. Once such as hydration and oral Having as a baseline the prior open nostrils/inspection husbandry behavior this was achieved, application of laxatives in it was not difficult to keep this area opened. We were able to introduce the subsequent training cases of constipation. tube 22.8 cm (9 in), through successive approximations. It was an excellent went quickly. When reaching the larynx area, the key for the trainer was beginning as it also kept the respiratory area open. However, it soon became 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

16 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 17 IMATA REGIONAL WORKSHOPS Research briefs Brookfield Zoo Hosts U.S. Midwest IMATA Regional Workshop IMATA “Dives” into Advancing Marine Animal Research Chicago ’s Brookfield Zoo hosted and Conservation Opportunities! the Midwest IMATA regional workshop this past May. This year's workshop filled two full days as over 60 IMATA IMATA The International Marine Animal Trainers' funded conservation projects were managed by members gathered at the Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL. MW Regional Workshop Association (IMATA) is a non-profit organization the Marine Mammal Care Center, Manatee Day one included formal presentations and discussion on that is dedicated to advancing the humane care Rehabilitation Partnership, Pacific Marine Life training trainers, IMATA's accreditation program, a Marine and handling of marine animals by fostering Foundation, UNCW-Marine Mammal Stranding Mammal Tag update and plenty of training discussions communication between professionals that serve Program, Manatee Research, and Zoo to You. directed towards staff training, development of successful marine animal science through training, public animal training plans, and implementing training throughout display, research, husbandry, conservation, and Requirements: our parks. Visitors were treated to behind the scene tours, education. IMATA’s Board and Research and Some (but not all) of the IMATA Research Grant training sessions and an afternoon dolphin show at Seven Conservation Committee are proud to announce and Conservation Award funding requirements Seas. Shelley Ballmann, Oceans of Fun, ran a the commencement of two funding opportunities specify that: workshop on the second day. The Midwest Region is home that will make significant contributions towards • All Principal Investigators and Co-Principal The IMATA Research & Conservation to numerous pinniped facilities so the day was designed Participants at the U.S. Midwest IMATA Regional Workshop pose for a marine animal science and conservation oriented Investigators identified in the IMATA Committee will review all applications around discussion of aggression management, husbandry photo inside the Brookfield Zoo’s dolphin pavilion. issues; promote research and conservation efforts Research Grant application must be current and nominations to ensure they meet all training, behavior problem solving, pinniped breeding, in the domestic and international marine animal Active or Professional IMATA members who requirements and are fully completed, and will rearing, and weaning. Population Management updates were delivered, as well as a presentation on the current status of the predation occurring at community; increase IMATA member awareness have maintained this membership level for a present funding recommendations to the IMATA the Bonneville Dam. Discussion also centered on Ethotrak and behavioral monitoring of pinniped populations collectively. Representatives from over of the research initiatives and conservation minimum of two years prior to the application Board for consideration. Funding will be denied 17 facilities gathered together for continued evening fun giving colleagues the opportunity to network and personally and professionally enjoy each if nominations and applications are received issues being supported; promote the IMATA submission deadline. other's company. Gives Back philosophy; expand IMATA’s role • IMATA Conservation Fund Award nomination after the due date, are not of significant merit, and position in the scientific and conservation applications may only be submitted by current do not promote IMATA’s Mission, or fail to agree community; and increase the number of research Active or Professional IMATA members and to IMATA’s Terms of Acceptance, provide proof of the Organization’s non-profit status, Statement and conservation oriented IMATA members. must have a designated Project Manager Discovery Kingdom Hosts U.S. Southwest IMATA Regional Workshop of Organizational Support, or copies of required who is a current Active or Professional In 1973, IMATA held their first national conference The NEW International Marine permits (if applicable). at Marine World Africa USA in Redwood City, CA. Animal Trainers' Association IMATA member. Research Grant • IMATA Research Grant investigations Nearly forty years later, with a location and name The IMATA Board will determine if, and change, we are once again meeting where our This grant is designed to provide financial and Conservation Fund projects should be how much, funding will be awarded to the support for investigations which focus on completed within one year. founders brainstormed years ago. Six Flags Discovery recommended applications and nominations. Kingdom was honored to host the 2011 Southwest marine animal research-oriented scientific • Application and Nomination budgets must Funding amounts may be reduced from the Regional IMATA Workshop in Vallejo, CA from 3-6 investigations that address IMATA’s mission. be itemized, may not include allocations for requested amount in order to accommodate May. We remembered and honored the people who Investigations may focus upon, but are not limited salary, university tuition or fees, fringe or other awards or if the IMATA Board determines started IMATA and expressed the importance of to areas such as: marine animal physiology, overhead costs, or unrelated travel, and may that dispersal of these funds interfere with sensory biology, or cognitive measurements; not exceed $3,000.00. IMATA’s fiscal solvency. communication between trainers to continue moving marine or behavior training • Project Managers and Principal Investigators forward in the animal training field. Today, over twenty technique advancements; professional training, must provide Statements of Organizational Information regarding application deadlines, facilities/schools were represented and over 100 communication or cooperation assessments; Support and agree to IMATA’s Terms of as well as funding decisions and dispersal people attended the 2011 workshop. We were excited and education program, public display, or Acceptance prior to the distribution of any can be found on the IMATA website under the to welcome visitors from California, Nevada, Texas outreach evaluations. funds. Funding menu. IMATA and Florida. The workshop started with an evening ice • Principal Investigators and Project Managers SW Regional Workshop breaker at the Courtyard Marriott. We played a game The NEW International Marine Stuppor these Funding revolving around our theme “Play by the Bay.” The Animal Trainers Association must submit a six month progress report, a Opportunities! Conservation Fund Award final report upon completion of the project, winner won a custom made killer whale painting. Our Show your excitement for these new funding Participants at the U.S. Southwest IMATA Regional Workshop pose for a This award is designed to provide financial first full day began with a welcome from our animal and present their results at the Annual opportunities and help IMATA make significant photo at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. support for third-party non-profit organization ambassadors. As the mammals, reptiles and birds IMATA Conference to be held subsequent to advancements in marine animal science and projects which focus on marine animal filled the room, we were able to showcase the land its completion. conservation! You now have the ability to conservation-oriented topics that promote 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 make tax-deductible donations to the IMATA IMATA’s Mission. Topics may include, but are morning and included topics with advancements in marine and land animal research, conservation, training, husbandry, education, enrichment, water To learn more about the IMATA Research Conservation Fund and Research Grant! Simply not limited to: support for habitat, species quality, and rescue/rehabilitation. When not in the classroom, we offered a variety of behind the scenes tours and training sessions at dolphin, killer Grant and Conservation Fund Award as well click on the Donate button on the IMATA website or individual animal conservation issues; whale, sea , bird, small animal, elephant, giraffe and lion. During lunch, there were group activities such as go cart racing. First place winners as view and download all application and homepage (www.imata.org) or add a donation to conservation research projects or programs; nomination requirements, materials, and your IMATA membership purchase. 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 educational promotions of conservation issues; documents, log onto the IMATA website and day when our agenda was flexible. Good thing because everyone was so interested in the topics that most groups went well over their scheduled inter-disciplinary cooperation for conservation select Funding from the top navigational bar 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 issues; and publication of peer-reviewed (www.imata.org/index.php/funding). 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 journals. Examples of some of IMATA’s previously 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

18 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 19 Regional Reports The following reports were submitted for publication on 15 May 2011 Pet Porpoise Pool – Coffs Harbour, AUSTRALIA World staff and sea lions very busy. The staff would like to Tiergarten Nuremberg – Nuremberg, EUROPE SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and rockhoppers Photo Credit: Dalian During the first quarter, Pet Porpoise Pool trialed a new wish Leah Colecchia well as she leaves Coral World. GERMANY Pablo Joury (Eudyptes chrysocome) are busy preparing their nests for this Laohutan Ocean Park land based animal experience where guests interact and play At Tiergarten Nuremberg, the staff had to say good bye year’s breeding season while the king penguins (Aptenodytes Co., Ltd Amnéville Zoo with a 1-year-old Indo Pacific calf, Jet and Dolphin Cay, Atlantis – Nassau, BAHAMAS to Daniel Zieger who became assistant head keeper in the Amnéville, France patagonicus) are anxious to finish molting. 1-year-old Australian sea lion pup (Neophoca cinerea), Miri. On February 26th Dolphin Cay successfully rescued zoos´ aquapark. There he will be responsible for polar bears, In June, Odense Zoo is opening a new Africa exhibit The Meet the Babies program was so successful that it will and transported a beached dolphin from West Andros cheetahs, sea lions, penguins and birds of prey. Delphinarium Muenster – Muenster, which will include a lion training platform so guests can now be a permanent experience available at the park. Island, Bahamas for medical care and rehabilitation. This The construction of the new dolphin lagoon and GERMANY observe the lion training sessions. Two aged Australian sea lions, Solomon and Nikki, have live stranded dolphin rescue is the first for Dolphin Cay. The manatee tropical house is expecting the big opening in All the animals are doing fine at Delphinarium recovered well from eye cataract surgery by leading marine dolphin was spotted by Mr. Charles Bethel and he reported August 2011. Muenster. The Delphinarium had a nice photo shooting mammal eye specialist, Dr. Carmen Colitz. the stranding to the Bahamas Marine Mammal Stranding with the bottlenose dolphin, Nando for a calendar about The marine mammal training team would like to welcome Network. Due to the severe condition of the animal, Mr. EUROPE NORTH WEST REGION animal eyes, with incredible results. Vanessa Pirotta. Bethel offered to fly two members of the Dolphin Cay team, John-Rex Mitchell

Staff Veterinarian Dr. Charles Manire and Jim Horton to Shedd Aquarium Sydney Aquarium – Sydney, AUSTRALIA Two (Ursus maritimus) cubs at LHT Andros in his sea plane to help rescue the animal. Chicago, Illinois Ocean Park, Dalian. Sydney Aquarium has new owners, the Merlin The dolphin, named Miss Turner was an older female Entertainments Group. There are many changes including an bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) that had severe Photo Credit:Chris Ireland overhaul. sunburn on the dorsal surface and lateral scoliosis. Due to Photo Credit: Ricardo Aguilar ASIA REGION Both dugongs (Dugong dugon) continue to do well. the severity of the dolphin’s condition, Miss Turner and crew Philip Wong The behavior of the male, Pig, has been much improved since flew back to Paradise Island and she was transferred to Dolphin Discovery Los Cabos facility. Ocean Park the hormone implant late last year, but fecal samples from Dolphin Cay Quarantine Facility at Atlantis for further care Hong Kong, China both animals continue to be regularly collected to assess and rehabilitation. MEXICO REGION reproductive state. Conditioning of dugongs, white-spotted Miss Turner cleared quarantine and was introduced Alejandro G. Mata – eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), lemon (Negaprion Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park Co., Ltd to the animal collection at Dolphin Cay and will continue Dolphin Discovery Zhongshan District, Dalian of Liaoning Province, CHINA brevirostris), leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) and reef to receive physical therapy treatment daily. She is Cancún, Quintana Roo The weaning process of two polar bear (Ursus sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) for husbandry behaviors gradually being introduced to the current social structure at Photo Credit: Nuremberg Zoo maritimus) cubs at Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park is going well is continuing. Dolphin Cay. Dolphin Discovery Group – Cancun, and the cubs will be expected to meet guests in early June. Filling the main pool at Nuremberg Zoo. Quitanta Roo, MEXICO Two micro blogs of the cubs are available for letting people Taronga Zoo – Sydney, AUSTRALIA On 14 February 2011, Dolphin Discovery Group know the hand-rearing knowledge and promoting public Taronga Zoo has recently moved two juvenile sea Tiergarten Nuremberg – Nuremberg, opened a new facility in San Jose del Cabo with 2.4 awareness of polar bears conservation. lions to the seal theatre complex, Pepper a 3-year-old male GERMANY dolphins relocated from the facilities in Quintana Roo. The penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) started Californian sea lion (Zalophus Californianus) and Nala a 2-year- Captain Jack with 15-year-old dominant The staff at the Nuernberg Zoo is looking forward Interactive programs, public exhibitions plus educational their new breeding cycle. Mating was observed and research old Australian sea lion. They have both already made brief bull (Zalophus to the big opening of the dolphin lagoon and the manatee and conservational efforts are running now in Los Cabos. projects were also integrated with the breeding program this show appearances during the Easter school holidays. Californianus), Murphy, at West Midland house this summer. At this time, the five new pools of Thanks to all the staff involved in this new challenge, year as part of emperor penguins conservation program. Taronga had a very successful little (Eudyptula Safari & Leisure Park to celebrate the dolphin lagoon are already filled to test the filtration, and good luck to Ricardo Aguilar as Animal Training Minor) breeding season with a total of 72 penguins on display. Pirate Week. while the first plants arrived in the tropical house. In Supervisor. Photo Credit: Raul Novelo the lagoon, the dolphins will live together with one of The past Alliance conference in Alexandria, CANADA REGION West Midland Safari & Leisure Park – the two sea lion groups while the manatees (Trichechus Dolphin Discovery was re-accredited on three facilities Dolphin calf training at Dolphin Discovery manatus) will join their house with fishes, turtles, birds, Brian Sheehan Tortola. Worcestershire, UNITED KINGDOM and welcome to a new member in Grand Cayman. At the Fresh from his voyage to the Fountain of Youth, frogs, monkeys, ants, sloths, reptiles and butterflies, all moment five of the ten facilities of the Group, are proud Vancouver, British Columbia Captain Jack Sparrow dropped by to help the California living free. to be part of Alliance. Dolphin Discovery – Tortola, sea lions celebrate, Pirate Week, at West Midland Safari BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Vancouver Aquarium – & Leisure Park between 28 May 2011 and 5 June 2011. On 13 January 2011, Dolphin Discovery is proud to Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA This event also linked in with World Ocean Day on 8 June MIDDLE EAST REGION announce the certification as part of AMMPA (Alliance The Vancouver Aquarium continues to successfully 2011 and helped the team to raise awareness of marine Tommy Wilken of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums) through a very collect voluntary metabolic rates, twice a month, on all three of conservation issues. Zoological Consultancy Worldwide exhaustive inspection. Thanks to all the people that made their Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhyncus obliquidens). The 18-month-old male California sea lion, Bounty, Dubai, United Arab Emirates this possible. A special thanks to Bill R. Winhall for all the Researchers are looking at determining whether or not Pacific mentioned in Soundings Volume 36 has safely arrived from Photo Credit: Ocean Park advice during this process. white-sided dolphins experience seasonality in their metabolic Belfast Zoo, Northern Ireland. He has already mixed well Dolphin Bay, Atlantis, The Palm The department has had some changes and welcomes rates. with the rest of the bachelor group. Jumeirah – Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES A healthy male dolphin calf was born to one of Jon Ham to trainer apprentice and Ernesto Mendoza to Imaq, a 23-year-old male (Delphinapterus Elsewhere in the Park the marine mammal trainers Record numbers of tourists flocked to Dolphin Bay, trainer, and Daniel Nyselius to senior trainer. Both Ernesto Ocean Park’s resident female dolphins, Angel. leucas), was recently moved from the Vancouver Aquarium to are putting their skills to good use and have now started Photo Credit: Amneville Zoo Atlantis to take part in the various interaction programs and Dany were already part of the company back in Mexico. SeaWorld of San Antonio. Thanks to everyone at San Antonio working with a group of black and white ruffed The Amneville Zoo’s sea lion team is now to offer. for their help and hospitality during the transport. (Varecia variegata) to develop sound husbandry behaviors The Marine Mammal Specialists have been training Ocean Park – Hong Kong, CHINA Dolphin Quest Bermuda – Dockyard, complete. Training and research continue to progress with the for veterinary examination. the dolphins for two new programs to be introduced in At Ocean Park, 1.1 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins BERMUDA aquariums 0.6 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). Recently June/July. These new programs are a diving interaction (Tursiops aduncus), Domino and Dumisa were transported Dolphin Quest Bermuda’s three calves celebrated their all six were on exhibit, giving visitors a rare treat, as the entire and a meet and greet program. The meet and greet will to Ocean Park from Bayworld Port Elizabeth Museum, South first birthdays in April 2011. Cooper, Cavello and Marley are EUROPE NORTH EAST REGION back reserve area was being painted. be known as, Dolphin Photo Fun, and is aimed at guests Africa in July 2009. Both dolphins have settled well into their Sunna Edberg learning new behaviors at an astonishing speed, and they who would like to kiss and get close to a dolphin without new life in Hong Kong. Kolmarden, Sweden continue to touch the hearts and minds of guests. getting wet. On 21 March 2011, the healthy male dolphin calf was CARIBBEAN ISLANDS REGION Dolphin Quest Bermuda’s summer camp for 2011 has The dolphins and Marine Mammal Specialists are born to Domino and one of Ocean Park’s resident female Adrian Penny Odense Zoo – Odense, DENMARK a focus on dolphin training. Titled, Dolphin Trainer Camp, looking forward to welcoming back the children from dolphins, Angel. This successful live birth was conceived Atlantis Paradise Island In March, the Odense Zoo unfortunately had to it is highlighting techniques used in training in addition to the Dubai Autism Centre, as well as continuing with the by the technique of artificial insemination. The calf is doing Paradise Island, Bahamas euthanize a 22-year-old male California sea lion, Fut. He how they are fed and cared for by the incredible bottlenose Marine Mammal Education Camp aimed at school groups. fantastic and learning from his mother and the rest of the dolphin family. had leukemia and severe arthritis in his hind flippers. Fut dolphins in the group. Coral World Ocean Park – St. Thomas, USVI continued to participate in training sessions and be an active Dubai – Dubai, UNITED ARAB In February, Coral World welcomed a team of part of presentations. He had been at Odense Zoo longer EUROPE NORTH CENTRAL REGION EMIRATES veterinarians to the Caribbean. Thanks to Dr. Noll, Dr. Betz, than any other animal and his loss has saddened the entire Christiane Thiere At the Dubai Dolphinarium, the temperatures are AUSTRALIA REGION Dr. Colitz and Dr. Holmstrom for their roles in performing staff. On a happy note, two female sea lions are pregnant Tiergarten Nuremberg Photo Credit: Dolphinarium Muenster soaring and it is going into the slow season. The acrobats Ryan Tate successful tooth extraction surgeries on two of the South with his last offspring. Nuremberg, Germany have returned to the Ukraine and normal dolphin shows Taronga Zoo American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). After a few days of Photos of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), In April, 4-year-old manatee, Femoere, was continue throughout summer. This time of year is always Sydney, Australia rest both Franco’s and Romulo’s mouths were healing well. Nando, for a calendar about animal eyes. transported to Zoo Beauval, France, on a breeding loan. utilized to make few changes in the show, improve In March and April, spring break crowds kept the Coral Odense Zoo currently has 3.3 manatees and is expecting the eighth birth this June. lighting and sound from the technical department as well

20 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 21 Regional Reports as a few new behaviors from the training team. By incorporating guests into animal husbandry worked with such a wonderful, sweet animal. New England Aquarium – , holding area getting used to his new home and being Dubai Dolphinarium is very proud to be welcoming behaviors during encounter programs, Dolphin Quest The other 1.2 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have been MASSACHUSETTS introduced to the other otters. He can now be seen on its 3rd anniversary in May 2011. The Dolphinarium has Oahu creates novelty for healthcare training. This results doing well since the loss. Taijah is thriving and increasing her The New England Aquarium is pleased to announce exhibit with some of his new friends exploring and reached thousands of people educating them about the in a more in-depth, educational experience for guests repertoire of behaviors. that the renovations on the fur seal exhibit were playing. Homer is a great addition to the collection, as marine environment. as well as provides variability for husbandry sessions. Scheduled to open summer of 2011, the first phase completed in April, and all of the animals and staff have he is very playful and has been doing a great job learning One of the sessions involves a human-grade soft laser, of the Heart of the Zoo project will increase their education returned safely to Boston. Thanks again to the Mystic new behaviors. which DQO is using with QuickDerm ointment to see if program capacity and quality, provide guests with exciting Aquarium & Institute for Exploration for their hospitality the combination can heal deeper abrasions faster. Guests animal encounters, including the 3M Penguins of the African throughout this entire process. The NEAQ staff have since U.S. NORTHWEST REGION serve as in-water assistants by handing the trainer gauze, Coast exhibit, replicating the habitat of South Africa’s been developing and working on new in-water interaction Cinthia Alia-Mitchell opening the ointment tube and giving the dolphin tactical Boulder’s Beach. programs with both the northern fur seals and Atlantic Tualatin, Oregon and primary reinforcement throughout the session. DQO is harbor seals, which will be available to the public in June. tracking the results by photographing and measuring the Oceans of Fun, Inc. – The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Alaska SeaLife Center – Seward, ALASKA areas. To test which therapy generates the best results, Milwaukee, WISCONSIN Tank had its grand opening in April, bringing record The mammal division at Alaska SeaLife Center has abrasions have been designated as either controls, The summer season is in full swing for the Oceans breaking numbers of visitors into the Aquarium during had a busy winter with the addition of 1.3 steller sea lions to receive QuickDerm only or to receive QuickDerm of Fun animals and staff. Presentations and interactive school vacation weeks. The exhibit displays a wide (Eumetopias jubatus) to the research collection. Tasu and plus the laser. programs have begun for the season and have taken variety of species, including cownose rays (Rhinoptera Photo Credit: Eden, 10-year-old females, traveled from Vancouver off with great success as they head into their twentieth bonasus), Atlantic rays, bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna Shannon Ray Aquarium and Mystic Aquarium respectively to join the season at the Milwaukee County Zoo. They are eagerly tiburo), and epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum). SOUTH AFRICA REGION collection in January. In March, husbandry director Brett Photo Credit: Dolphin Quest Hawaii awaiting opening day for their third season at Hershey The mammal department is sad to report the loss Gabby Harris Long traveled to Harderwijk, The to transport Summertime at Oklahoma City Zoo. Park, where animals and trainers are working hard to of JD, a 20-year-old female northern fur seal, who had Durban, South Africa sister and brother, Sitka and Pilot to ASLC. The three Kai Nalu with his new toy. make this season spectacular. lived at New England Aquarium since June 2009, and females will be included in the sea lion breeding program. U.S. SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Oceans of Fun was recently accredited by both previously resided at New York Aquarium. at uShaka Marine World – Shannon Ray IMATA and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and ASLC is excited to announce its acceptance into Durban, SOUTH AFRICA the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums Oklahoma City Zoo PACIFIC ISLANDS REGION Aquariums. They are also are excited to announce and Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium – Sea World at uShaka supports the Penguin Promises (AMMPA). Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Stephanie Vlachos readily awaiting the arrival of pups this summer. A harbor Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA Campaign. Visit www.penguinpromises.com for more Farewell to Amber Stephens, and welcome Cade Waimanalo, Hawaii seal (Phoca vitulina) pup and a California sea lion pup are The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s staff is details. Schulke into the Assistant Mammal Curator position. Oklahoma City Zoo – Oklahoma City, the just what the doctor ordered after a challenging start gearing up for the busy summer months. The Zoo’s Welcome to Moby and Spongie, two young South OKLAHOMA Dolphin Quest Hawaii – Waikoloa, HAWAII to 2011. sea lion trainers continue conditioning all four adult African male fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) that were Seattle Aquarium – Seattle, WASHINGTON Feels like summer at the Oklahoma City Zoo and As part of Dolphin Quest’s commitment to conservation, They would like to bid a fond farewell to Harley and California sea lion females for ultrasound exams. Sidney, born at the National Zoo. They have just joined the seal Seattle Aquarium held the sixth Sea Otter show season is in full swing. Show revisions were made education and the advancement of marine mammal research, Sequoia. These two amazing animals touched the lives born 13 June 2009 was picked up by the North Carolina family. Conservation Workshop in March. It was a smashing over the fall to change up sea lion and trainer routines, the staff at Dolphin Quest Hawaii continues to provide in- and captured the hearts of many people and will forever Zoological Park’s staff at the end of April and is settling in Congratulations to the following staff on their success with the most attendees ever. and the change has been welcomed by both groups. The kind support by volunteering with local research projects. be remembered to her new home. Maggie’s pup born 26 September 2010 promotions. Raecine Bates and Sandile Xulu to Trainer 1, California sea lions from the Tulsa Zoo, Briney and Dorsey, One of the many organizations that DQH is affiliated with is Thank you to the Oceans of Fun trainers, interns is eating live shiners on her own and continues to play Shannah Giannone, Tarryn Abrahams, Johnathan Ellerbeck, Oregon Zoo – Portland, OREGON will be returning in the fall and preparations for their Cascadia Research. Since 2005, DQH continues to contribute and volunteers who over the past three months have gone with capelin and squid. Bilal Limbada to Assistant Trainer. Well done to Gabrielle At the Oregon Zoo, Gus, the steller sea lion is transport are underway. Both sea lions have enjoyed their and help with the Examination of the Population Size and above and beyond to care for the animals. Members of the Zoo’s Water’s Edge and Kids Harris on her animal training book being published, Touching recovering from a yeast and/or fungal infection in his eye. relaxing visit in OKC, but are eager to return to their new Structure of Whales and Dolphins in the Hawaiian Islands. Kingdom staff attended the IMATA Midwest Regional Animal Souls. The Oregon Zoo will discontinue the use of expanded home in Tulsa. Photographic catalogs are being developed along with the Conference hosted by The Chicago Zoological Society. U.S. NORTHEAST REGION Deslorelin in the male southern sea otter (enhydra lutris collection of genetic samples of odontocetes species found As part of Polar Bears International’s network of Beth Manning nereis) Eddie. Staff will continue to monitor hormone around Hawaiian waters. The primary study is on population U.S. MIDWEST REGION Arctic Ambassador Centers, The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Baltimore, Maryland levels for research. The zoo has been given the permission estimates of false killer whales, (Pseudorca crassidens). This Stacey Lonski Aquarium will host a Be Cool for Polar Bears event on project will provide information about the population of false Indianapolis Zoo to castrate him and will do so in the near future. Atlantis Marine World – Riverhead, Long 25 June 2011. As part of the celebration, PBI’s president, killer whales in Hawaiian waters, which may be at risk due Indianapolis, Indiana The staff has succeeded with voluntary anesthesia Island, NEW YORK Robert Buchanan, will give a public presentation on polar to a greater than acceptable level of injury or mortality due to using a tail vein for a routine exam on the female Amur At Atlantis Marine World, the staff is eagerly bears in a warming world. He will also present the Zoo the offshore long-line fishery. Brookfield Zoo – Brookfield, ILLINOIS (Panthera tigris altaica). awaiting the birth of another harbor seal pup from their with a, Champions of Polar Bear Award, in recognition of Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo hosted The Oregon Zoo welcomes animal keeper Jen 19-year-old female, Buoy. the Zoo’s efforts in motivating the public to take action to Dolphin Quest Oahu – Honolulu, HAWAII the IMATA Midwest Regional Workshop. The conference DeGroot to the Marine Life department. Two young male Japanese snow monkeys (Macaca reduce their carbon footprint. The Zoo will be honoring had a great turnout with 13 different facilities being fuscata) are being introduced to the existing 2.0 in the one of their partners, Duquesne Light Watt Choices as represented and over 70 attendees. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium – exhibit. Initial introductions are going smoothly and an organization that is working towards CO2 reduction. With Memorial Day around the corner, staff is Tacoma, WASHINGTON the staff is hopeful that the final introductions will be preparing to celebrate 50 years of dolphin shows at the Kaladi, a rescued sea otter pup is growing in leaps Photo Credit: Mike Pool, positive. Construction of a Hyatt Hotel and Exhibition zoo. and bounds at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. After SeaWorld San Antonio Center adjacent to the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium The staff bids a fond farewell and good luck to being housed behind-the-scenes for several months is underway and on schedule. Expected to open in June, Elrod and Bud at SeaWorld San Antonio. Cade Schulke who has taken on the position of Associate with Homer, the resident 23-year-old female sea otter, the Exhibition Center will house both exotic butterflies Curator of Alaska Sea life Center. Kaladi was introduced to Abra and Nellie, the other 0.2 and birds. sea otters. The introductions went smoothly, and all four SeaWorld San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas The Animal Staff at Atlantis Marine World Spring Break has come and gone, and summer is Indianapolis Zoo – Indianapolis, INDIANA otters are living together in the main exhibit. congratulates trainer Valerie Olstad on the birth of her This past winter has been very busy at the Indianapolis In April, PDZA acquired 1.3 juvenile magellanic fast approaching at SeaWorld San Antonio. Atla, the baby girl, Eisley Rose, on February 28, 2011. Zoo. At the end of February they received a 6- month-old penguins (Speniscus magellanicus) to join the 1-year-old beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is doing stranded Atlantic bottlenose dolphin calf name Taz. He resident collection 3.1. These penguins came from a very well, is constantly learning new behaviors and is Aquarium of Niagara – Niagara Falls, stranded on Sanibel Island and his Mom was nowhere Photo Credit: Karen Landmesser rehabilitation facility in Brazil, where they had been having a blast participating in playtimes with her mom Photo Credit: NEW YORK in sight. Mote Marine Lab did a wonderful job with Taz housed since being caught up in the currents and and the rest of the belugas. Dolphin Quest The Aquarium of Niagara would like to extend best The Virginia Aquarium welcomes to their providing excellent care for him during his rehabilitation. washed ashore. Once cleared through quarantine, they In June, SeaWorld San Antonio is proud to debut wishes to Johanna Black who recently left the training collection a 1.0 North America river otter (Lontra The zoo would also like to welcome Erika, Katherine, will join the exhibit penguins and will hopefully pair up the new Shamu show called One Ocean. Construction team for a position on the west coast. Filling this full-time Canadensis) named Homer. Angela and Amanda to the staff. to breed in the coming years. on the new set is coming along well and the trainers are position is Assistant Trainer, Lara Weber, who joins the rehearsing and preparing for a great new experience for team from Six Flags Great Adventure. the whales and guests. Soon-to-be 2-year-old California – As the staff gears up for the busy summer season, Virginia Marine Science Center sea lion Bud has begun participating in the educational – Apple Valley, MINNESOTA Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA Dolphin Quest Oahu incorporates the two newest sea lions Kiah and Arie, continue to excel show called A Sea Lion Story, much to the delight of the It is with immense sadness that Minnesota Zoo The Virginia Aquarium welcomes to their collection encounter program participants into in both husbandry and show behaviors. Some of their trainers and guests. Bud has learned several behaviors reports the loss of their 44-year-old, female Atlantic a 1.0 North America river otter (Lontra Canadensis) new behaviors include teeth brushing, dorsal layouts, eye and is becoming very comfortable participating in the laser therapy sessions, which creates bottlenose dolphin, April. April was mom to the MN Zoo’s named Homer. Homer was born at the drops, leaps, flips, flipper stands, and water work. education show with some of the more experienced novelty for healthcare training and an other female, Allie and grandmother to Allie’s female calf, in Connecticut and joined the 4.0 river otters in March sea lions. educational experience for guests. Taijah. April has touched the lives of so many people over the at 1-year-old. Homer spent the first month or so in the years and they all feel very privileged and honored to have

22 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 23 Regional Reports Texas State Aquarium – Corpus Christi, TEXAS having the option to leave it blank. This law is designed frequently chose Theresa as a companion during labor presentation reminds guests that the ocean touches Photo Credit: Dolphin Bay at the Texas State Aquarium has been to increase organ donation in New York which currently and as a trusted babysitter in the months following birth. Photo Credit: every shore and that as individuals each make a very busy preparing for two inspections. One for AZA ranks last in the nation with 11% participation. The She is survived by daughter Santini and grandson Tanner, Memphis Zoo difference that affects the future of the ocean and all of reaccreditation and the second a peer review, as TSA is New York senate passed Lauren’s Law on Lauren’s 11th though she played an active role in the upbringing of all the creatures that live within it. one of seven host facilities for the Atlantic bottlenose birthday. DRC calves SeaWorld Orlando’s Aquarium Team recently dolphin breeding consortium. Dolphin Connection Co-Owner, Cheryl Messinger, Theresa was the pioneer of the Dolphin Encounter returned their 1,000th rescued sea turtle, a sub-adult The Dolphin Bay staff has also been working with in partnership with Education Supervisor, Terran swim program, the first in the world. With over four loggerhead (Caretta caretta), to the wild. The sea the Marketing Department to facilitate the opening of a McGinnis, proudly announce the release of their book, decades of bringing joy to people, she has touched the turtle rescue program began at SeaWorld Orlando in new summer show with a theme of, Magical Connections, Marineland. This book made its debut on 2 May 2011 and lives of countless individuals. She was especially known 1980 and since then more than 1,530 sea turtles have On the left is Atlantic harbor seal (Phoca in which the dolphins act as ambassadors for the Gulf of is a photographic tribute to the people and animals of the for stealing kisses from bearded men, leading to another been cared for by the park's experts and veterinarians. vitulina) pup, Hudson, middle is dad, Alfred, Mexico and its inhabitants. Oliver, a male North American world’s first oceanarium which opened in St. Augustine, nickname Hot Lips. DRC is grateful for the many years Affected turtles have been treated for cold stress, and right is mom, Asia. river otter, has just completed quarantine. He will be Florida USA in1938. The book is available for sale at many with Theresa and for all that she shared. injuries from nets, fishing line, and hooks, ingestion of introduced to Odie, another male in the TSA collection, retailers, including amazon.com and copies will also be trash, boat strikes, natural causes, and most recently in the near future. available at this year’s IMATA conference in Miami. Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, GEORGIA oil contamination. The Team's success rate in caring for Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical The Georgia Aquarium recently launched the Beluga turtles is amazingly high: 68% of the turtles brought to Gardens – Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA & Friends Interactive Program. The program includes an SeaWorld in the past 30 years have been successfully On 12 June 2010 at the Los Angeles Zoo, Hudson, Photo Credit: a male Atlantic harbor seal, was born to Asia, a 19-year- Martha Hill in-water interaction with beluga whales followed by an returned to the wild. up close experience with the aquarium’s harbor seals. old on loan from the New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium. Initial response to the program has been positive and the The Seas, Disney’s Animal Programs The sire is Alfred, an adult rescued from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey. It Animal Care & Training Team is continuing behavioral A polar bear at the Memphis Zoo. and Environmental Initiatives – development of program behaviors to further compliment Orlando, Florida has been 20 years since the last marine mammal birth the program. One of the many conservation efforts undertaken at the Zoo. Hudson is housed with not only Asia and A group of six male Asian small clawed otters Memphis Zoo – Memphis, TENNESSEE by Disney’s Animal Programs team members is Alfred, but also other New Jersey natives, Mysti, Nika, (Aonyx cinerea) was recently acquired from the National As part of Polar Bear International’s Be Cool for rehabilitating and returning rescued manatees to the and Mira. Introductions went smoothly with the group. Zoo. This acquisition was made to create a more active Polar Bears, PBI President Robert Buchanan came and wild. Manatees are considered an . Since Hudson's formal training began on 15 August Photo Credit: Dolphins Plus exhibit. The animals share time on exhibit opposite the talked to the keepers and docents at the Memphis Zoo. With only 5,000 around the state of Florida, The Disney 2010, he is learning quickly. original female group of otters. The team is studying the He also presented the zoo with a Champion of Polar Animal Programs team released Jasper into the Indian Oliver, a North American river otter at Texas Kyle Lane and Wono, a female California sea animals’ activity budgets as they are encouraged to nest Bear Award due to the research department developing River Lagoon on the Atlantic coast on 22 February 2011. Marine Mammal Physiology Project State Aquarium. lion, working on squeeze cage desense. and rest off exhibit, and forage and play while on display. a process for determining pregnancy in a polar bear by By that afternoon, a report was received from the Florida at Long Marine Lab – Santa Cruz, Georgia Aquarium welcomes Bryan Martin, testing urine samples. Fish and Commission that Jasper CALIFORNIA Sea lion pool repairs went well, and the sea lions U.S. SOUTHEAST REGION Samantha Theobald and Ashley Coffey to the Animal was cavorting with a group of 30 other manatees. The The Marine Mammal Physiology Project Dolphins Plus – Key Largo, FLORIDA Care & Training Team and Katie Allen, Lisa Green, Jen were back out on exhibit after just a short month, just same day, Animal Programs animal care experts brought continues to push forward with its pioneering research Sarah Graff Dolphins Plus is proud to announce the new Marine Kaiser and Kevin Krueger to the Animal Training Team at in time for the increased summer show schedule. The another rescued manatee, Vail, to The Seas. Vail has to help conserve Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus Miami Seaquarium Mammal Research Internship. This program allows the Dolphin Theatre. Zoo’s AZAK chapter started holding training lunches, been cared for in manatee rehabilitation facilities since schauinslandi). H’õ ailona is now working with his Miami, Florida participants to learn about the ongoing investigations where all departments can meet and trouble shoot he was injured 15 years ago due to a watercraft strike. trainers to determine the energetic cost per swim stroke of marine mammal development, social dynamics, Photo Credit: training problems. A portion of his tail paddle is missing-an injury similar for Hawaiian monk seals, in addition to determining Audubon Aquarium of the Americas – acoustics, and conservation. Georgia Aquarium to that of Seas manatee, Lou. how much energy it costs for these animals to perform New Orleans, LOUISIANA The animal training staff has had a successful SeaWorld – Orlando, FLORIDA dives of varying depth and duration. The Audubon Aquarium of the America’s just husbandry season with 22-year-old, female California On 22 April 2011, Earth Day, SeaWorld Orlando The MMPP staff is preparing for their upcoming celebrated Buck, the sea otter’s 14th birthday. Trainers sea lion accomplishing voluntary blood draw, EKG and premiered its new Shamu show titled One Ocean. The U.S. SOUTHWEST MAINLAND REGION season of Ocean Explorers, a science summer camp for have been working hard on new behaviors with both ultrasound in preparation for cataract surgery. core message of the show is conservation driven and Brittany Harris kids ages 9-14. The staff is creating all new activities for Buck and Emma including an exciting speak and open The animal training staff would like to welcome the pre-show spotlights SeaWorld’s role in the rescue, SeaWorld San Diego the kids to highlight the current research and the things mouth behavior. seasonal trainer Meghan Weinpress back for the Spring/ rehabilitation, and release of sick and or injured marine San Diego, California we can all do to help with ocean conservation. Staff is preparing for the upcoming hurricane Summer season and new full time trainer Ramiro animals. Along with showcasing the speed and power Visiting researchers will be arriving soon to season, making significant progress in re-establishing Barbuzano to the team. of the killer whales (Orcinus orca), this multimedia continue work with the dolphins and sea otters. The lost behaviors such as, kennel and netting, both American icon and animal advocate, Betty Dolphins plus would like to thank the Ocean staff looks forward to the training challenges ahead for behaviors that were significantly hindered following White, was keepin’ cool in Hotlanta at the Embassy team, especially Ted Turner and to the spring the many projects that will begin within the year. Hurricane Katrina. Georgia Aquarium. Betty recently spent and Summer Animal Care and Training Interns. some time with the animals and staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, – Orlando, FLORIDA aquariums new, Dolphin Tales show. CALIFORNIA This summer was filled with excitement as the So far, 2011 has been filled with many exciting Grand Reef at Discovery Cove opened in June. The new Marineland Dolphin Adventure – changes to the Sea Otter Team, both for the staff and million gallon salt-water reef is home to thousands of Marineland, FLORIDA animals at Monterey Bay Aquarium. exotic fish and rays. Designed to accommodate all levels The rebranding has been completed for the Farewell to sea otter aquarist, Jennifer Cacioppo, of swimming ability, the reef allows guests to choose Marineland facility since its purchase by the Georgia and wish her luck in her new endeavors at the Navy their level of immersion, from wading, to snorkeling, to Aquarium, and it is now known officially as Marineland Marine Mammal program in San Diego. With her swimming throughout the reef. For the truly adventurous Dolphin Adventure. Many upgrades and improvements departure, it is a pleasure to announce the newest sea guest, the SeaVenture program allows the participant to Photo Credit: Dolphin Research Center have been completed or are in progress on the physical otter staff member, Hannah Ban-Weiss, who comes to walk fully underwater while wearing a dive helmet, giving facilities, including the life support system. us from Long Marine Lab in Santa Cruz. them more time to enjoy the aquatic life surrounding Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is saddened Nellie, the world’s oldest dolphin born under At the sea otter exhibit, Rosa has been acting them. For those not wanting to venture into the water, to announce the loss of their senior dolphin, human care, celebrated her 58th birthday on 27 February as a surrogate mother behind the scenes with the there is 360 degree dry access to the entire exhibit. Theresa. 2011. She celebrated with a special ice-and-fish cake SORAC program (Sea Otter Research and Conservation) and over one hundred well-wishers who came by to for her 7th stranded pup. Rosa is nearly at the end of Dolphin Connection – Duck Key, FLORIDA Dolphin Research Center – Grassy Key, celebrate with her and her trainers. She continues to her surrogate mother duties and will rejoin the sea Dolphin Connection is grateful for a record-breaking FLORIDA astound and amaze the guests with her longevity, and otter exhibit in the next couple of weeks. Mae is also Spring Break crowd that kept programs full for six weeks Dolphin Research Center is saddened to announce has generated a lot of positive media coverage for the currently behind the scenes acting as a surrogate for straight. Among these many guests was Lauren Shields, the loss of the most senior dolphin, Theresa. She was a zoological and aquarium community. her third pup. On the exhibit, Kit, Toola, and Joy have a heart transplant recipient, who along with her brother member of the family for 43 of her estimated 56 years. Welcome to Jamie Stanley-Bahnsen, Jessica been working hard to maintain all of their behaviors. Kit, participated in a dolphin interaction program. Lauren is Living at DRC longer than any other dolphin or human, she Aditays, and Mary Pederson to the Animal Training team. a 16-month-old has been working on an assortment of the namesake of New York’s, Lauren’s Law, which would earned the title, Director of Human Training. Photo Credit: The Seas new behaviors and is progressing very well. mandate that every driver’s license applicant answer Theresa was a devoted mother, and in her later the organ donor question on the paperwork, rather than years she earned the nickname, Nana. Expectant mothers Manatees (Trichechus manatus) Lou and Vail at Disney’s The Seas®. REGIONAL REPORTS is compiled by Beth Ament.

24 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 25 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 different auditory systems good reason that blindfolding should make any difference in the ability with different sensitivities (e.g., Au, Popper, to copy sounds. For motor behaviors, Tanner imitated more reliably when & Fay, 2000). Also, the trainers listened in air, sighted (63%) than when blindfolded (41%). This was also expected, while Tanner may have listened underwater, and the given that we already knew he was proficient at copying motor behaviors trainers typically waited until the end of the model behavior sighted. (In fact, it was a prerequisite to starting this project.) But the new Figure 1 before announcing their guess, while Tanner responded almost . In a typical blindfolded and exciting result was that he was also able to imitate motor behaviors as soon as the model behavior began. However, what these imitation trial, Tanner copies another while blindfolded. results show is that the information for identifying the behaviors dolphin's bobbing behavior while In interpreting these results, it's important to note that the probability via their characteristic sound was certainly available in the environment, wearing eyecups. of Tanner getting a behavior right by guessing was extremely low -- and therefore could have been used by the dolphin, without the need about 5% for motor behaviors. (Specifically, because we coded Tanner's for echolocation. attempted motor imitations as falling into any of 20 possible categories Kelly O. Jaakkola, Emily E. Guarino, & Mandy L. Rodriguez play this game routinely, copying the behavior of other dolphins or humans -- including the 19 tested behaviors plus "other" -- chance performance Upshot Dolphin Research Center in the water. But for this study, we changed the rules by taking away the for any particular trial was 1/20.) And even this is a conservative estimate, So where are we? Previous studies have shown that dolphins can imitator's ability to see the behaviors. That is, we asked him to imitate because it assumes that Tanner could only choose among the behaviors imitate. In this study, we asked a dolphin to imitate without the benefit For humans, imitation is an extremely important ability. while blindfolded (i.e., while wearing soft, removable, latex eyecups that we were testing. But of course, he could have performed any behavior at of sight. He immediately adapted to the new situation, found a way to From a very young age, human infants and children copy the completely occluded his vision). all. It's also important to point out that we coded very strictly. For a trial recognize the behaviors, and copied them. We can't say yet whether the noises other people make, the things other people do, and the Our imitator was a 7-year-old male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin to count as correct, Tanner had to perform the exact same behavior as method he used for figuring out the behaviors came from echolocation, way they do them. Imitation is one of the primary ways we learn (Tursiops truncatus) named Tanner, who lived with two other male the demonstrator, immediately. If the behavior was close -- for example, from recognizing the characteristic sound of the behavior, or from some about the world, and is believed to play an important role in dolphins that played the demonstrator role: AJ, age 21, and Kibby, age gliding along the surface dorsal up rather than belly up -- it was coded combination of the two. But in any case, his performance showed a the development of many higher cognitive achievements such 30. Tanner was selected as the imitator because he was already very as incorrect. If Tanner began his response with an incorrect behavior and flexibility in using multiple perceptual routes to imitation that's never as language, human culture, and understanding others' minds comfortable with the two prerequisite behaviors: (1) playing the do-as-I- quickly switched to the correct one, we rewarded him for the correct before been documented in a nonhuman animal. (e.g., Meltzoff, 1996; Tomasello, 1999). Because it is such a do game when sighted; and (2) wearing eyecups in other contexts, such behavior, but still coded that trial as incorrect. Such strict coding allowed For more information about this study, please see: Jaakkola, natural part of how we function in the world, it often surprises as for retrieving objects in echolocation demonstrations for guests. The us to be absolutely certain of any positive results. But if anything, it also K., Guarino, E., & Rodriguez, M. (2010). Blindfolded imitation in people to learn that imitation is not at all widespread in the question was whether he could put these two behaviors together. That is, likely resulted in an underestimate of Tanner's imitative ability. animal kingdom. Yes, many animals can learn certain basic could the imitator use a different source of information (i.e., sound rather a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23, 671-688. -- available online at: information from each other, such as which places and things than sight) to figure out the demonstrator dolphin's behavior in order to How Did He Do It? www.comparativepsychology.org/ijcp-2010-4/08.Jaakkola_etal_Final.pdf. they should pay attention to. But the ability to copy specific copy it? So how was Tanner able to imitate motor behaviors while wearing behaviors is rare. Imitation was tested in two conditions: sighted and blindfolded. In eyecups? Since he couldn't have used sight, the obvious candidate References Dolphins, however, are excellent imitators. They have each session, two trainers sat on the dock approximately 0.45 M (1.5 ft) is sound. Of course, in dolphins this comes in two varieties. Either he Au, W. W. L., Popper, A. N., & Fay, R. R. (Eds.). (2000). Hearing by whales and dolphins. been shown to copy each other's whistles (e.g., Tyack, apart, with Tanner and the demonstrator dolphin (AJ or Kibby) stationed in recognized the behavior via echolocation, in a sense ‘seeing’ the behavior New York: Springer-Verlag. 1986), computer-generated sounds (e.g., Richards, Wolz, front of them. For blindfolded imitation trials, Tanner began the trial wearing with sound, or he recognized the characteristic sound the behavior makes, Bauer, G. B., & Johnson, C. M. (1994). Trained motor imitation by bottlenose dolphins & Herman, 1984), and the motor behaviors of humans, a single eyecup. His trainer gave the hand signal for ‘imitate’ in view of much like if someone asked you to close your eyes and imitate hands (Tursiops truncatus). Perceptual and Motor Skills, 79, 1307-1315. dolphins, and other animals (e.g., Bauer & Johnson, 1994; his uncovered eye, then put the remaining eyecup into place. The second Herman, L. M. (2002). Vocal, social, and self-imitation by bottlenosed dolphins. clapping or a foot stomping. In K. Dautenhahn & C. Nehaniv (Eds.), Imitation in animals and artifacts (pp. 63-108). Tayler & Saayman, 1973; Xitco, 1988). In fact, next to trainer then gave the demonstrator dolphin a hand signal for a particular But which was it? Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. humans, dolphins may be the best imitators in the animal behavior (e.g., spin, tail, speed), and the demonstrator (usually) performed To examine the possibility of recognition by echolocation, we Meltzoff, A. N. (1996). The human infant as imitative generalist: A 20-year kingdom (Herman, 2002; Whiten, 2001). the target behavior. Tanner's job was to figure out that behavior and copy looked for patterns in his echolocation data. During test trials, Tanner progress report on infant imitation with implications for comparative psychology. At Dolphin Research Center, we wanted to explore it. (Figure 1 shows a photo of a typical trial. For video examples, see: In C. M. Heyes & B. G. Galef, Jr. (Eds.), Social learning in animals: The roots of culture echolocated primarily when he was copying motor behaviors blindfolded, (pp. 347–370). New York: Academic Press. these imitative capacities further. Our goal was to push www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwaNGoQl3Gg.) For sighted imitation which is exactly the pattern we would expect if he were recognizing the Richards, D. G., Wolz, J. P., & Herman, L. M. (1984). Vocal mimicry of computer-generated the known limits of dolphin imitation, to see how flexible trials, Tanner's trainer held the two eyecups over his eyes while the behaviors by echolocation. Unfortunately, it may also be the pattern we sounds and vocal labeling of objects by a bottlenosed dolphin, Tursiops truncatus. their ability to imitate really is. second trainer gave the hand signal to the demonstrator dolphin, before would expect if he were using echolocation for navigation. For example, Journal of Comparative Psychology, 98, 10-28. she removed the eyecups and gave Tanner the signal for ‘imitate’. Tayler, C. K., & Saayman, G. S. (1973). Imitative behaviour by Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins in order to copy a speed run blindfolded, he had to perform a speed run (Tursiops aduncus) in . Behaviour, 44, 286–298. Do-as-I-Do Training for this task was minimal, consisting of a single 12-trial blindfolded. And in order to do that, he may have needed echolocation to Tomasello, M. (1999). The cultural origins of human cognition. Cambridge, MA: We started with an imitation game (called session in which we set up the context for the sighted imitation game navigate. Therefore, these data can't tell us for sure whether he was using Harvard University Press. the do-as-I-do task in scientific literature) that that Tanner already knew, but asked him to wear a single eyecup. This echolocation to recognize the behaviors or to navigate while performing Tyack, P. L. (1986). Whistle repertoires of two bottlenosed dolphins, Tursiops truncatus: Mimicry way he could still use vision to imitate, but could also get used to wearing of signature whistles? Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 18, 251-257. our dolphins already knew. In this game, one the behaviors. Whiten, A. (2001). Imitation and cultural transmission in apes and cetaceans. dolphin acts as the demonstrator. His job an eyecup at the same time. In the next several trials, the trainer touched To examine the possibility of recognition based on the characteristic Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 24, 359-360. is to perform specific behaviors as the second eyecup to Tanner's eye, slowly increasing the amount of time sound of the behaviors, we tested this ability in humans who were familiar Xitco, M. J., Jr. (1988). Mimicry of modeled behaviors by bottlenose dolphins directed by a trainer. The other he was blindfolded, but still removed that eyecup before the demonstrator with these behaviors. Specifically, we blindfolded a couple of trainers on a (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Hawaii, Honolulu. dolphin is the imitator. His job dolphin performed the target behavior. On the twelfth trial, the trainer left dock, had our demonstrator dolphins perform the behaviors, and asked the is to copy whatever behaviors the second eyecup in place, and Tanner still copied the demonstrator's trainers to try to identify them. The results showed that the trainers could Editor’s Note: This paper received the following award during the 38th the demonstrator performs. behavior. Testing began the following day. identify the behaviors by their sound, at levels not all that different from IMATA conference at Boston, MA: 1st Place in Research Advancements. At Dolphin Research what we’d seen with Tanner (55% for motor behaviors, versus Tanner's 41%). Center, the dolphins How Did He Do? Of course, the caveat here is that the human test was not strictly In all we tested 19 motor behaviors and 8 vocal behaviors, both analogous to the dolphin test. We know that dolphins and humans have

26 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 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 any confusion for the animal. The visual point bridge is used when animals Department uses different ways to bridge our animal collection. Discussing are stationing or performing behaviors in front of us. And, we use the double this question within the department brought about the following points tap bridge during tactile behaviors and medical line ups. Sometimes the concerning bridges and their effective use at SeaWorld San Antonio. double tap serves as a soft secondary bridge (intermediate bridge) during In its simplest form, the bridge indicates that criteria are being met long duration medical behaviors. To terminate the medical behaviors we and that some form of reinforcement will be delivered upon return! More then switch to the whistle bridge. Our animals respond well to this multiple specifically, the bridge serves these primary functions. First, the bridge use of the double tap and have no problem discriminating between its use is used to indicate the instant in time when an animal has successfully as an intermediate and terminal bridge. After giving the double tap as an completed a desired approximation or behavior, or any time in which the intermediate bridge, we maintain a tactile target to make it clear that the desired topography is being emitted. Secondly, the bridge serves as a behavior is not complete. secondary reinforcer and finally, it “spans the gap” between indicating Training Staff correct performance and the delivery of additional reinforcement. Dolphin Quest Oahu At SeaWorld, bridging stimuli fall into one of the three categories. Bridges may be auditory bridges which animals can hear; visual bridges ANSWER 3 At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s Sea Lion Stadium, which animals can see; or tactile bridges which animals can feel. Within we currently use three different types of bridges; verbal, whistle, and tactile. a complex interactive session, our trainers use various bridges to enhance Primarily, we use our verbal bridge “ok” due to its convenience. With communication and provide clarity in delivering the message of “correct”. a verbal bridge there are no tools to carry around with you or keep clean. Although animals can, and do, respond to different bridges, certain species Our second most commonly used bridge is the common Acme dog whistle. respond better to different types of stimuli due to their specific physiology. We use a whistle bridge for a number of different behaviors and reasons. With a wide variety of cetaceans, pinnipeds, birds and small mammals The whistle bridge is more suitable when our animals are underwater, at a being trained, taking into account the species and their natural capabilities distance, doing something that creates a lot of noise, or if there is a visual can help determine which type of bridging stimulus might be most effective. barrier between the trainer and animal. Sometimes the whistle bridge also In the end our primary goal is to clearly indicate correct behavior so that comes in handy during shows or other situations where there is a lot of reinforcement can follow. background noise. Aside from necessity, we also use our whistle bridge Ask yourself one simple question. Is the animal responding to your randomly in training sessions to keep sessions variable and maintain a bridge? The rate of correct response to a bridging stimulus helps us choose positive reinforcement history with the whistle bridge. which bridge to use in different contexts. Take for example, an animal on an The bridge used most infrequently here at Sea Lion Stadium is the tactile underwater run. An auditory bridge is obviously more effective than a tactile bridge. The tactile bridge has come in handy with one particular animal that bridge or a visual bridge because it is easier for an animal to respond while has a very loud vocal behavior. When other bridging techniques proved underwater and away from a trainer. In this context, we would choose an ineffective, trainers introduced a tactile bridge to which he responds very auditory bridge due to the expected higher correct response rate using an well. We also utilize this type of bridge when working on water layouts with auditory bridge. This would naturally lead to a strong reinforcement history the seals and sea lions. and increased motivation. Evaluating how an animal responds to a bridge Besides our seals and sea lions, we also house Asian small clawed river goes a long way to determining which type of bridge to use. When the day is otters. During their initial training we used a clicker as a bridge. However, done, an effective bridge is one that is clear and that an animal responds to. over the course of their training, we have faded the clicker out as we feel it SeaWorld San Antonio became an inconvenience due to its cumbersomeness in our hands with the Animal Training Department rest of our training tools. Hope that helps! Sea Lion Staff ANSWER 2 Currently, we use three different bridges – a Six Flags Discovery Kingdom whistle, a visual point and a tactile double tap. Generally we reserve the whistle bridge for away behaviors, aerials and traveling behaviors. When TRAINER’S FORUM is compiled by Robert Roozendaal 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 TEWZA WORKSHOP IAAAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE Notices Announcements The 5th Training and Enrichment Workshop for Zoo AND MEETING & Animals is taking place at the in Oakland, The 43rd Annual International Association for Aquatic INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE California on 26-30 September 2011. More information Animal Medicine conference and meeting will ON ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT can be found at www.enrichment.org/MiniWebs/ take place in Atlanta, Georgia on 12-16 May 2012. What’s The 10th International Conference on Environmental International/tewza.pdf. Visit www.iaaam.org for more information as it Enrichment is being held in Portland, Oregon at the becomes available. Benson Hotel on 14-19 August 2011. The Oregon Zoo WAZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE and the Oregon National Primate Research Center will The 66th annual conference for the World Association ICZ CONFERENCE be hosting the event. Updates can be found at www. of Zoos and Aquariums will take place on 2-6 The 4th International Congress on Zoo Keeping Up Doc? enrichment.org as information becomes available. October 2011 in Prague, Czech Republic. Registration conference will be held in Singapore on 9-13 information can be found at www.waza.org. September 2012. This event is sponsored by the AAZK NATIONAL CONFERENCE Wildlife Reserve Singapore and the Singapore Tourism The American Association of Zoo Keepers has AKAA CONFERENCE Bureau. Updates on information for this conference updated the information about their upcoming 2011 The Animal Keepers Association of Africa is holding can be found at www.aszk.org.au/. Shoes for a Seal National Conference being held 24-28 August 2011. its annual conference 4-6 October 2011. Continue to The conference will be hosted by the San Diego check www.akaafrica.com for more information. Robbert van Schie, Dolfinarium Harderwijk AAZK and held at the Westin Gaslamp Quarter. More PHOTOS NEEDED All IMATA members are information concerning presentation submissions can AAZV ANNUAL CONFERENCE invited to submit photographs for use in Soundings be found at www.aazk.org. The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians magazine. High quality images at 300dpi are preferred. annual conference will be taking place in Kansas City, Please identify the photographer for credit and mail AZAD NATIONAL CONFERENCE Missouri on 23-28 October 2011. More information will your photos to “IMATA Photo Archivist” as well as The Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents be posted at www.aazv.org closer to the conference “Soundings Chief Editor” at the IMATA Central Office, is holding a national conference in Memphis, date. [email protected]. In 2006, the Dolfinarium Harderwijk plaster mold of Artis' back flippers. The mold Tennessee on 30 August – 4 September 2011. found that one of our harbor seals enabled precise tailoring for a prosthetic Visit www.mzsdocents.org for more information. JOINT EAAM/IMATA REGIONAL WORKSHOP IMATA LIBRARY Are you looking for an article The European Association for Aquatic Mammals and from a past conference or an old issue of Soundings? (Phoca vitulina) named Artis had device. After one week, Frank Schonagen ABC DOLPHIN TRAINER ACADEMY – the International Marine Animal Trainers Association IMATA’s library is available online to Associate, Active, paralyzed back flippers. We discovered had the prosthesis completed for Artis BASIC COURSE are hosting a joint animal training and husbandry and Professional members! Go to imata.org and click Live your dream and gain practical hands on workshop in the Netherlands at Ouwehands Zoo Publications. Our searchable index is also found there. this because he stopped using them as (Photo 1). Staff took two weeks and basic experience with three marine mammal species at and Dolfinarium Harderwijk 3-4 November 2011. would a normal seal; he used only his approximations to get Artis gradually used to the ABC Dolphin Trainer Academy! Learn the science Please visit www.animaltrainingworkshop.nl for more CHANGING ADDRESSES, JOB TITLES, of animal training while having fun working with information. OR EMAIL? Keep your information current on front flippers. We do not know exactly the new prosthetic shoes. dolphins, sea lions, and manatees. The Basic Course IMATA’s website. You have the ability to update your what the cause was. Artis came as a Thanks to the protection provided by the is being offered 5-9 September 2011. The workshop ZAA ANNUAL CONFERENCE information. It’s as easy as 1, 2, and 3. is hosted by Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, The Zoologoical Association of America is hosting its 1. Log onto the member’s section of the IMATA young animal from a zoo in Amsterdam prosthesis, Artis' back flippers soon began to Riviera Maya, Mexico. More information is available 7th annual conference in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas website with your username and password. and has lived his whole life in the heal and improve. In the beginning, we used at www.abcanimaltraining.com and visit us at http:// area on 9-12 November, 2011. Visit http://zaa.org for 2. Click on edit profile and update your www.facebook.com/dolphin.training or email swood@ more information. current information. Dolfinarium. the prosthesis all day and night. Haowever, abcanimaltraining.com 3. After updating your information, click on submit In the Dolfinarium, husbandry PHOTO 1: Artis’ back flipper we soon decided that similar to wearing SMM BIENNIAL CONFERENCE at the bottom of the page and recheck the AZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE sessions are a daily occurrence with prostheses. Photo Credit: gloves all day, the skin on his back flippers The 19th biennial conference for the Society for information you just entered. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2011 annual Marine Mammalogy will be held at the Tampa That’s all you have to do. Your changes are immediately all our animals, so of course the same Dolphinarium Harderwijk needed to breathe. For that reason, we began conference date has been announced. Zoo Atlanta Convention Center in Tampa, Florida on 26 November entered into the website. If you have any problems, was true with Artis. While Artis’ and Frank Schonagen to attach the prosthesis after the last feeding and the Georgia Aquarium will co-host the conference -2 December 2011. Visit www.marinemammalscience. click on feedback, and write your questions in the 12-17 September 2011. More information can be found org for more information. comment section. paralyzed back flippers didn’t appear of the day and taking them off during the first at www.aza.org. to impact his quality of life, a challenge did develop. feeding of the next day, since during daylight hours he ABMA CONFERENCE WEBSITE Visit us online at www.imata.org. EAZA ANNUAL CONFERENCE The dates for the 2012 conference for the Animal Artis preferred to sleep on a platform within his exhibit. was almost always swimming (Photo 2). Additionally, The 2011 annual conference of the European Behavior Management Alliance have been NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS However, every time he did this he dragged his back this approach worked well for the staff who were always Association of Zoos and Aquaria will be take place announced. The conference will be held in San is compiled by Haley Merritt. in Montpellier, France on 20-24 September 2011. Francisco, California on 6-11 May 2012. This event flippers in the process of trying to make it up onto the around to observe when Artis’ flippers were exposed Information will be posted at www.eaza.net as it is taking place at the San Francisco Airport Marriott. platform. This occurred every time he went onto the and intervene if necessary. becomes available. Updates can be found at www.theabma.org. 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. Off the Shelf on the platform which caused abrasions, but also when Marineland (Images of America series); the wounds were bleeding birds would pick at the WHAT’S UP DOC? is compiled by Jen DeGroot. Price $21.99; 128 pages / softcover flippers, thereby causing infections. A bigger issue was By Cheryl Messinger and Terran McGinnis that Artis could not feel any of this. Reviewed By Michael Hunt, Georgia Aquarium 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 One my fondest childhood memories was taking part in a school field trip raising the first dolphin calf in human care, and Aluspray, a spray product to protect and camouflage the to Marineland. As a child, my visit to this quiet stretch of Florida coastline near pioneering research on cetacean echolocation. wounds, which helped to prevent the bird problem for St. Augustine allowed me to witness sea life as I had never been seen before— a brief time. However, the Aluspray did not address our through 200 underwater portholes. My visit clearly inspired my future career A must-have for any trainer’s library, platform rubbing issue. We even tried one of the plastic path and it’s clear that Marineland also made a profound impression on the rest Marineland resurrects memories of the historic collars used for cats and dogs to protect wounds or of the world as well. Now, we are able to revisit the magic of days gone by location through the visuals of more than 200 stitches, but this fell off after only a couple of minutes. with Marineland – the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of vintage images. Authors Cheryl Messinger and Terran McGinnis have a clear A colleague happened to have encountered an America series. passion for preserving the historic significance of Marineland, and bring together orthopaedic shoe technician, Frank Schonagen, who PHOTO 2: Robbert van Schie working with Artis to place this collection of images from its archives, uncovering the lasting relevance of the specializes in making prostheses for humans. Frank the prothetic shoes on his back flippers. Photo Credit: As the first “oceanarium,” Marineland sparked the world’s fascination with vision set forth by Marineland’s founders more than 70-years ago. Dolphinarium Harderwijk marine animals, displaying rare and unusual ocean life in daily performances that Schonagen came to the Dolfinarium where he made a included divers hand-feeding sharks and the world’s first dolphin show. Meanwhile, OFF THE SHELF is compiled by Michael Belshaw. behind the scenes, Marineland perfected scientific innovations, breeding and

30 Volume 36, Number 3 SOUNDINGS 2011 SOUNDINGS 2011 Volume 36, Number 3 31 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Full week - Member $400 Full week – Non member $475 Daily - Member $125 Daily – Non member $150

Complete Conference details on page 8 of this issue or visit www.miami2011.imata.org