Abstract

Slides are presented of recent captive births of marine mammals at Marineland of the Pacific. A community sea lion display, in which four pups were born last June, will be discussed relative to mother-pup interactions, swimming activity, hauling out areas and overall husbandry. Recent successes in propagation of Tursiops species in a community tank will be related to public feeding, behavioral observations, sex ratios, and general husbandry. The handling and subsequent feeding techniques of a suckling pilot whale will be described.  Also discussed is the recent birth and subsequent management of a killer whale calf.

Notes

Sea Lions

1. Have extra exits from any back rooms so females can escape from males. A shallow splash area (4" depth) is important for pups to learn about water.

2. A shallow splash area (4" depth) is important for pups to learn about water.
   Mother sea lions will keep pups in these areas.

3. Fresh water on deck for drinking is important.
   Feed the females in the back room so they get used to it and will pup there.

4. Cut umbilicus because the female likes to fling the pup into the water. Thus they won't be attached to the placenta when flung.

5. Handle animals as little as possible.

Dolphins and Whales

1. Observe sub-dominant animals and make sure they get feed.

2. Don't handle young animals if possible. If one has to work on a calf, keep it in the water and with its mother.

3. One-half to one and one-half hours is the normal length of calving time.

4. A new arrival (pilot whale) which wouldn't eat was rubbed and handled by trainers. It eventually gained confidence in them and then would eat if hand fed by trainers.

5. Gastritis in a newly arrived pilot whale was cleared up using mycostatin orally.

6. Killer whales are prone to stress, thus it is advisable to give antacids during periods of handling and capture.

Since treatment of diseases in whales and dolphins is so difficult, one cannot stress the importance of husbandry and preventive medicine enough.