Abstract

Facilities licensed with the United States Department of Agriculture must be in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Marine mammal standards are in the AWA in Subpart E - Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transportation of Marine Mammals.

Facility requirements are listed under three subheadings: 3.101 Facilities, General; 3.102 Facilities, Indoor; and 3.103 Facilities, Outdoor.

3.101 Facilities, General

 Housing

 Structurally sound, good repair, contains the animals, and restricts the entrance of unwanted animals.

 Animals protected from abuse and harassment from the viewing public by uniformed, identifiable employees to supervise the public, or by physical barriers.

 Surfaces constructed of durable, nontoxic materials that facilitate cleaning. Written protocol on cleaning must be implemented.

 Reliable sources of water and electric power provided

 Contingency plans

 Written contingency plans regarding emergency sources of water and electric power are approved by APHIS. Contingency plans to include animal evacuation plans and describe back-up systems and/or arrangements for relocating marine mammals. APHIS does not keep copies of plans.

 Drainage

 Adequate drainage located so all water in pools can be eliminated for cleaning or other purposes

 Drainage effluent disposal complies with all pollution control laws.

 Drainage provided for enclosures and areas immediately surrounding pools.

 All drain covers securely fastened to prevent animal entrapment.

 Food

 Stored food protected from spoilage or other contamination.

 Refrigerators/freezers/coolers must be used for perishable food.

 No toxic/harmful substances stored in food storage/preparation areas unless located in cabinets to prevent food contamination (cleaning agents).

 Food, supplements and medications cannot be used beyond shelf life or date listed on the label.

 Other

 Removal/disposal of wastes must minimize odors, vermin infestation and disease hazards.

 Washrooms provided to staff and cleaned/sanitized daily.

 Enrichment items must not be ingestible, breakable or likely to cause injury and be able to be cleaned/sanitized.

3.102 Facilities, Indoor

 Air and water temperatures regulated to protect animals from temperature extremes, provide for good health/well-being, and prevent discomfort as appropriate for the species.

 Indoor housing facilities ventilated to provide fresh air and minimize the accumulation of chlorine fumes, other gases, or odors.

 Vertical air space averaging at least 1.83 meters (6 feet) maintained in all primary enclosures including pools.

 Ample lighting appropriate for the species and observation/inspection.

3.103 Facilities, Outdoor

 Air and water temperature may not adversely affect health and comfort

 Animals acclimated to air/water temperatures before being introduced

 Polar bears, cold water pinniped pools free of solid ice

 Water housing cetaceans and sea otters free of all ice

 Warm water species only housed in water within appropriate temperature range

 Appropriate shelter provided for outdoor animals to protect from weather or direct sunlight when local and climatic conditions are taken into consideration

 Perimeter fence 8' high for polar bears, 6' high for other marine mammals

 Restrict animals/unauthorized persons from entry or contact

 Special rules for natural seawater facilities

 Traveling facilities security

 Perimeter fence is around entire facility, not enclosures

* Presenting author