In order to maintain genetically healthy small populations in captivity, it is necessary to have an accurate pedigree. Recent advances in molecular genetics have provided powerful tools with which to determine these relationships in zoological parks and aquariums. One of these tools is simple sequence repeats (SSR) which have also been termed microsatellite markers. These highly polymorphic mendelian markers are useful for determining kinship and understanding community structure. Additionally, this technology is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based allowing the use of small quantities of tissue as compared with multi locus DNA fingerprinting.

Presented here are paternity assessments of three beluga whales (accession numbers 91-850, 91-731, and 94-225) born at the Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation, Brooklyn, New York. Two adult males (#05101 and #00-633) were potential fathers for these three captive born individuals. DNA was obtained from either blood samples taken during routine veterinary care or naturally sloughed skin. Microsatellite analysis revealed that male #00-633 had sired #91-850 and #91-731 while male #05101 was the sire for #94-225.

These determinations may be very important in future management decisions. The two offspring, #91-850 and 94-225, are now known to be totally unrelated when potentially they might have been half-siblings. We suggest that an accurate pedigree should be kept for all ex situ breeding groups of marine mammals. This information will contribute to the efforts to achieve successful, managed, self sustaining populations of these taxa.

Acknowledgement

We are grateful for the valuable contributions of Catherine McClave, Shelagh Massucci, and all of the dedicated staff at the Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation.