Health, Nutrition, and Husbandry Basics

Marine mammals, like all animals, can get sick. As a trainer, your observations are crucial. You need to be able to spot subtle changes that might indicate a problem. Look for these signs:

• Changes in Appetite: Is the animal eating less than usual, or refusing food altogether?
• Lethargy/Changes in Activity: Are they less active than normal, or spending more time resting? Are their behaviors unusual or repetitive?
• Changes in Breathing: Are they breathing harder, faster, or making unusual sounds?
• Changes in Skin/Appearance: Are there any unusual sores, bumps, rashes, or discoloration on the skin? Is their skin or fur/blubber looking dull?
• Changes in Feces/Vomit: What is the color, consistency, and frequency of their feces? Is there any vomit, and what does it look like?
• Behavioral Changes: Are they interacting differently with other animals or trainers? Are they acting aggressive, fearful, or withdrawn?

Example: Imagine a dolphin named Echo who usually loves to play fetch with a toy. Suddenly, Echo starts ignoring the toy and spends most of the time alone in a corner of the pool. This change in behavior could indicate a potential health issue. Reporting these observations to the veterinary staff is essential.

A balanced diet is critical for marine mammals. They often consume a diet consisting primarily of fish, and the diet must be carefully formulated to meet their specific needs. This involves understanding the nutritional content of the fish (protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals) and adjusting the diet accordingly.

• Types of Fish: Different species of fish have different nutritional profiles. Trainers must know the nutrient content of the fish they're feeding.
• Portion Control: The amount of food given depends on the species, age, size, activity level, and health status of the animal. Trainers must accurately weigh and measure food portions.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Marine mammals often need supplements to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients, particularly vitamins (like B, C, and D) and minerals (like calcium and iron). These are usually added to the fish.
• Hydration: Freshwater is available for drinking. Dehydration can be a serious health issue.

Example: A young sea lion needs more food and a higher fat content in its diet than an older, less active animal. The trainers must adjust the diet accordingly, potentially including higher fat fish like herring, and supplementing with vitamins.

Husbandry encompasses all the daily care practices that keep marine mammals healthy and their environment clean and stimulating. These practices include:

• Pool/Enclosure Maintenance: Keeping the water clean, filtered, and at the correct temperature. This prevents the spread of disease and provides a healthy environment.
• Environmental Enrichment: Providing objects and activities that stimulate the animal, such as toys, puzzle feeders, and training sessions. This helps to prevent boredom and encourages natural behaviors.
• Regular Physical Exams: Veterinarians and trainers regularly perform physical examinations to check for any signs of illness. This often includes blood work, fecal sample analysis, and other tests.
• Preventative Healthcare: Vaccinations, parasite control (deworming), and dental care are essential components of preventative healthcare. These procedures are vital in maintaining optimal animal health and welfare.
• Training and Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training is another important husbandry practice. This reinforces desirable behavior and creates an environment where animals enjoy and participate in their own care.

Example: Every day, trainers clean the pool of a beluga whale and test the water quality. They also offer the beluga different enrichment activities, such as ice blocks with hidden treats or new toys. They also conduct routine training sessions for health checks to keep the animal healthy.