Formal Presentations - Monday
​Abstracts

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF P.H.A.S.M.: HOW MARINE MAMMAL FACILITIES ARE CRUCIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEXT GENERATION CONSERVATION TOOLS

Jason Bruck

Stephen F. Austin
State University

Full Abstract

Potential anthropogenic stressors on marine fauna continue to increase, yet how marine mammals fare physiologically under these conditions remains largely unmeasured (c.f. Currie et al., 2021; Nowacek, 2007; Romano et al., 2004; Sørensen et al., 2023; Stevens et al., 2023). For example, anthropogenic sources of noise or contaminants may trigger a psychological and/or physiological stress response in whales and dolphins (Alava et al., 2020; Fair et al., 2017; Stevens et al., 2021; Wright et al., 2007), which would typically cause health and cognitive deficits in other mammals under chronic exposure (Barnard et al., 2005; Roozendaal et al., 1996; Schikowski & Altuğ, 2020; Zhai et al., 2022). The safe and ubiquitous collection of biological materials from small cetaceans would allow scientists the means to determine how anthropogenic activities impact the health of these animals across multiple populations. However, the time resources and tools do not currently allow for such data gathering. The objective of this project was to develop a system that could collect health data from dolphin blowhole mucus as animals surface to breathe using a custom uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) purpose built for cetacean applications. While commercial off-the-shelf rotary wing UAS have been used to collect samples from large whales (Apprill et al., 2017; Hunt et al., 2013; Pirotta et al., 2017), smaller cetaceans such as dolphins present a greater challenge for sample collection in the wild (Raudino et al., 2019). Data from initial observations indicated that the use of standard commercial drones resulted in inaccurate data as the system's noise likely increased stress hormone levels and caused animals to evade the UAS. Furthermore, rotary wing UAS are likely to blow viable samples away through downwash from the spinning blades (Raudino et al., 2019). However, through a unique partnership with Dolphin Quest, research teams from two universities were able to develop a next generation platform that avoids these problems and allows for the collection of blow data from small cetaceans. In this talk, Dr. Bruck summarizes the development, design and successful deployment of the PHASM (Passive Health Assessment of Sea Mammals) UAS for the collection of blowhole mucus samples from small cetaceans, while highlighting the essential role facilities played in the system's creation and providing a template for future conservation innovation at accredited facilities.

OTTERLY ENRICHED: DEVELOPING AN OUTCOME-BASED HUSBANDRY PROGRAM
FOR A GERIATRIC ASIAN SMALL CLAWED OTTER

Jordyn Hill

​SeaWorld San Diego

Full Abstract

Animal caretakers can enhance enrichment strategies by shifting from object-based approaches to outcome-based methods that use environmental cues as antecedents, aligning with animals’ natural adaptations. This innovative process fosters an enriched experience, allowing animals to make decisions, plan, and execute natural behaviors through a methodology known as outcome-based husbandry (Vicino, Sheftel, & Radosevich, 2022). In evaluating the enrichment program for a geriatric Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) named Desi, zoological specialists at SeaWorld San Diego designed curated enrichment experiences.

Desi, a 19-year-old otter, lost his sight in old age and, following the passing of his companion, transitioned to living alone. As part of his welfare action plan, a new enrichment program was implemented to train Desi to respond to environmental cues that are paired with specific events, resulting in natural behaviors. These enrichment experiences are designed to enhance the likelihood of goal behaviors, such as foraging, nesting, and searching for resources, while encouraging him to utilize his olfactory, tactile, and auditory senses to navigate his environment.

These changes in the environment, in function with operant conditioning, led to an increase in the targeted goal behaviors. The zoological specialists observed an increase in Desi exploring his environment, swimming, and his overall activity. Outcome based husbandry is a significant part of Desi’s welfare action plan and has a positive, measurable impact on his welfare. This paper will explore this in-depth approach to enrichment and discuss progress with the training process, successes, and challenges in conditioning Desi to outcome- based husbandry experiences.

A JOURNEY OF COLLABORATION:
HOW TWO ZOOS HAVE SPENT 20 YEARS WORKING TOGETHER
TO CREATE A “WIN-WIN” SITUATION FOR BOTH FACILITIES

Bethany Figiel
Heather LaRock

The Minnesota Zoo

Full Abstract

​The Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley, Minnesota As Helen Keller wisely observed, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Collaboration is vitally important to the zoological industry. Facilities work together in order to collaborate on research projects, transfer animals to assist with SSP goals, and temporarily house animals to perform construction at their home habitat. In November 2022, seven Bottlenose Dolphins from Brookfield Zoo Chicago were temporarily relocated to the Minnesota Zoo due to construction at Brookfield. This set the stage for a collaboration of epic proportions. Luckily, Minnesota Zoo and Brookfield Zoo Chicago have a long-standing history of working together. In 2004, a male dolphin, Chinook, moved from Brookfield Zoo to the Minnesota Zoo for breeding. Previous construction projects in 2010 caused the two facilities to work together more closely, as three female bottlenose dolphins from Brookfield Zoo moved up to Minnesota Zoo during these renovations. However, the group of three turned into four on the return trip, as the zoos worked together to provide a more natural social group for Spree, a dolphin from Minnesota. In 2013, when Brookfield Zoo was hand-rearing Spree’s calf Magic, Minnesota Zoo sent staff to assist with his round-the-clock care. The history of collaboration between these two facilities has led to tremendous relationships between the two animal care departments, both with their trainers and their animals. Most recently, Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Minnesota Zoo had their longest collaboration yet, when seven dolphins moved from Chicago to Minnesota and resided there from November 2022 until January 2024. The facilities worked together with their animal care, life support, veterinary, and management teams to make the transition as seamless as possible for the animals and successful for all parties. The Minnesota Zoo animal care team integrated with the Brookfield Zoo team and maintained established behavior, worked on training novel behaviors, and helped with husbandry. Our teams worked together to perform habitat maintenance, prepare for and go through AZA inspections at both facilities, and transport the animals to and from Minnesota Zoo successfully. Temporarily housing Brookfield’s dolphins gave Minnesota Zoo time to consider future plans for their habitat space and provide a novel experience for guests. This teamwork provided continuity for the dolphins during their relocation. These collaborations provided growth for the animals, trainers, and new opportunities for both facilities. The professional development opportunities for the trainers were unparalleled, as we were able to work together and learn from one another each day to create ideal situations for the animals in our care. We have demonstrated a model for how facilities can work together to enrich the animals and improve growth for the care staff as well.

REAL TIME CONSERVATION:
HOW ANIMAL TRAINERS, SCIENTISTS, AND WILDLIFE MANAGERS COLLABORATE
TO SAVE THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED COOK INLET BELUGA WHALE (Delphinapterus leucas)

Katie Flammer

Georgia Aquarium

Full Abstract

While many people may be familiar that there is a critically endangered Cook Inlet population of beluga whale in the United States, they might not appreciate the work being conducted to further understand their plight and how to mitigate further decline (McHuron et al., 2023). As part of NOAA Fisheries Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Recovery Plan (2016), work began to address several action items including determining energetic requirements of Cook Inlet belugas and ensuring fisheries adequately accommodate beluga prey requirements. Collaboration between the NOAA Fisheries CI Beluga Whale Recovery Coordinator, Georgia Aquarium, and Dr. Terrie William’s Lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz, began addressing these concerns. This partnership has contributed to a beluga whale database that has influenced fisheries management decisions/quotas, even prior to data being published (John et al., 2024).

The behavior plan of the ex-situ beluga whales at Georgia Aquarium was a large undertaking and required years of dedicated training to maximize results. While training under a metabolic dome is not a novel concept, additional elements were needed for the studies which often required the animals to be fasted prior to data collection. These included wearing an accelerometer, active swimming on a breath hold, high energy behaviors performed prior to entering the dome, blood samples, and recording of infrared images. The behavioral conditioning needed to accomplish this project required extensive desensitization and training plans with significant communication, brainstorming, and oversight. In this presentation, we will discuss the unique and often challenging elements of the training needed to achieve the research objectives.

This study and its subsequent publications have had direct influence on the conservation of endangered belugas in Cook Inlet. It has deepened our understanding of the physiological demands of a beluga in an increasingly overburdened and loud environment. We aim to highlight the importance of interdisciplinary partnerships in wildlife conservation and hope to provide inspiration for future initiatives targeting other endangered species.