DOLPHIN DISCOVERY PARTICIPATES IN AN INTERNATIONAL PROJECT FOR THE CETACEANS� WELFARE
- Dolphin Discovery collaborates with 7 habitats in Quintana Roo and 2 in Jamaica.
Cancún, Quintana Roo, March 26th, 2018 - Different international and national institutions like Dolphin Discovery that care for the cetaceans �welfare and are certified by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, joined the research directed by the Zoological Society & Brookfield Zoo of Chicago, a Non-Governmental Organization with the mission of inspiring people to promote conservation through the connection with the wildlife and nature.
9 of the 39 habitats that collaborate in this research belong to Dolphin Discovery, and will provide 30 individuals in a perfect state of health, chosen randomly.
The research is divided into two phases, the first one will cover the months of June and July of 2018 and they consist of placing a non-invasive data registration device denominated �dummy tag� which adheres to the skin through suction cups between the spiracle and the dorsal fin of the 18 dolphins that belong to this phase. This device will measure the movement and the activity of each one of the individuals. It will provide information regarding their welfare and how the enrichment, training, and their habitat influence their well-being. The second phase will start in January 2019 and a study will be done on health, which includes blood samples, feces, and the spiracle of 12 of the remaining dolphins of Dolphin Discovery.
According to the organization, with this research, the collaborative effort between certified institutions will provide significant information about the welfare of the cetaceans in human care environments. Specifically, this research will identify how the features of the physical environment, the enrichment programs, and the time, influence the welfare of the dolphins, measured by their behavior, activity, movement, and physical health.
"It is important that more certified institutions such as Dolphin Discovery that have marine mammals under their care, participate in this kind of research together so that we can provide the appropriate care to dolphins, since one of our main functions is to promote their welfare" said Dr. Roberto S�nchez, Director of Veterinary Care of Dolphin Discovery.
March 26th, 2018
