Page 35 - Gateways 2018 Spring

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ALERT Adolphin swims by with a spirited flick of her tail before zig-
RESTING zagging to the opposite end of her habitat, jumping through
the air, and disappearing under the water in a deep dive.
It’s fun to watch—any Brookfield Zoo guest who has lingered
by the Seven Seas Dolphin Arena can attest to that—but what
exactly do behaviors like these mean? Are dolphins in professional
care displaying species-appropriate natural behaviors?
Many people have wondered about the answer to those questions.
After all, dolphins are among the most beloved animals found in
zoos and aquariums, and animal care specialists and the public want
to ensure these playful and curious marine mammals are thriving in
their homes.
Chicago Zoological Society staff have taken the lead on a
cutting-edge, multi-institutional study that will provide important
insight to these very questions. The study—which is being
conducted in partnership with 44 accredited zoos and aquariums
across seven countries—will shed light on how physical habitat,
environmental enrichment, and animal training influence the
welfare of cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises, and whales). The results
of this study will provide zoos and aquariums worldwide with
important information on how to best provide these animals with
the highest quality of care.

EXCITED Practice Makes Perfect

This study originates from groundbreaking work Society staff
have been taking the lead on for several years. Staff members have
perfected taking and testing fecal and blood samples for a variety
of biomarkers (molecules whose presence indicates normal or
abnormal processes occurring within an organism’s body—such
as the adrenal hormones cortisol and aldosterone, whose presence
have been shown to indicate stress) in dolphins and other animals.
These help to paint a broader picture of our dolphins’ health.

SOCIAL For years, Chicago Zoological Society staff have studied the
behavior and activity levels of dolphins to learn more about
their health.

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