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Cetacean Welfare continued
WDPAOHCLIIPTFHEIC-ISNIDED
BELUGA WHALE
Existing research shows that training, In 2017, we issued “dummy tags,” might have more educational programs or
especially when it involves positive which replicate D-tags’ shape, weight, training sessions depending on the season.
reinforcement such as rewards, can serve and attachment method, to our partner
as a great form of enrichment and can organizations so they could begin Once data are submitted, Society
be highly beneficial for these animals. getting their animals used to wearing staff will analyze and compile the
these devices. We are now working information—it will be several years
Throughout the second portion of with the University of Michigan to before the results of this study will then be
the study, the D-tags will play a large ensure our partner organizations distributed. While we have already been
role in capturing data about dolphins’ receive the functional D-tag data committed to providing our dolphins
activity and movement, 30-minute loggers this spring, and the animals with the best care possible, we will be
video recordings of each animal will will begin wearing them shortly after. able to determine if there are any areas
aid in behavior analysis, and health where we can change or improve our care
will be measured through veterinary Participating organizations will submit for our dolphin residents. Additionally,
exams and weekly fecal samples. data from the D-tags, videos, and fecal having scientific evidence spell out what
Because of our success with using the samples for two full months, once during the best environments are for these
D-tags and testing the fecal and blood the summer of 2018 and once during marine mammals will be a crucial
samples, we know that we will be able the winter of 2018/2019. This is meant step in ensuring the best care for these
to use this data to accurately evaluate to capture the variability that occurs animals in institutions worldwide. █
the well-being of these animals. throughout the year, as some institutions
34 GATEWAYS | DEMYSTIFYING DOLPHINS
