A Different Perspective on Animals in CaptivityAllison Larsen

EvaluationDespite protests made against animal care facilities, scientific evidence supports that such institutions solely strive to inspire conservation, while utilizing training to enlighten existing knowledge of breeding, behavior, and species preservation

SEAWORLD V. BLACKFISHBlackfish accuses: Death Psychological Trauma Physical Confinement Bodily Harm Trainer Ignorance MONEY(Blackfish, 2013)

SeaWorld’s DefenseIn response to death: Potential risk is always present Animals, though trained, are still wild

and therefore unpredictable Dawn Brancheau’s death was

inaccurately portrayed

(“SeaWorld Cares”, 1)

“We have invested tens of millions of dollars in state-of-the art improvements, including lifting floors, underwater cameras, all of which are tied in our Emergency Response Program.” -(SeaWorld Cares, 1)

Mental Health Benefits Sufficient mental and physical

stimulation…EXERCISE Trusting relationships between animal

and trainer Eased stress and promoted mental

function Role of trainer is crucial

(“Captive Breeding”, 2015)

“Trainers, their presence alone, has been seen to calm stressed brain waves in the animals; their interactions, their trainings with us, stimulate them mentally, and provide emotional attachment based on trust”

-Kyle Kittleson, Former Senior Killer Whale Trainer

Abundant Spaces Abundant spaces designed specifically

for animals Multiple pools designated for individual

animals• TSA, 4 pools assigned to 2 dolphins

Free time allowing animals to wonder Play groups encouraging natural pod

gatherings(“Can Zoos Offer More than Entertainment?”, 2015)

Top Notch Physical Care

Multiple full-time trainers available for each individual animal

TSA, 8 full-time caretakers for dolphins, including vet staff and training team

Daily husbandry routines inspecting animal’s physical health

Voluntary blood draws, weight scans, x-rays AZA regulations monitoring healthcare practices

Inspections of operations to maintain accredited

(“The Blackfish Effect”, 2014)

First-Class Handlers

1 in10,000 individuals get hired for animal care positions annually

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in field of Biology, Psychology, Animal Science, etc.

Minimum 2 years handling experience Ability to pass rigorous swim test Knowledge of various animal species,

biology, and behavior

(“Wearing a Wetsuit to Work”, 2013)

CONSERVATION

Study conducted in 2007 over a 3 year period found that: 42% guests recognized important role zoos

and aquariums play in conservation 61% guests able to provide scientific

knowledge and biology of animals encountered 35% guests reported strengthened knowledge

of conservation and rekindled love of animals 5,500 individuals in one single survey

confessed they reconsidered their role in conservation after visit (Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals, 2013)

Species Preservation Captivity allows studying in species

reproductive behavior, birth, development, & growth patterns

6 out of 16 bird and 9 out of 13 mammal endangered species saved

31 species classified as extinct in the wild are currently being bred in captivity

(“Training and Behavior Management”, 2013)

Endangered Species Saved

African Elephant Cheetah

Gray Wolf Bald Eagle

Call to Action…? “If you can touch people with wildlife, then they’re going to want to save it. If you go to SeaWorld and you get to have an encounter with a dolphin, you’re going to want to save dolphins. Gone are the days of sitting back on the long lands on the dry board and looking at wildlife way over there. Humans want to save what they love.” -Steve Irwin

Visit your local zoos and aquariums, INCLUDING SEAWORLD

Enjoy your visits Connect with the animals Find a passion for conservation Gain knowledge on the animals you love GET INSPIRED

References“Captive breeding.” Populations. Smithsonian Conservation

Biology Institute, n.d. Web. 10 Nov 2015Gross, Michael. “Can Zoos offer more than Entertainment?”

Current Biology 25.10 (2015): 1-4. Science Direct. Web. 8 Oct 2015

Klausner, Alexandra. “The Blackfish Effect.” Dailymail.com 26 Feb 2015: 1-3. Print.

Kittleson, Kyle. Wearing a Wetsuit to Work. Vol 1.N.p.: Kyle Kittleson, 2014. Print.Robeck, Todd R., Justine K O’Brian, and Daniel K. Odell. “Captive

Breeding.” Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Second ed. 2009. Science Direct. Web. 8 Oct 2015.Turner, Ted, Todd, Feucht, and Tyler Turner. “Training and Behavior Management.” Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Second ed. N.d. Science Direct. Web. 10 Nov 2015.