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.