IMATA Proceedings 2015 / Bahamas

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CHIEF EDITOR
Dr. Laura Yeates
MANAGING EDITOR
Patrick Berry
Gulfarium
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Linda Erb
Dolphin Research Center
2015 Board of Directors

PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
Linda Erb
PRESIDENT-ELECT
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Michele Sousa
PAST-PRESIDENT
PAST-PRESIDENT
Bill Wolden
TREASURER
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Rita Stacey
SECOND
SECONDVICE
VICEPRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
Suzanne Smith
THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

Jennifer Pletcher
THIRD VICE PRESIDENT
SeaWorld San Diego
Eric Gaglione
Dolphin Research Center
Georgia Aquarium
Michele Sousa
Brookfield Zoo
Aquarium of the Pacific
SECRETARY
TREASURER
Alex Mata
Robert Roozendall
Dolphin Discovery
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Bill Wolden
Aquarium of the Pacific
Dolphin Quest
Kelly Flaherty Clark

Gulf World Marine Park
SeaWorld Orlando
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
SECRETARY
Robert Roozendaal
Jennifer Leach
Mirage Dolphin Habitat
SeaWorld San Diego
Shelley Wood
Dolphin Quest
ABC Animal Training &
Dolphin Discovery
Teri Corbett
Atlantis
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Patty Schilling
New England Aquarium
PRESIDENTS ADDRESS
Welcome to the 43rd
Annual International Marine
Animal Trainers Associations
Conference here on Paradise
Island, Bahamas! Being
here in the Bahamas has
a special meaning for me
personally because in the
early 1900s my mothers
side of the family the Currys and the Kemps - came to Key West from
Rock Sound in Eleuthera. Its nice to be home and to be here with all
of you who make IMATA the strong voice and advocates for marine
mammal care and training.
We are very fortunate to be here in the beautiful Bahamas for our
conference, and on behalf of all of IMATA I would like to thank
our hosts here at Atlantis Dolphin Cay, our amazing VP team,
the Dolphin Encounters team, and the islands of the Bahamas!
Theres no doubt this conference and our IMATA members
enthusiasm will ensure that IMATA is better in the Bahamas!
Proceedings 2015
I also want to thank you for the incredible opportunity youve

given me this year to serve as your President. I know we will
be reflecting on the many happenings in our community since
last years conference. I thank you for the trust and faith you put
in me and in your board to hold the reins and direct IMATA this
past year. We are a family that means the world to me. I did
my very best to honor each of you and what you stand for as
an IMATA member.
I extend a special welcome to those members attending their
first IMATA conference. This year for the first time we have
representatives from the social media realm. Eric Davis and
Erin McKinney are here representing the website Awesome
Ocean. Awesome Ocean is supportive of IMATAs mission
and will spend the week seeing, in person, how we share
information with each other. They will be strategically placed
as they cover some of our conference events. We are excited to
have them with us, and encourage members to welcome them
and make time get to know them.
IMATA is a strong organization. You make it so. Our leadership

teams over the past several years helped create a machine
that is well-oiled, freshly painted and buffed with all of our rebranding and a beautiful new website. We also have a long
term strategic plan that will guide us towards a bright future.
Let us also reflect on a year of celebration and challenge,
because we continue to learn and adapt in a changing world
and community that connects us through our love and respect
for marine animals:

28 Facilities participating in Facility Pass benefit

AMMPA News Digest coming to your email direct!
Emeritus Membership initiated
Developed a 10 year strategic plan for conference regions
based in North America and International locations.
In Memoriam program launched on IMATA Website
At our business meeting on Monday you will receive a more

thorough review of these and other accomplishments.
As president, my goal this year was to keep IMATA not only on
track but to keep it out in front, leading the way on issues relating
to marine animals. I wanted to be sure that we continued to
show the world that the International Marine Animal Trainers
Association and our members are the experts when it comes
to the care, well-being, training and presentation of marine
mammals. We met the challenge to be on the front line by
being proactive and telling our truths. And I am proud thats
what we accomplished.
Its also been a year of emotional hurdles, including, one
case that ended tragically. To the family and friends of IMATA
member and marine mammal trainer, Jose Luis Barbaro, we
continue to hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Increasingly our facilities and IMATA trainers are in the public
and media eye. They want and need to know how professional
training is a critical part of our marine animals wellbeing.
People should understand how we care for our animals,
and we need to be transparent and honest about our work
because we are the BEST at what we do. We need to show
the public that IMATA is committed to ensuring trainers have
the opportunities to continue learning and perfecting training
methods and programs through exchange of ideas. That is
why we are all here this week. IMATA is our catalyst.
One of my goals while President was to help increase the

number of IMATAs potential spokespersons who can help
carry our important messages to the public. When we are
offered the chance to speak to the public via media, whether
in print or broadcast or social media, we need to be prepared
to maximize the opportunity. To that end, we brought Public
Communications Incorporated media training specialist Jill
Allread to our mid-year board meeting where she helped
your IMATA leadership team gain new techniques that ensure
we articulate our messages clearly and professionally when
speaking with the media. We hope to make this training an
annual opportunity for board and committee chairs, so that
when an issue arises or a call comes for IMATA to speak about
our mission and values, we have a team standing by ready to
go. Certainly we all have amazing stories to tell about the great
work we are doing.
We are here this week to learn, to soak in knowledge shared
by our peers from around the world, and to enhance our
ability to provide the best for the animals for which we care
so passionately. That sharing of knowledge is at the very
foundation of IMATAs mission: Education. In about two
months, IMATA begins a new chapter in educational outreach.
In early December IMATA members will teach classes for three
days to students and graduate students at Osaka College in
Japan. I have worked closely with professional IMATA member
Satoru Yamamoto, who teaches at the College. He was a
huge influence in helping us begin this relationship with our
Japanese colleges. I am so excited that IMATA is developing
this new educational outreach, and I am committed to seeing
this continue in Japan and other countries.
In closing I would like to leave you with some words from
schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe, who tragically lost her life on
the ill-fated NASA space shuttle Challenger. Christa was the first
civilian to ever fly to space, and she was so proud to be given
the opportunity. She said,
I touch the future. I teach.
IMATA, those words ring true for each and every one of us
because that is what we do. Keep teaching, keep inspiring
you DO touch the future in a very positive way!
Linda Erb
IMATA President
Proceedings 2015
PAST PRESIDENTS ADDRESS

Welcome
to
the
Bahamas and the 42nd
Annual
Conference
of the International
Marine Animal Trainers
Association, hosted by
Dolphin Cay Atlantis!
Our Conference team
has been working for
three years to put this
event together for you, and its finally here!
The theme of this years conference revolves around how we
provide the best possible care to our animals. As trainers,
veterinarians, educators, researchers and animal advocates,
we have a responsibility to care for the animals in our charge
and encourage others to do so as well. This week is filled with
opportunities for each of you to learn something new from your
colleagues that will directly impact and improve your ability to
do your job, so take advantage of everything we have planned
for you this week.
Planning a conference is always a team effort, but this year
was even more so than usual. Teri Corbet, formerly of Dolphin
Cay Atlantis, was our Vice-President for this conference and
she spent two years putting together the schedule, events,
and overall content of what you are about to experience this
week. Unfortunately Teri had to step down from her position,
so IMATAs Board of Directors came up with a gameplan to keep
Teris momentum moving forward.
The Vice-President position is now being covered by a team

of ten. Each person we asked to help immediately said,
Yes, and everyone agreed to pile on additional work onto
their already busy lives without hesitation. The team includes:
Michele Sousa, Will Elgar, Kelly Flaherty Clark, Michelle
Campbell, Dave Roberts, Michael Hunt, Eric Gaglione, Jennifer
Pletcher, Becky Masuga, Linda Erb and others that are listed
on our thank you page in Proceedings. Each made sure this
conference hap-pened and showed us all how truly dedicated
each one of them is to our training community.
This type of dedication makes each of them perfect as leaders
in the animal care world. Theres always more work to be
done, and not enough hours in the day to get it all finished,
but when you are fueled by passion, the greater good, and
understand the importance of what we do every day to care
for our animals, you make the time to do it. Throughout this
journey, weve learned that when you have a strong team and
support group, its amazing what we can accomplish together.
So please enjoy this years conference and know that it involved
a LOT of people volunteering their time, energy, and love to
create something wonderful for you. We believe that this week
will be educational, inspirational, and definitely time well spent.
Bill Wolden
IMATA Past-President
Proceedings 2015
SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER
8:00am-12:00pm
ANIMAL TRAINING CLASS WITH KEN RAMIREZ

INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING
This seminar will give a broad overview of the science behind training and the practical
applications of operant conditioning. This seminar is designed for the beginning
trainer who wants to get a better grasp of the basic concepts and principles needed to
shape behavior. It is also an excellent seminar for experienced trainers who need to
teach the material to younger staff.
This seminar will include:

Operant vs. Classical Conditioning

A variety of training and shaping techniques

Putting behaviors on cue

How to ignore unwanted behavior and use an LRS properly

The importance of developing a shaping plan
12:00pm-1:00pm
LUNCH BREAK
1:00pm-5:00pm
ANIMAL TRAINING CLASS WITH KEN RAMIREZ
NON-FOOD REINFORCERS: MAXIMIZING EFFECTIVENESS
Experienced trainers frequently develop a variety reinforcers to use in sessions with their animals, which often include tactile,
toys, and play among other things. Additionally trainers frequently talk about the importance of using a variable schedule
of reinforcement. However, young trainers are often challenged in their effort to make non-food reinforcers successful and
variable schedules effective. Even experienced trainers will discover challenges or animal frustration if these advanced
techniques are not implemented successfully. This seminar will focus on the systematic introduction of these techniques into
a training program.
This seminar will include:
How to establish strong secondary reinforcers
Determining if something is really a primary reinforcer
Importance of relationship building
Strategic implementation of variety
Differences between a scientific variable schedule and the more practical use of reinforcement variety.
1:00pm-5:00pm
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
ICEBREAKER
7:00pm-10:00pm
Come join us for an icebreaker beach party sponsored by Dolphin Cay. This event will be filled with music, food, drinks and fun!
Its also a great opportunity to meet other conference attendees and to help facilitate this interaction we will have a fun icebreaker
game to play along with great prizes! Please be sure to wear your IMATA conference nametag for entry.
Proceedings 2015 / Schedule
SCHEDULE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER
7:00am-7:30am
CONFERENCE PRESENTERS MEETING
7:00am-8:00am
REGISTRATION
8:00am-9:00am
OPENING CEREMONIES
Opening Video Compiled and edited by: Alex Mata
Thank you to all of the facilities who filmed and submitted video footage for this years Opening Video!
Conference Welcome Bill Wolden, Past-President

Opening Remarks Linda Erb, President
Host Facility Dolphin Cay Greg Charbeneau
IMATA Raffle Jeni Pletcher
9:00am-10:00am
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BRAD ANDREWS
2015 Opening Video Theme: Have Fun With Your Animals
Not many individuals can say that they have worked in

the world of Zoos & Aquariums for over 40 years. Can
you imagine the changes that have taken place over the
course of four decades? Think of how we have honed our
behavioral technique and fine-tuned our skillset for caring
for the wonderful animals in our charge. Also consider the
demographics or our guests. Those born into Generation Z
seem to live by a new set of rules. How does all this affect
the political climate that regulates what and how we perform
our jobs? What does our future hold?
Please join Brad Andrews as he shares some of that history
with us. More important, he will share his take on where we
are today and the future of teamwork and change.
SCHEDULE
9:00am-10:00am
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BRAD ANDREWS
Brad Andrews, Chief Zoological Officer for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, is responsible for all Sea World/
Busch Gardens parks animal programs, including husbandry, breeding, training, beached animal rescue
programs, education and transportation and acquisition procedures.
Andrews began his Sea World career in 1987 as Associate Curator for Sea World of California. He started working
with marine mammals in 1972 at Marineland of the Pacific, later becoming General Curator at that marine life
park. During his 15-year tenure there, he showed remarkable abilities for animal care and personnel leadership.
He holds a biology/chemistry degree from St. Marys College in Moraga, California. Andrews is a Board
member of Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Wildlife
Alliance, International Elephant Foundation, International Rhino Foundation, Cheetah Conservation Fund, African
Carnivore Research Association, Global Conservation Network, and United States Rugby Foundation. He serves
as a Steering Committee Member of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Past- chair of the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums, Past-president of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, Pastpresident of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, a member of the International Marine Animal
Trainers Association, the International Wild Waterfowl Association, the Society of Marine Mammalogists, and the
European Association for Aquatic Mammals.
10:00am-10:30am
COFFEE BREAK
10:30am-10:40am
ANNOUNCEMENTS / RAFFLE
10:40am-12:00pm
FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (4)

MODERATOR - MICHELLE SHOEMAKER, SEAWORLD ORLANDO
LEARNING ON HER TERMS: USING INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOR AS A MOTIVATIONAL TOOL

WITH AN ADULT FEMALE PACIFIC WALRUS
Kayla Bergman
WHAT CAN AN AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN BE TRAINED TO DO?
Sandy A. Tassi Kremer
CAN MR. MANATEE TURN RIGHT? YES HE CAN!
Ming Ying Hsieh
USING OPERANT CONDITIONING TO DECREASE THE FREQUENCY OF AN INTRINSICALLY
MOTIVATING BEHAVIOR
Joshua Suggs & Valerie Greene
12:00pm-1:30pm
LUNCH BREAK
1:30pm-3:00pm
IMATA BUSINESS MEETING

SCHEDULE
3:00pm-3:30pm
COFFEE BREAK
3:30pm-4:30pm

MODERATOR - SHELLEY WOOD, ABC ANIMAL TRAINING
THEIR NUMBER WAS UP: TRAINING AND INSIGHTS OF WORKING SEMI & FREE
CONTACT WITH MALE CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS RESCUED FROM
THE BONNEVILLE DAM
Madelynn Hettiger
CARING FOR RESCUED CALIFORNIA SEA LION PUPS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS):
THE REALITIES, THE CHALLENGES AND THE REWARDS
Nicole K Enright
USHAKA SEA WORLD SEAL REHABILITATION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF SATELLITE
TRACKING
Colette Bodenstaff
7:00pm-10:00pm
CAREER NIGHT #1
RESUME REVIEW
Coordinator Michelle Campbell, Dolphin Quest (see biography on page 11)
Make a reservation for the Resume Review workshop! This event is for anyone interested in having
experienced IMATA leadership review his or her resume in a casual one on one setting. Participants will
have the opportunity to discuss his or her resume with experienced personnel in the marine mammal
training industry. Participants will receive guidance regarding general resume content, resume format
and advice on what a prospective employer may or may not value in a resume. This workshop is a
must for those either looking to enter the marine mammal training field or for those who simply want
to maintain a professional resume.
INTERVIEW INSIGHTS
Moderator Shelley Wood, ABC Animal Training (see biography on page 11)
Come join our panel of facility managers as they offer helpful suggestions to improve your interview
skills. They will review helpful tips on the entire interview process including how to prepare and how to
conduct a successful interview. Practice interviews will also be conducted with audience participation.
Now is your chance to get hands on experience to help you get your dream job! No reservations
required and all are welcome to attend.
10
SCHEDULE
CAREER NIGHT FACILITATORS

Michelle Campbell, Director of Marine Animals
Dolphin Quest / Quest Global Management
Michelle has been with Dolphin Quest since 1992 when she started as an entrylevel trainer at Dolphin Quest Hawaii. In 1996, she transferred to Dolphin Quest
Bermuda to be part of the animal management team and in 2005 advanced into
her current corporate role as the Director of Marine Animals.
Michelle attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where she earned
her Bachelors Degree in Biology, in 1991. During school, she spent one summer
at the Indianapolis Zoo as an intern for the Marine Mammal Biome. While in
school, she gained valuable experience as a veterinary technician at a local small animal practice. After graduating, she was
employed by Cedar Points Oceana in Sandusky, Ohio, working with California sea lions and Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. She
went on to get her Masters in Psychology in 2008 from California Coast University in Santa Ana, California.
Michelle has been active in the marine mammal community through her accreditation work with the Alliance of Marine Mammal
Parks and Aquariums. In addition, she has been a member of IMATA for over 20 years and has served on the board of directors
as Vice President. She has authored and contributed to several published articles and presentations during her tenure with
Dolphin Quest and continues to play an active role in the annual conferences by coordinating various activities such as the Job
Fair, Resume Review and Swim Test Workshop.
Shelley Wood, Owner ABC Animal Training /

Dolphin Discovery
Shelley is the owner of ABC Training Systems, a company dedicated to producing
educational material to improve the quality of lives of animals living under human
care and to promote career building in the marine mammal training profession.
She is the author of ABC Animal Training and Director of ABC Dolphin Trainer
Academy.
Shelley has been with IMATA serving on the Board of Directors since 2008 and she
has presented career building and animal training workshops to IMATA members.
Shelley has been training marine mammals, terrestrial animals and educating trainers for 25 years. In 1994 she moved to
Cancn Mexico where she played an important role in the development and opening of Dolphin Discovery. Her career with
Dolphin Discovery has seen Shelley evolve from hands on animal trainer to Corporate Trainer Educator (CTE) for all Dolphin
Discovery facilities. As CTE she was responsible for the development of curricula, courses, and guidelines used in Dolphin
Discoverys continuing trainer education program. Shelley currently serves as a consultant for Dolphin Discovery.
11
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER
7:00am-7:30am
7:30am-8:00am
REGISTRATION
8:00am ANNOUNCEMENTS/RAFFLE
8:30am
PANEL DISCUSSION
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE

PROVIDING OUR ANIMALS THE BEST OF CARE
Moderator Dave Roberts, SeaWorld San Diego
The field of marine animal care has been at the forefront of positive animal welfare since the first dolphin
gave a conditioned blood sample well over 30 years ago. Today, positive reinforcement training is the
primary language that we use to communicate with the animals we care for, and it allows us to develop
an ever expanding suite of behaviors and interactions that all ultimately serve to enhance our capacity to
study, treat, and perhaps most importantly share these incredible animals with society at large.
But where can we go from here? What is the future of marine animal health and wellness? And how
do positive reinforcement behavioral training and veterinary care continue to evolve synergistically to
maximize our relationships with our animals, and to promote and foster the human animal bond?
In this joint workshop of IMATA and the IAAAM we will put our collective heads together to imagine the
future and to share what each of us is doing now, or planning to do, to revolutionize our approach to
marine animal health and wellbeing.
The panel includes Drs. Martin Haulena, Geraldine Lacave, Mike Renner and Chris Dold.
(see biographies on pages 14-15)
10:00am
COFFEE BREAK
10:30am-12:00pm

MODERATOR - PETER GILJAM, KOLMARDEN DJURPARK
THE USE OF OPERANT CONDITIONING IN THREE AUSTRALIAN PELICANS

Angelo Henriques
SHAPE AND COLOR DISCRIMINATION AND MATCH TO SAMPLE TRAINING IN
GENTOO PENGUINS (PYGOSCELIS PAPUA) - Anna Pauline Svensson & Paola Cuevas
NEW IDEA FOR PENGUINS TRANSPORT IN OCEAN PARK HONG KONG
Frank Chau & Gavin Fong
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER - SWIMMING WITH ANTARCTIC PENGUINS: WHY
NOT? TRAINING THE FIRST SUBZERO PENGUIN INTERACTION PROGRAM OF ITS
KIND..IN THE WATER! - Sarah Pillay
12
SCHEDULE
12:00pm-1:30pm
LUNCH BREAK
1:30pm
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE

VETERINARIANS & TRAINERS: WORKING TOGETHER
You are invited to join our guest veterinarians from the IAAAM to discuss how we can work together
to think outside the box, challenge convention, and be open to new ideas and methods. Feedback
from the morning Panel Discussion will help drive the direction of our Workshops. Be part of the
cutting edge and drive our own future!
3:00pm
COFFEE BREAK
3:30pm
ANNOUNCEMENTS/RAFFLE
3:40pm-5:00pm

MODERATOR - JILL WATTLES, DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
HEY, IS SHE SMILING AT ME? SEARCHING FOR SMILES OF DOLPHINS

Satoru Yamamoto
WHATS THAT YOU SAY? USING VERBAL COMMUNICATION WITH ATLANTIC
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
Jamie P. Stevens & Jennifer M. Erb
AWARENESS OF CONTROL AS A PRIMARY REINFORCER
Gabrielle Harris
EXPLORING THE SCIENCE BEHIND ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS
Cecilia Marre
13
IAAAM PANELISTS
CHRISTOPHER DOLD DVM - Vice President of Veterinary Services, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Dr. Christopher Dold is SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Vice President, Veterinary Services. He oversees the animal health and wellness
programs that provide comprehensive care, disease detection, and medical and surgical treatment for the marine and terrestrial animals
in the companys care, and the animals brought in as part of the wildlife rescue program. Additionally, Dr. Dold has co-authored several
published studies and book chapters that help to advance the global scientific understanding of animals and their care.
Before assuming his current role, Dr. Dold was a senior veterinarian at SeaWorld Orlando. Prior to joining SeaWorld he was a National
Academies- National Research Council Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow with the US Navy Marine Mammal Program, and completed a
University of California-Davis Internship in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif.
He started his veterinary career as a small animal doctor in Hawaii.
Chris is the past President of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine and has served on that organizations board
for the past five years. Since 2009, he has served as an active board member for Floridas Blood Centers and One Blood, Floridas
not-for-profit 501(c) (3) community asset responsible for providing safe, available and affordable blood to more than 200 hospital
partners and their patients.
Dr. Dold received a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his doctorate in veterinary
medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
Chris and his wife Erika are proud parents of two wonderful children. As a family they shepherd a small menagerie of animals at home,
including a dog, a cat, and a parrot. This summer they welcomed home a Labrador retriever puppy which they are excited to raise and
foster on behalf of Canine Companions for Independence, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with
disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs.
MICHAEL S. RENNER DVM
Dr. Renner grew up on the north shore of Long Island where my love of marine life was born. He received his BA - Connecticut College.
He received his DVM - University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. Zoo internship at Sedgwick County Zoo, Wichita,
Kansas, straight out of veterinary school. Stayed on at Sedgwick Zoo as staff veterinarian for another year. Then Miami Seaquarium,
SeaWorld Cleveland, Columbus Zoo and currently self-employed with his very own marine mammal consulting business out of Jupiter,
Florida. Also adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, and is the current secretary for the IAAAM.
14
Proceedings 2015 / IAAAM Panelist
IAAAM PANELISTS
MARTIN HAULENA DVM, MSC, DIPL. ACZM
Dr. Martin Haulena graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 1993. He completed a clinical
internship in aquatic animal medicine at Mystic Aquarium in 1996 and a Masters degree in pathobiology from the University of Guelph
in 1999. He became a Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine in 2007. Dr. Haulena was the Staff Veterinarian
at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California for 9 years. He has been Staff Veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium since
2006. His special interests are in the medical management of aquatic animals, particularly marine mammals, with emphasis on
innovative diagnostic methods such as MRIs, endoscopy and sonography, developing safe anaesthetic protocols and improving
surgical techniques. Veterinary students from around the world study aquatic animal medicine each year under the direction of Dr.
Haulena. He serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University and Adjunct
Professor at the University of British Columbia Fisheries Centre. His professional affiliations include the International Association for
Aquatic Animal Medicine, Wildlife Disease Association and the American Association of Zoological Veterinarians. He has authored
over 45 scientific journal articles and book chapters.
GERALDINE LACAVE DVM
Dr. Geraldine Lacave graduated in 1990 from the veterinary faculty of the Liege University in Belgium and obtained the first prize for
her thesis on marine mammals, particularly pinnipeds, anesthesia. During her studies, she worked for a couple of years during her
free time as a volunteer at the Bruges dolphinarium in Belgium where she also started her marine mammal carrier.
She has devoted this carrier for the promotion of medical training in marine mammals, working very closely with the trainers in the
development of good husbandry procedures for the animals in human care. She is working as a veterinary consultant worldwide since
1994 and gives regularly workshops on several subjects. She has been a member of EAAM, IMATA and IAAAM for over 20 years, is
Past President of EAAM and past Vice-President of IMATA and presented numerous papers during the conferences. Aside of training,
her main interests go to ultrasound, anesthesia and Erysipelas vaccination in dolphins. She is also the founder of the Marine Mammal
Medical Workshops.
Proceedings 2015 / IAAAM Panelist
15
SCHEDULE
5:00pm-6:30pm
POSTER PRESENTATIONS & COLL PERSKE PHOTO AND ART CONTEST

POSTER PRESENTATIONS (see pages 17-18 for full list)
The room will be filled with easels displaying all accepted poster presentations with the authors
standing by to discuss their poster topics and answer any questions you have.
COLL PERSKE PHOTO AND ART CONTEST
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), longtime
sponsor of the Photo and Art contest is proud to do so again
this year. Entries are the work of IMATA members and are
showcased and judged in one of three categories, PHOTO, ART,
or HUMOR. Winners will be awarded cash prizes for 1st and
2nd places along with best overall.
7:00pm-10:00pm
CAREER NIGHT #2
JOB FAIR
Coordinator Michelle Campbell, Dolphin Quest
Come one, come all! Whether you are an organization seeking to hire or an attendee
jockeying for your dream job, this is the event for you! The room will be filled with
various marine animal organizations showcasing their organization and collecting
resumes for positions in training/research/education positions or possibly even
internships. This is a great place to bring your newly revised resume and business
cards to meet potential employers face to face.
16
SCHEDULE
POSTER PRESENTATION LIST
SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTARY GASTROSCOPY
TRAINING WITH AN AGGRESSIVE DOLPHIN
Arenea Sleeman and Gabby Harris*
uShaka Sea World, Durban, South Africa
A LITTLE ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES:
COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF MILK SAMPLES
FROM ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS (STENO
BREDANENSIS)
Dr. Lydia Staggs, Secret Holmes*, Heather Downing
Gulf World Marine Park, Panama City Beach, USA
LASER THERAPY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO
MEDICATION OR SURGERY
Dr. Lydia Staggs, Secret Holmes, Allison Hinz*
COMPARING DIETARY COMPONENTS OF
BOTTENOSE DOLPHINS NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE
DIETS
Rita Stacey* and Melissa Zabojnik*
Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo,
Brookfield, USA
ADVANCES IN TRAINING OF SEMEN SAMPLES
COLLECTION IN A SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL
(MIROUNGA LEONINA)
Marco Gonzalez*, Matias Naughton, Nestor Truppa,
Ivan Zubizarreta, Yesica Buzid, Roxana Castelli
Mundo Marino, San Clemete de Tuyu, Argentina
DERMATOLOGICAL SKIN CONDITIONS IN SOUTH
AMERICAN SEA LIONS
Carla Haskell*, Eric Anderson, DVM, Will Elgar,
Greg Charbeneau, Chelsea Roberts, RAHT
Dolphin Cay, Atlantis, Paradise Island,
Commonwealth of the Bahamas
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: AN INSIDE VIEW INTO

THE SUCCESSFUL STORY OF KEEPING CALIFORNIA
SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS) AT THE
NUREMBERG ZOO
Christiane Thiere* and Andreas Fackel
Nuremberg Zoo, Nuremberg Reichswald, Germany
WAIT! DONT PANIC! THERE IS A NATURAL
SOLUTION TO THIS MIRACLE
Edgar Urbina, Manuel Garduo, Alex Mata, Silvia
Becerra, Leila Zekkour, Mauricio Madrazo, Joanna
Stoklosa*, Roberto Sanchez Okrucky, Shelley Wood
Dolphin Discovery, Cancun, Mexico
TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT USED TO IMPROVE
DENTAL CARE IN SOUTH AFRICAN FUR SEALS
Colette Bodenstaff*
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN CONSERVATION
FOUNDATION
Suzanne M. Smith
Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation,
New Orleans, USA
PROTEINS, FATS AND KILOCALORIES IN 5 FISH
SPECIES USED IN THE MARINE MAMMAL INDUSTRY
OVER THE LAST 22 YEARS.
Dan Shinder2, Wayne Phillips1, Jaime Alberto1*, Bernal
Vertiz1*
1
Cabo dolphins, Los Cabos, Mexico
2
Pisces Seafood International, La Mesa, USA
YALIT, A CASE TO SHARE
Abarca J., Serrano L., Capote T., Torres R. & Lpez C.*
Grupo Via Delphi SA de CV, Cacn, Mexico
Continued on next page > > >
17
SCHEDULE
POSTER PRESENTATION LIST CONTINUED
PERCEIVED END OF SESSION AGGRESSION IN A
SOUTH AFRICAN FUR SEAL
Colette Bodenstaff*, Bilal Limbada, Nikhiel Singh
HOW DO YOU FIGHT THE CLAIM THAT DOLPHINS ARE
FORCED TO WORK ALL DAY?...WITH DATA!
Kelly Jaakkola*, Emily Guarino, Jane Hecksher,
Katy Donegan Dolphin Research Center,
Grassy Key, USA
BRINGING BACK THE JOY: MOTIVATING TWO
SATIATED MALE ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
(TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) TO RETURN TO GUEST
INTERACTIONS
Charlotte Raven*, George Rodgers
Dolphin Explorer, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
THE IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION AND TRUST IN
A LONG TREATMENT OF INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION
IN OLD TUSIOPS TRUNCATUS, WHO WAS NEVER
INJECTED, USING POSITIVE HISTORY SCENARIO AS A
SUCCESFULL CONDITIONING METHOD
Ricardo Ruiz*, Cynthia Henderson & Tashi Reid.
Onmega Dolphin Park, Marmaris, Turkey
18
RELATIONSHIP AS THE MAIN REINFORCEMENT TO

TRAIN A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN CALF TO BLOOD
SAMPLE BY BEHAVIOUR
Neto A.P. Henriques*, A. Popadina, M. Libianchi, F.
Patrignani, F. Valeri L. Grande, L. Fiorucci
Zoomarine Italia, Pomezia, Italy
INTRODUCTION OF FAMILIAR AND NOVEL OBJECTS
FOR TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS PONTICUS UNDER
HUMAN CARE
Ruta Ziliene1* and Fabienne Delfour2
Lithuanian Sea museum/Klaipeda University, Lithuania
Laboratoire dEthologie Exprimentale et Compare,
Paris 13 University, Villetaneuse, France
FOUR DECADES OF HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND
FUN: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Mrcia Neto, Elsa Quintino*, Lucie Palma, Alexandra
Rodrigues, Carla Flanagan, Marco Bragana, Miguel
SilveiraZoomarine, Lisbon, Portugal
SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER
7:00am 7:30am
7:30am-8:00am
REGISTRATION
8:30am
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
INAPPROPRIATE HANDLING OF DATA, INVALID COMPARISONS, AND UNSUPPORTED

CONCLUSIONS: COMMENTS ON CAPTIVE KILLER WHALE (ORCINUS ORCA) SURVIVAL BY
JETT AND VENTRE (2015).
Drs. Kelly Jaakkola and Grey Stafford
The subject of any animals welfare in a zoological setting is an important topic for public discussion and
scientific debate. When it comes to killer whales; however, this discussion often takes the form of accusation,
misleading propaganda (e.g., Blackfish), and conjecture, which can result in misguided wildlife policy and
prohibitive laws that harm science, education, and conservation efforts for this and other species. Please join
Drs. Kelly Jaakkola and Grey Stafford for an educational discussion regarding a recently published article,
Captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) survival (Jett and Ventre 2015), and how inappropriate handling of data
and invalid comparisons may lead to unsupported conclusions. They will contrast this work to the results of
another recently published paper, Comparisons of life-history parameters between free-ranging and captive
killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management (Robeck et al. 2015).
Jett, J. & Ventre, J. (2015) Captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) survival. Marine Mammal Science,
DOI: http://dx.doi.org.10.1111/mms.12225
Robeck, T. R., Willis, K., Scarpuzzi, M. R., OBrien, J. K. (2015) Comparisons of life-history parameters
between free-ranging and captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species
management. Journal of Mammology, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyv113
Robeck, T., Jaakkola, K., Stafford G., & Willis, K. (in press). Killer whale (Orcinus orca) survivorship in
captivity: A critique of Jett and Ventre (2015). Marine Mammal Science.
19
SCHEDULE
9:00am-10:00am

MODERATOR - RACHEL SIDWELL
INNOVATIVE TRAINING APPLICATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TURSIOPS
TRUNCATUS IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Jessica DAscanio
FOLLOW ME! USING MIMICRY AND LACTATION REINFORCEMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL DESENSITIZATION TRAINING OF A NURSING SEA LION
Nahoko Hayashi
MENTAL VS. MEDICAL: SMALL FACILITY, LARGE IMPACT AND CREATIVE STRATEGIES
FOR EXPANDING AND IMPLEMENTING ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRACTICES WITH
LIMITED RESOURCES
Cynthia Henderson
10:00am
COFFEE BREAK
10:30am-12:00pm

MODERATOR - JOHANNA STOKLOSA, DOLPHIN DISCOVERY
TRAINING RAM VENTILATING SHARKS FOR STATIONING BEHAVIORS

Michelle Y. Crosetto DVM
THERES NO STOPPING US RIGHT NOW
Jan Czaja & Victoria Ferraro
IMPROVING ANIMAL WELLNESS AND GUEST EXPERIENCE THROUGH LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES AND SECONDARY REINFORCERS WITH A GOLIATH GROUPER
(EPINEPHELUS ITAJARA)
Juliane Nylund & Thad Lacinak
COMBINING OPERANT CONDITIONING AND OUR OWN CREATIVE ENGINEERING TO
DEVELOP HUSBANDRY BEHAVIORS WITH A 350 POUND, FIVE FOOT WIDE ROUGHTAIL
RAY (DASYATIS CENTROURA)
Nicole Ethier & Christina Mendonca
12:00pm
20
LUNCH BREAK 60 MINUTES
SCHEDULE
1:00pm-7:00pm
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER SITE VISIT

Dolphin Encounters would like to invite all conference attendees to a fun-filled beach party at our facility.
1:00pm-1:45pm
Board a double decker catamaran at the Ferry Terminal on Paradise Island for a scenic 20-minute boat ride

to Dolphin Encounters private island. There will be two boats one departs at 1:30pm and the other departs
at 1:45pm. You must have your IMATA nametag to get on the boat!
2:00pm-4:30pm

Dolphin Encounters is closed to the public and open ONLY to IMATA conference attendees. Enjoy a dolphin
swim, dolphin encounter or sea lion encounter offered at greatly discounted rates with all proceeds being
donated to the IMATA Conservation and Research Fund please sign up for these encounters during registration.
Watch scheduled training sessions with onsite trainers. Take part in organized beach games on the beautiful
Blue Lagoon beach. Play on the big inflatable water park. Relax and grab a hammock for lounging and
relaxing. If you registered for the conference early, be sure to pick up your conference t-shirt at the Dolphin
Encounters Education Classroom near the sea lion habitat.
4:30pm-6:30pm
Enjoy heavy hor doeuvres and discounted special drinks
5:30pm-6:30pm

INFORMAL PRESENTATIONS IN THE DINING AREA ON BLUE LAGOON ISLAND

Moderator - Sarah Brignac, Dolphin Research Center
So What Would You Do With Some Kilos Less?

Challenges of Training Antarctic Penguins
Paola Cuevas * & Anna Pauline Svensson*
Snow Penguins, Skidubai, Dubai U.A.E.
One is the Loneliest Number: A Solitary Dolphin
Joins an Established Dolphin Social Group
Teri Bolton*, Eldon Bolton III & Samir Galindo
The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences, Bay Islands,
Republic of Honduras
The Effects of Time and Treatment on Frequency
and Severity of Seizures in an Adult Male California
Sea Lion
Maggie Doutre
Wildlife Conservation Society, Queens Zoo,
Bronx, NY, USA
7:00pm
7:00pm-10:00pm
The B Team: The Significance of the Support Trainers

in a Large Facility
Tazia T. Rutherford*, Will Elgar & Greg Charbeneau
Dolphin Cay Atlantis, Paradise Island, Commonwealth of
the Bahamas
Whats Your Sign?
April Martin
National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD, USA
Use of New Technologies and Novel Tools to advance
Marine Mammal Research and Conservation
Initiatives: Where will technology takes us and how
long will it take us to get there?
Stephen McCulloch1, Kevin Brown*2, Mark Simmons3,
Todd Feucht3, Robin Friday3,
Juli Goldstein1 & Armando Rodriguez4
1
Protect Wild Dolphins Alliance,2Utility Robotics, 3Ocean
Embassy, 4Dolphin Research Center
Board the catamarans and enjoy a lovely sunset cruise back to Paradise Island and the Atlantis hotel
SOCIAL NIGHT AT THE GREEN PARROT
The Green Parrot is a fun bar and restaurant and they are opening the doors to all IMATA conference attendees
on Wednesday, 30 September, 2015 with drink specials and great music! Located
under the bridge on Paradise Island, this location offers some of the best Bahamian food
on the island in a magnificent island bar type setting. Have fun and drink responsibly!
21
Swim with the dolphins, interact with sea lions

and enjoy a day at a unique beach on beautiful
Blue Lagoon Island. Dolphin Encounters
offers animal interactive programs in a safe
environment with an emphasis on education
and entertainment. Our main objective is to
let guests interactively experience bottlenose
dolphins and sea lions in their natural
habitats and to heighten their awareness
and understanding of these truly magnificent
animals and similar species.
Not far from Nassau, Bahamas, come visit
us on magnificent Blue Lagoon Island or just
learn more about the marine environment and
the marine mammals under our care through
our Education pages.
dolphinencounters.com
22
Proceedings 2015
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
7:00am 7:30am
7:30am-8:00am
REGISTRATION
8:30am
ATAC COMMITTEE GAME SHOW: HEADS UP!
9:00am
GUEST SPEAKER DR. TERRY L. MAPLE

Dr. Terry Maple is best known for his visionary leadership in revitalizing Atlantas city zoo. During Dr. Maples
tenure as CEO, Zoo Atlanta became recognized as one of the worlds most innovative zoological parks. Dr. Maple
has been invited to share the importance of the priority of animal welfare being elevated to equal status with
conservation, as they are synergistic concepts. The new frontier of wildlife wellness requires that we understand
what it means for each species to reach a standard of thriving, monitor and document thriving in great detail,
and actively promote it through the science of behavior analysis and the practice of behavior management.
(see biography on next page)
10:00am
COFFEE BREAK
10:30am-12:00pm

MODERATOR - PHILLIP ADMIRE, THE MIRAGE DOLPHIN HABITAT
HUMOR, TIMING, PACE, AND BEHAVIORS: EMPLOYING HIGH PRODUCTION VALUE TO

SHARE OUR MESSAGE
Cristina Mendonca & Martha Hiatt
THE SHAMU CONNECTION: CONNECTING CLASSROOMS AROUND THE WORLD VIA
LIVE VIDEO CONNECTION
Joseph Sanchez & Kristen McMahon-Van Oss
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF MARINE MAMMAL FACILITIES IN TODAYS
CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE: ANSWERING THE ACTIVISTS CLAIMS
Kelly Jaakkola
ITS A ZOO OUT THERE: CREATING MARINE CONSERVATION IMPACTS THROUGH
ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTION AND ANIMAL INVOLVEMENT
Heather L. Crane & Sophia M. Darling
23
GUEST SPEAKER
DR. TERRY L. MAPLE
Dr. Terry L. Maple is best known for his visionary leadership in

revitalizing Atlantas city zoo after the most publicized scandal in
the history of American zoos. Dr. Maples eighteen years of reform
leadership re-branded Zoo Atlanta as a non-profit corporation and
restored its credibility. Atlantas public-private partnership started
a trend to privatization in the zoo industry. Former Mayor Andrew
Young hailed Zoo Atlanta as the most successful privatization in
Georgia history.
During Dr. Maples tenure as CEO, Zoo Atlanta became recognized
as one of the worlds most innovative zoological parks. In 1987
and again in 2000, the zoo was honored by the Metropolitan
Communities Foundation as Atlantas best-managed nonprofit
corporation. Honoring the quality of its design and reconstruction,
the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) presented five
awards to Zoo Atlanta for excellence in exhibit design. Zoo Atlantas
partnership with local television resulted in six Emmy Awards for
local programming, and in 1991, the Georgia Wildlife Federation
honored Zoo Atlanta as its Conservation Organization of the
Year. Upon his retirement from the zoo in 2003, he returned to an
endowed chair at Georgia Tech. In 2008 he retired as Elizabeth
Smithgall Watts Professor Emeritus marking thirty years of service in
the School of Psychology.
Based largely on the programs established by Dr. Maple from 19842002, Zoo Atlanta was recently honored with AZAs prestigious Edward H. Bean Award, for its fifty years of
lowland gorilla conservation, exhibition, husbandry, propagation and research. Once denigrated as one of
Americas worst zoos, Zoo Atlanta is now recognized as one of the worlds best.
During his parallel academic career in Atlanta, Dr. Maple mentored and trained twenty-seven doctoral
students at Emory University and Georgia Tech. As a research group, Dr. Maple, his students, and his
collaborators have published 225 journal articles, chapters and books on the behavior, conservation, and
welfare of African antelopes, baboons, capuchins, chimpanzees, elephants, flamingos, giant pandas, gorillas,
giraffe, lemurs, lions, macaques, mandrills, orangutans, spider monkeys, tigers, and zoo visitors. The acclaimed
book Ethics on the Ark, based on a national conference organized and hosted by Zoo Atlanta and Georgia
Tech was co-edited by Dr. Maple and published by Smithsonian in 1995.
An elected Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association of Psychological Science, and
a former President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Dr. Maple was named Entrepreneur of the
Year in 1998 by the Atlanta Chapter of Stanford Business School Alumni. He received the 1999 Presidents
Award from the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau for his contributions to tourism in Georgia. He was
elected to Fellow status in the Georgia Academy of Sciences in 2005. On May 17, 2008 he received an
24
Proceedings 2015 / Guest Speaker
GUEST SPEAKER
honorary Doctor of Laws degree from his alma mater, University of the Pacific, in Stockton, California.
Dr. Maple is the Founding Editor of the journal Zoo Biology published by John Wiley/Blackwell in association with
the AZA, and a founding member of the American Society of Primatologists.
An internationally recognized expert on the behavior, welfare, and conservation of great apes, Dr. Maples ideas
provided the ethological programming for Zoo Atlantas innovative lowland gorilla exhibit, acknowledged as
one of the most important gorilla facilities in the world. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company and branded as the
Ford African Rain Forest, it is the first exhibit designed for a population of gorillas distributed in four contiguous
groups. Throughout his career he has provided consulting services and strategic advice to NIH committees
concerned with the psychological well-being and propagation of nonhuman primates in research laboratories
and primate research centers.
As President of the AZA (1998-1999), Dr. Maple established the associations first diversity initiative, worked to
differentiate AZA institutions from roadside attractions, and strengthened the associations scientific network.
His diplomacy on giant panda conservation resulted in a new partnership with Chinas Ministry of Construction,
the governmental agency responsible for Chinas zoological gardens, and Zoo Atlantas successful exhibition
of giant pandas after ten years of complex negotiations. Zoo Atlanta was the second zoo in the nation (after
San Diego) to acquire giant pandas under the new, stringent regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
He has served on dozens of governmental and non-governmental committees including a four year Presidential
appointment to the board of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). As an experienced and
successful fund-raising executive, he consults regularly with aspiring executives in the nonprofit world. He is
well-known as an expert in crisis and conflict management. In 2015 he was named to serve on the prestigious
Division of Earth and Life Studies (DELS) committee for the National Academy of Sciences.
In 2005, Dr. Maple was granted a formal leave-of-absence from Georgia Tech to become the President/CEO of
the Palm Beach Zoo. On Earth day 2009, the Palm Beach Zoo opened the innovative Melvin J. and Claire Levine
Animal Care Complex, including a state-of-the-art animal hospital and the innovative Center for Conservation
Medicine. Equipped with solar power provided by a grant from the Florida Power & Light Foundation, the U.S.
Green Building Council certified the building LEED Gold, the first LEED-certified zoo veterinary hospital in the
nation. Confirming the zoos growing leadership role in sustainability, the Community Foundation of Palm Beach
and Martin County named the Palm Beach Zoo as its Sustainability Leader among 59 competing non-profits
in the region.
After retiring as CEO of the Palm Beach Zoo in 2011 he resumed his affiliation with Florida Atlantic University and
finished his thirteenth book, Zoo Animal Welfare (co-authored with Bonnie Perdue) published by Springer-Verlag
in 2013. Among his active consulting engagements nationwide, Dr. Maple served from 2011 to 2014 as the San
Francisco Zoos first Professor-in-Residence and the architect of their unique Stanton Family Wellness Initiative
including applications to exhibit and facility design. In his current engagement as Professor-in-Residence, Dr.
Maple is a mentor to keepers, curators, and veterinarians at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and actively
working on his next book, Professor in the Zoo.
25
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
12:00pm-1:30pm
LUNCH BREAK
1:30pm
ANNOUNCEMENTS/RAFFLE
1:40pm-3:00pm

MODERATOR - MARNI WOOD, MIAMI SEAQUARIUM
ESTIMATING THE AEROBIC DIVE LIMIT OF SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LIONS (OTARIA
FLAVESCENS)
Madelieine Arencibia
COOPERATIVE INVESTIGATION INTO DECOMPRESSIONS STRESS IN STELLER SEA LIONS
(EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS)
Troy Neale
COMBINING VIDEO, ACCELEROMETRY AND ACOUSTICS TO STUDY MOVEMENTS AND
ROUTINES OF CAPTIVE TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS
Patricia Rachinas-Lopes
C-WELL: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WELFARE ASSESSMENT INDEX FOR CAPTIVE
BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS)
Isabella L. K. Clegg
3:30pm-6:00pm
AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK VISIT & SCAVENGER HUNT

All IMATA conference attendees are welcome to join
us for an afternoon at the amazing Aquaventure
Waterpark, located at the Atlantis Bahamas Resort.
Filled with water slides, river rides, pools, beaches
and more, this will be a great way to relax and enjoy
the beautiful weather. In addition, IMATA is sponsoring
an amazing scavenger hunt throughout the waterpark,
so if you want to join a team, be sure to sign up at
registration. And there will be prizes for the winners!
26
HOST FACILITY
Our Host Facility for the 2016 IMATA Conference is Dolphin Cay Atlantis
and they have opened up their doors to all conference attendees to ensure
everyones visit to the Bahamas is a memorable one.
Aside from hosting Sunday nights icebreaker event, Dolphin Cay and
the Atlantis hotel have offered a FREE dolphin interaction for every single
conference attendee. To book your encounter just dial 41 from your hotel
room to make your reservation, or visit any Atlantis Adventures desk.
In addition, Dolphin Cay is offering FREE behind-the-scenes tours to allow
guests a closer look at their operations along with FREE educational training
sessions where you can work alongside their dolphin trainers. Reservations
for the behind-the-scenes tours and educational training sessions can be
made during registration so be sure to sign up!
www.atlantisbahamas.com/thingstodo/dolphincay
Proceedings 2015
27
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
7:00am 7:30am
7:30am-8:00am
REGISTRATION
8:30am-10:00am

MODERATOR - CAROLINA STOVALL
HAND-RAISING OF A ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHIN NEONATE (STENO BREDANENSIS)
AND TRAINING OF THE NURSING BEHAVIOR BETWEEN MOTHER AND CALF
Secret Holmes
VOLUNTARY TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF BOTTLENOSE
DOLPHINS AS A SCREENING TEST FOR CARDIAC DISEASE
Katie Rice & Julie Rocho-Levine
DAYSI-A DOLPHIN REFUSING MORNING FISH INTAKE, PROCESSES TO ADDRESS THIS
BEHAVIOR BY APPLYING TO OPERANT CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES
Ricardo Ruiz
HOW OPERANT CONDITIONING CAN ELIMINATE NETS IN A ONE HOUR DOLPHIN CALF
INTERVENTION: INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SURVIVAL
Alex Mata & Raul Novelo
10:00am
COFFEE BREAK
10:30am-11:30am

MODERATOR - MARGARET BLACK - ALASKA SEA LIFE CENTER
DEVELOPMENT OF A PINNIPED ULTRASONOGRAPHY REFERENCE ATLAS

Geraldine Lacave
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO BE HELD: THEATER OF THE SEAS DISABLED CALIFORNIA
SEA LION LEARNS VOLUNTARY RESTRAINT
Amy Wise
WAITING TO INHALE: TRAINING A BLIND 28 YEAR OLD ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS
TO HOLD AN EXHALE FOR AN ASTONISHING VIEW OF THE HEART FOR AN
ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Karia G. Kovacic
28
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
11:30am-11:50am
2016 IMATA CONFERENCE PRESENTATION
11:50am
BIG TICKET RAFFLE
11:30am 12:30pm PEOPLES CHOICE BALLOTS DUE

Grab your Peoples Choice ballot (attached to your name tag when you first arrived at the conference)
and write down who you would like to vote for to receive the 2015 Peoples Choice Award. Nominees
can include any individual, group, or organization that conference attendees feel has made the greatest
contribution to the 2015 Conference. Please be specific when writing down your nomination and deposit
your ballot into the official Peoples Choice Ballot Box by 12:30pm! Winners will be announced tonight at
the Honors and Awards Ceremony!
12:00pm-1:30pm
LUNCH BREAK
1:30pm-3:00pm
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Grand Ball Room
6:30pm-12:00am
HONORS & AWARDS BANQUET
6:30pm
COCKTAIL RECEPTION
7:00pm
FORMAL DINNER
Please dress to impress!
8:00pm
HONORS AND AWARDS CEREMONY
9:00pm-12:00am
IMATA DANCE PARTY!
Join us for the biggest night of the week where we celebrate excellence and hand out IMATA awards to
our selected recipients for their formal presentations, art contest entries, service as IMATA Board member
and more.
29
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
LEARNING ON HER TERMS: USING THE INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOR AS A MOTIVATIONAL TOOL
WITH AN ADULT FEMALE PACIFIC WALRUS (OBODENUS ROSMARUS)
Kayla Bergman
Wildlife Conservation Society-New York Aquarium Brooklyn, New York, USA
Innovative behavior training employs the learning [procedure] by which an animal is selectively reinforced for performing behaviors
as a result of an experimental or self-inventive process. In 2011, the animal care staff at the Wildlife Conservation Societys New York
Aquarium began to train novel behaviors to a Pacific female walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) utilizing a discriminative stimulus (SD). The
training was implemented as a means to enhance the enrichment and mental stimulation already provided in the Aquariums animal
training sessions. The Aquarium staff believed Kulusiq would benefit from the addition of a creative or innovative behavior training
paradigm, due to her curiosity, demonstrated enthusiasm to learn, and her apparent propensity to seek attention from conspecifics,
as well as trainers outside of sessions.
Aquarium staff utilized shaping through pairing to condition the innovative behavior. A training plan was devised, working the behavior
with Kulusiq twice a day, five days a week. Staff began the training process of pairing of three previously established behaviors with
a new SD. The initial goal was to elicit one of three preselected behavioral responses. Additional pairings with the new SD were
implemented as sessions progressed.
Within months, Kulusiq jumped ahead of the training plan. In response to the Innovative SD, she began offering previously trained
behaviors that had not yet been added to her innovative program. She also began to chain a variety of behaviors from her repertoire.
Additionally, she began to offer novel behaviors. She presented these novel behaviors during sessions in which she was also offering
previously established behaviors. The primary trainer encouraged novel behaviors using high magnitude of reinforcement, and
through this reinforcement schedule, these novel behaviors were captured. Her behavioral repertoire has increased 25% over time,
as a result of capturing from innovative training.
Since the start of the innovative training program, Kulusiqs attention and engagement with staff has increased during sessions. She is
also showing increased interest in trainers outside of training sessions, and offers novel behaviors without any primary reinforcement.
Additionally, stereotypic behavior that she has displayed in the past is significantly decreased during sessions in which innovative
behavior is included.
30
Proceedings 2015 / Abstracts
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
WHAT CAN AN AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN BE TRAINED TO DO?
Sandy A. Tassi Kremer, Quistococha Zoo, Iquitos, Per
In February of 2013, Quistococha Zoo started to work with Huayrurin, one of four Amazon River dolphin (Inia geofrensis) in captivity
in the world. Huayrurin has been housed since 2006 alone in Quistococha Zoo and had never been trained before. He was suffering
several cutaneous injuries in the mouth, penis and spiracle because of lack of stimulation, stress and poor water quality.
Two main objectives were set prior to developing a training plan for Huayrurin. The first was to create a training program to decrease
stress and improve mental and physical heath. The second goal was to use operant conditioning and positive reinforcement to allow
us to perform daily husbandry and medical care procedures.
To reach these goals a consistent training plan was created and implemented without almost any information about how to train
an Amazon River dolphin. This plan included, changing the variety and amount of food, establishing new training/feeding times,
using trainer-dolphin water interaction to create a strong bond and conditioning the foundational behaviors of bridge and targeting.
A specific trainers whistle was used as a bridge to tell the dolphin that it has just done the right thing and a reward is coming. The
training plan was based in the use of positive reinforcement training to build trust and bond with the animal, and to encourage the
desired behaviors. Most of the complex behaviors were taught by using shaping by reinforcement of successive approximation and
captured techniques. Time outs were used to reduce undesirable behaviors and food was used as a primary reinforcer.
The results of two years of training allowed us to learn more about the behavior of this particular species. How they learn and their
capability in training activities. This work also supports the notion that Amazon River dolphin are very intelligent in contrast to the
theory that these animals are not very trainable. This dolphin has learned more than twenty different behaviors and furthermore their
respective verbal and signs commands.
CAN MR. MANATEE TURN RIGHT? YES HE CAN!

Ming Ying Hsieh
Farglory Ocean Park, Hualien, Taiwan
Our one and only West African Manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) arrived 11 years ago. He developed a stereotypic behavior of
circling to the left to the degree that when viewed from above, his body is slightly curved to the left when he rested. Because of this,
we began conditioning him to turn right. We combined luring, targeting, and a pivoting exercises to help him develop the muscles
required to make right turns. After a few months of training, we started seeing him circling to the right on his own. His body is not
crooked anymore and muscles required for turning have developed, increasing our training options with him.
31
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
USING OPERANT CONDITIONING TO DECREASE THE FREQUENCY OF AN INTRINSICALLY
MOTIVATING BEHAVIOR
Joshua Suggs, Valarie Greene
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA
Intrinsic motivation is defined as the performance of an activity for its inherent satisfactions rather than for some separable consequence
(Ryan and Deci, 2000). Extrinsic motivation is the idea that an activity is performed in order to attain some separable outcome (Ryan
and Deci, 2000). In 1949, Harry Harlow was first to define intrinsic motivation in non-human animals. During his behavior studies
with rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), Harlow observed the primates solving puzzles without any expectation of reward (Green
2010). Operant theory maintains that behavior is motivated by rewards. With intrinsically motivated behaviors, the reward can be
the behavior itself. Animal trainers use the terminology intrinsically reinforcing when it is assumed that an animal finds a behavior,
an object, or a particular environment inherently reinforcing. Animal trainers can utilize this behavior to reinforce a correct response.
So what happens when an intrinsically motivated behavior is incompatible with the target behavior in a behavioral plan? Rebel, a sixyear-old Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinerea) weighing seven pounds, appeared to find the behavior of chewing small objects
to be intrinsically reinforcing, thereby affecting the training of a prop carry behavior. During training, Rebel became possessive over
the object itself and the chewing increased. This paper will explore the successes and challenges of using operant conditioning to
decrease the occurrence of the intrinsically reinforcing behavior of chewing in an Asian small-clawed otter.
THEIR NUMBER WAS UP: TRAINING AND INSIGHTS OF WORKING SEMI & FREE CONTACT
WITH MALE CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS RESCUED FROM THE BONNEVILLE DAM
Madelynn Hettiger 1*, Ken Ramirez 2
1
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois, USA
2
Karen Pryor Clicker Training, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
The Bonneville Dam sea lion story is not new to our community. IMATA itself has been highly involved at times as a behavior
consultant for this issue. In 2008 Shedd Aquarium underwent a massive renovation. One of the many goals of this renovation was to
be able to provide space to rescued California sea lions including potentially larger males. In 2009 we received the call that several
California sea lions, removed from the Bonneville Dam, had met the criteria for euthanasia.
We were able to provide homes for two of these animals. In 2012 we rescued yet another. This presentation will focus on the care
and training of working with adult intact male California Sea Lions from protected to semi and free contact training. This presentation
will also focus on the impact these animals have on conservation messaging with other facilities and with our guests.
32
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
CARING FOR RESCUED CALIFORNIA SEA LION (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS) PUPS: THE
REALITIES, THE CHALLENGES AND THE REWARDS
Nicole K Enright 1, Mark A Halladay 1, Jill L Borger-Turner 1,2
1
Dolphins Plus Bayside, Key Largo, FL, USA
2
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, FL, USA
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) recently declared
a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) Unusual Mortality Event (UME) (NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, 2015),
with over 2,700 animals, predominantly pups and yearlings, reported stranded between January and April, 2015 (NOAA Fisheries,
West Coast Region, 2014). As rescue facilities become overwhelmed, the critical role of zoological facilities in this crisis is increasing.
Dolphins Plus Bayside acquired two, juvenile, male sea lions in 2013 after they stranded twice and were deemed non-releasable by
NOAA, NMFS.
Integrating wild animals into a zoological facility comes with many, unique challenges and rewards. Some of the behavioral and health
challenges included old, internal injuries that remained undiagnosed until strategic testing, mouthing, biting, rushing, environmental
sensitization, stereotypies, and fear. Since these were nave, wild animals, with no data regarding their individual learning histories,
there were also significant training and behavior modification challenges. These included learning to consume non-living prey
delivered by hand, conditioning the bridge, training foundation behaviors (e.g. target, hold), conditioning secondary reinforcers,
desensitization training, and maintaining staff safety. Some of the strategies utilized to mitigate these issues included specific and
repeated diagnostics (e.g. radiographs), regular desensitization training, obtaining weights frequently and diet management, the
planned use and delivery of secondary reinforcers within specific reinforcement schedules, understanding and utilizing Herrnsteins
matching law, and the strategic application of differential reinforcement. The opportunity to observe the sea lions progress through
basic milestones and eventually thrive was uniquely and exceptionally rewarding.
To date, there is little to no information available to zoological facilities considering providing permanent homes to young, wild, nonreleasable sea lions, and some of the issues identified at Dolphins Plus are unique to this demographic. Given the current UME, the
likelihood of zoological facility involvement in providing assistance and long-term care is increasing. Thus, we hope this information
can serve as a growing database of the relevant challenges and strategies as part of a unified effort to better prepare our industry to
provide world-class responses and care.
References
NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources (2015) 2013-2015 California Sea Lion Unusual Mortality Event in California. Retrieved April 2, 2015, from
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health/mmume/californiasealions2013.htm
NOAA Fisheries, West Coast Region (2015) 2015 Elevated California Sea Lions Strandings in California: FAQs. Retreived April 2, 2015, from
http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/mediacenter/faq_2015_ca_sea_lion_strandings.pdf
33
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
USHAKA SEA WORLD SEAL REHABILITATION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF SATELLITE TRACKING.
Colette Bodenstaff*
uShaka Sea World has been involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of many seals found on the Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline since
1977. Species that Sea World has dealt with include South African fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus), numerous sub-Antarctic fur
seals (Arctocephalus tropicalis), one Crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) and Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina).
Sea World records suggest that eight elephant seals have graced Kwa-Zulu Natal shores between 1982 and 2013. The eighth
elephant seal was found in Southbroom in June 2013. He was estimated at 18 months of age and grossly underweight. He was
named Selso and remained at uShaka Sea World for seven months of rehabilitation.
Selso provided a unique opportunity to study the movement of a southern elephant seal post rehabilitation and release off South
Africa. This was a ground breaking collaborative effort by DEA, Oceans and Coasts, PE Museum, University of Pretoria and uShaka
Sea World.
Selsos story was also the catalyst in satellite tagging three rehabilitated sub-Antarctic fur seals in the same year and planned tagging
projects for the next five years.
Unbelievably, after ten months at sea, Selso came ashore in Port Elizabeth and valuable data was downloaded from the satellite tag.
The satellite tag was refurbished and Selso was released a second time with the same tag. This presentation will document Selsos
amazing journey and the important questions and information as a result.
THE USE OF OPERANT CONDITIONING IN THREE AUSTRALIAN PELICANS (PELECANUS

CONSPICILLATUS)
A.P. HENRIQUES NETO, F. PAGLIA, L. DE SANCTIS, A. FIORITO, L. FIORUCCI, F. GRANDE, M. KANELLOPULOS, I. MELLI
Zoomarine Italia, Pomezia (Rome), Italy
Since 2012 Zoomarine Italy hosts three Australian Pelicans (Pelecanus conspicillatus). The Zoomarine training program allows the
cooperation between animals, trainers and veterinarians ensuring high standard of animal welfare. Using operant conditioning based
on positive reinforcement, birds can be trained to voluntarily participate in husbandry behaviors thus avoiding or minimizing stressful
circumstances. Relationship and trust that you can achieve with the animals under human care are the most important basis for a
successful training program. Thanks to this successful training program we improved the quality of management of our pelicans and
in addition we include these results in an educational presentation for our public.
34
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
SHAPE AND COLOR DISCRIMINATION AND MATCH TO SAMPLE TRAINING IN GENTOO
PENGUINS (PYGOSCELIS PAPUA)
Paola Cuevas *, Anna Pauline Svensson *
Snow Penguins, Skidubai, Dubai U.A.E.
With the objective of mental stimulation as enrichment and to establish the basis of behavioral training for future research; we implemented
discrimination training with some of our Gentoo penguins. This basic training establishes the beginning of a work in progress where we
plan to carry out research on the cognition abilities and visual capacity of Gentoo penguins.
Together with our feathered buddies we aim to engage in a journey of discovery with many possible questions including: Are the actual
theories of color perception based on the study of receptor cells of the penguin retina supported or refuted by their behavior? Are penguins
able to generalize and associate geometrical shapes of different sizes, presented at different angles and further, are they able to associate
a three dimensional object with a two dimensional picture of that same object? Are the penguins able to do categorization of objects
represented in a two dimensional image?
Four of our Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) where involved in this project. All the training took place in one to one sessions and
in different locations at the Ski Dubai facility. Laminated papers with printed two dimensional images of black and white geometrical
shapes (a circle a triangle and a square.) and colored squares of the three basics colors (yellow, blue and red) were used. The birds
were trained to discriminate shapes and colors.
The Penguins soon learned to discriminate between the different shapes and colors. They even proved to be able to generalize when
later in the training larger versions of the shapes and colors where used. Our aim here was make the training more visually attractive for
public and to integrate the behavior in our interactions.
The process has proved not only enriching for the penguins, but also for us the trainers and our visitors. We have experienced an amazing
response integrating the discrimination behaviors to our encounter programs and public presentations. Our animals have shown an
increase in motivation levels and our trained behavioral repertory has grown. This has provided us with a greater range of possibilities to
maintain the variability in our sessions whilst improving mental stimulation to our penguins. The motivation towards learning was even
seen in those penguins refusing to eat due to early moult but still willing to participate in the training sessions with the shapes and color.
35
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
NEW IDEA FOR PENGUINS TRANSPORT IN OCEAN PARK HONG KONG
Frank Chau*, Gavin Fong*

Ocean Park Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China
Ocean Park Hong Kong is located at the southern side of Hong Kong Island, and is sub-divided into separate geographic areas
known as the Summit (headland) and Waterfront (lowland). The Park maintains a population of 97 penguins including 75 Gentoo
(Pygoscelis papua), 13 Rockhopper (Eudyptes spp.) and 9 King (Aptenodytes patagonicus) penguins at its South Pole attraction
located at the Summit. From 5 January to 16 February 2015, the park undertook facility and life-support system optimization work
that involved closing the exhibit and temporarily relocating the penguins to other holding facilities located at the Waterfront. The two
facilities are about 4km apart by road.
Traditional transport methods involve penguins being kept inside small kennels, which in our view adds unnecessary stress to the
birds and is also time consuming, requiring significant manual handling work. The Park introduced a transport method for short
distance road transports using a Giant snow-covered chute, which allowed the penguins to walk with their acquainted companions
to the refrigerated transport vehicle and large snow covered corral. The idea helped the birds to move freely within a comfortable
boundary during transport and mitigate stress during the 4 kilometer journey. With this method, the Park successfully relocated all 97
penguins between the facilities in a relaxed and efficient way.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER - SWIMMING WITH ANTARCTIC PENGUINS: WHY NOT? TRAINING
THE FIRST SUBZERO PENGUIN INTERACTION PROGRAM OF ITS KIND..IN THE WATER!
Sarah Pillay*, Diego Cecilio
Snowpenguins at Ski Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Ski Dubai already has a very popular penguin encounter program where guests can chose from a range of different encounters and
experience a hands on personal interaction with our King and Gentoo penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus, Pygoscelis papua).
After working with marine mammals, the trainers at Ski Dibai have always looked for new challenges and opportunities to prove
that penguins have as much exhibition and educational value to their mammalian counterparts. So we came up with the idea of
introducing a swimming program where guests are able to join the birds in their pool. The initial desensitizing was done with the
trainers going into the water to feed the penguins. Anyone who works with these birds will know that a penguins safe place is the
water so training them to accept guests posed something of a challenge. This program has quickly become one the penguins favorite
activities as they are now offering the guests the opportunity to touch and hug them in the water. This paper will describe the steps
we took to train the penguins and how it has evolved from a simple swimming program into an interactive and increasingly popular
and unique encounter for our guests
36
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
HEY, IS SHE SMILING AT ME? SEARCHING FOR SMILES OF DOLPHINS
Satoru Yamamoto
Awashima Marine Park, Numazu, Shizuoka Perfecture, Japan
The one important goal of animal trainers is to develop mutual trust and positive social relationship with their animals. But how can
we accomplish this difficult task? Surely, it is crucial trainers provide clear and easy to understand training to his/her animals. Also,
trainers must be able to give a positive reinforcer precisely and appropriately. Are these all we need to do? No, these are not enough.
Animal trainers dream to be able to communicate with their animals to some degree and many scientists are interested in symbolic
communication abilities of animals to prove the animals sophisticated cognitive capability. But there is one very important thing
to be able to communicate with animals. It is emotion. Without understanding of the others emotion, it is almost impossible to
develop social relationship and communicate. There is no doubt that, at least, mammals and birds have some emotions. During
training animals, we trainers often feel and believe that our animals are feeing happy. But on what bases can we justify our beliefs?
Surprisingly, no one knows how dolphins, sea lions, and seals smile.
In this presentation I will 1) quickly review emotional system of animals, 2) explain some important aspects of emotion related with
animal training, 3) suggest application of emotional communication with animals for their training. I also propose active involvement
of scientists in our animal training. Rather than providing research opportunities to scientist, we should utilize scientists to figure out
things which we need to know. Further, we should cooperate with scientists to develop new tools to improve our training. The study
of emotion of animals, particularly positive emotion pleasure or happiness is one of the most difficult and thus not well explored
areas of animal psychology. But it is the time we face the happy smile of our animals.
37
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
WHATS THAT YOU SAY? USING VERBAL COMMUNICATION WITH ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE
DOLPHINS
Jamie P. Stevens*, Jennifer M. Erb*, Linda S. Erb, Armando Mandy Rodriguez
Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, Florida, USA
As marine mammal trainers, we are constantly communicating with our animals. The majority of this communication is done through
hand signals, with the animals constantly watching our movements and behavior. As a result, our marine mammal friends become
experts on our body language and much more.
According to the Association of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
can hear in the range of 75 to 150,000 Hz and humans vocalize in the range of 100 to 10,000 Hz. With this information it is known
that dolphins can hear what we say, but can they understand what we are saying? At Dolphin Research Center (DRC), in Grassy Key,
FL, we have observed behavior that appears to show that they do understand at least some of what we are saying.
The culture at DRC has always been for staff to talk to the dolphins, not using baby-talk, but with articulate words and phrases. As
people go about their day, they call the dolphins by name; stop to say hello, etc. In sessions the trainers began by pairing a specific
word with a hand signal, then one day randomly asking for the behavior using the verbal signal on its own. We have found many of
the dolphins have transferred the behavior to the verbal signal even when trainers do not use the hand signal. We can now ask for
multiple behaviors just by using verbal communication.
Not only are verbal cues used as signals for behaviors, they are an essential part of reinforcement for the dolphins. Getting excited
for the dolphins and praising them when they return after being bridged for a behavior, gets the dolphins excited as well. Some of the
dolphins know the word good as a bridge. We do not use the word good often as a bridge but when we do there is a noticeable
understanding that they have done the behavior asked.
When first training calves born at DRC we constantly use their names. This has proven to be very beneficial when working with
multiple dolphins. Just like humans, it is reinforcing to get recognition. When we use their names they know they are being rewarded
and reinforced for what we have asked them to do. When working with multiple dolphins, we can use their individual names to get
their attention and to help with training manners during sessions.
This presentation will discuss the benefits DRC has found by utilizing verbal communication with dolphins. While the evidence is
anecdotal in nature, the results are very real. We believe talking to our dolphins improves their understanding in training situations,
and strengthens our relationships with them. It fosters our philosophy of showing respect for them as individuals and as a species.
DRC guests respond in a very positive manner as well, commenting on the connection between trainers and dolphins.
38
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
AWARENESS OF CONTROL AS A PRIMARY REINFORCER
Gabrielle Harris 1*, Frantisek Susta 2

South African Association for Marine Biological Research, uShaka Sea World
2
Prague Zoo
When our training does not go according to plan, we problem solve which includes looking at how we have used the reinforcers and
schedules of reinforcement that we have consciously chosen. When working with instrumental conditioning, we need to be cognizant
of classical conditioning. Primary reinforcement associated with something can result in associations that are not in line with our
goals. For example, if the animal is stressed due to his hunger drive, he may associate us with that stress. Our primary reinforcers
satisfy biological needs, and therefore are powerful to reinforce behavior that we are conditioning.
One primary reinforcer that does not receive much attention is an animals control over its environment. This control is sometimes
taken away and then achieved inadvertently and results in powerful behavior change. This is so because if an animal has lost
perceived control over a situation, they will have become stressed, and learning in this stressful state is potentially classically
conditioned due to the autonomic nervous system taking over. This paper will investigate control as a primary reinforcer. A number of
case studies will be outlined to show how behavior problems have been created and solved by providing the animal with control or
removing the debate all together. In summary we will outline how stress is generated when an animal loses perceived control over its
environment. By maintaining an animals perceived ability to choose, we are able to avoid this from occurring.
EXPLORING THE SCIENCE BEHIND ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS

Cecilia Marr 1*, Teo Mariscal 2
1
Corporacin Bocalan Confiar, Santiago, Chile
2
Fundacin Bocaln Internacional, Madrid, Spain
Animal Assisted Therapy is a modality of intervention designed to promote improvements in the physical, social, emotional and/or
cognitive functioning of a person in which animals act as a facilitator of the therapeutic process. Since the 1960s, the incorporation
of animals as a supporting component of rehabilitation treatment in different medical areas has been gaining in popularity. Today
there is a high degree of professionalization of this modality of therapy. This development is primarily due to the outstanding results
obtained during these interventions, either achieving therapeutic goals in less time with greater intensity or in a more pleasant and
personal way for those who receive it. There is an ever-increasing variety of species that can participate in these activities. The real
question; however, is why an animals can serve as a good therapeutic resource capable of facilitating therapy.
For the public, in general, there is considerable misinformation about the answer to this question. They vary from scientifically based
theories to explanations rooted in superstitious or supernatural abilities purporting that animals are able to cure people, especially
when referring to dolphins. It is crucial that professionals that work in this field of study fully understand the answer to this question
and are capable of correct practical application to yield positive outcomes for our clients.
The purposes of this presentation are to explore the justification of using an animal as a highly effective therapeutic resource and to
highlight important behavioral principles that need to be applied correctly to maximize results.
39
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
INNOVATIVE TRAINING APPLICATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS IN
A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Jessica DAscanio*, Sylvia Rickett, Cheryl Messinger, Doug Messinger
Dolphin Connection, Duck Key, Florida, USA
The training of husbandry behaviors has been a staple of our profession for decades. Historically, voluntary blood sampling in
dolphins was documented as early as 1964, and has since progressed to include amazingly advanced medical procedures through
the trusting relationships we have built with our animals. Although husbandry training is nothing new, at Dolphin Connection we
decided to take a new look at some of our tried and true husbandry behaviors to determine if there was any room for advancement.
What did we find? There is always room for improvement!
With dolphin welfare, health and safety as our first and foremost concern, Dolphin Connection has spent the last several years reexamining and improving our most important husbandry behaviors in the following ways:
We transformed our traditional ultrasound layouts to allow for extended periods of stabilization with little to no effort on the
part of the staff or the dolphins.
Using the extended stabilization model, we employed a similar technique which proved valuable during months of nebulizer
treatments.
We modified our group gating behavior into a more flexible and fluid operation where individuals separate from one another
and are comfortable utilizing any available holding area.
We increased the overall safety of our netting procedure by transitioning from an opportunistic scoop to a trained, passive
restraint behavior that allows for calm and controlled net maneuvering.
We improved the efficiency and safety of transporting dolphins from our lagoon through the design and development of an
innovative carrier system that can be operated with ease under minimal effort.
Through this paper, Dolphin Connection would like to share some of our unique management techniques, and how we used training,
and a little creativity, to improve our operations for the benefit of the dolphins in our care.
FOLLOW ME! USING MIMICRY AND LACTATION REINFORCEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

DESENSITIZATION TRAINING OF A NURSING SEA LION
Nahoko Hayashi*, Wayne Phillips, Abel Reyes,
Dolphin Adventure, Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Dolphin Adventure conducts its interactive and educational programs in varied environments. From open water dive programs in
remote locations to multiple sea lion exhibits, the sea lion populations are conditioned to move from place to place. To facilitate this
sometimes difficult desensitization training, training staff used mimicry and controlled lactation opportunities to desensitize a nursing
South American sea lion to different environments. The results of this training have led to a very stable individual that has adapted
well to all kinds of training scenarios.
40
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
MENTAL VS. MEDICAL: SMALL FACILITY, LARGE IMPACT, CREATIVE STRATEGY FOR EXPANDING
AND IMPLEMENTING ANIMAL HUSBANDRY WITH LIMITED RESOURCES
Cynthia Henderson*, Ricardo Ruiz
Onmega Dolphin Park is located in Marmaris, Turkey. It is a natural environment dolphinarium that currently houses a population
consisting of five Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), two of them females and three males of various ages and training levels.
Each animal clearly displayed several undesired conducts e.g. strong refusal and avoidance especially towards previously trained
husbandry behaviors due previous aversive conditioning stimuli record. For the last 4 years, every member of the training team
pursued the same goal trying to increase the welfare of our animals using positive conditioning techniques to retrain the dolphins
consistently. The main challenge was the lack of consistent effectiveness in required husbandry practices and a Preventative Medical
Training Program (PMTP). We mainly focused in the development of trust based bonds among the population and with the trainers,
introducing a strong socialization program as well as increasing the positive association of the training team members, achieving
a high comfort level while performing husbandry behavior training and during procedures in real situations. This allowed us to
concentrate all efforts in our PMTP methods, implementing solid desensitization and trust foundation mentioned below:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Extinguish aversive responses while working on generalized positive stimulus.

Extensive desensitization of a wide variety of stimulus.
Decrease or avoid physical manipulation.
Train 100 % voluntary responses
Avoid involuntary sampling or medical treatment.
Teach all necessary PMTP behaviors to every member of the population.
Keep positive notes with successful reinforcers and use redirection techniques.
Set the animal to succeed, looking to elicit proactive responses due the use of positive training techniques.
As a result we experienced success when observed the animals willingness to cooperate increasing, giving the trainers the chance
to acquire knowledge teaching basic and advanced medical behaviors with consistent response and solid criteria, extinguishing
behavioral problems such as avoidance, refusal and aversion, despite aspects such as age, level of conditioning or character of the
individual. Through our PMTP we diminished the stress levels of the animals allowing us to complete a variety of voluntary medical
behaviors such as samplings, ultrasounds, endoscopies, intramuscular injections and esophagus tactile exploration, or complex
procedures such as a full voluntary insemination process, in addition to increase the Staffs safety avoiding the use of nets during
maneuvers and instead handling them with a voluntary stranding. The implementation of this program led us to become the first
facility in Turkey to have an exceptional PMTP and allows for the setting of guidelines and standards for other facilities within Turkey
and Russia.
41
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
TRAINING RAM VENTILATING SHARKS FOR STATIONING BEHAVIORS
Michelle Y. Crosetto DVM 1*, Eric Bogden 2
1
Shark Reef, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
2
Dolphin Cove, Ochos Rios, Jamaica
Ram ventilation is a specific method of respiration employed by numerous fish, including Bonnethead Sharks (Sphyrna tiburo), which
have a reduced, to zero ability to pump water buccally to maintain ventilation. This method of respiration is achieved via swimming
with mouth open, such that water flows through the mouth and across the gills. These animals are generally considered obligate
swimmers with the inability to stop for husbandry or other trained procedures. As such, shark conditioning has historically be
centered on non-obligate ram ventilators, such as Nurse Sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) or Zebra Sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum).
Our goal was to condition a group of adolescent Bonnethead Sharks to station and accept tactile stimulation for future behaviors,
including husbandry procedures.Using operant conditioning, similar to that employed throughout the marine mammal industry, our
sharks were taught to slow, and eventually stop in front of their trainer. Simultaneously, we began introducing tactile stimulation
desensitization. We also used a portable air pump to reduce any stress that may be experienced with lack of respiration due to
reduced water flow.
The combination of stopping and accepting tactile stimulation has allowed us to voluntarily restrain these animals for future husbandry
procedures. The use of the portable air pump allows us to lengthen procedure time past what may be considered safe otherwise.
While ram ventilator sharks have special considerations that should be accounted for, these animals should not be overlooked for
conditioned behaviors. Conditioning an animal to stop and accept tactile stimulation not only reduces stress on the animal, but also
improves our staffs ability to manage our collection. We hope that the presentation of this paper will encourage other facilities to
consider expanding conditioning programs with ram ventilating animals.
THERES NO STOPPING US RIGHT NOW

Jan Czaja* and Victoria Ferraro*
Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida, USA
When operant conditioning is discussed, it is usually in reference to mammals, but when aquarists with animal training backgrounds
and a passion for creating memorable guest interactions with fish started thinking outside of the bubbles, they headed on a training
adventure that they never thought was possible. This particular story started in 2012 when Discovery Cove Aquarists noticed that
one of the rooster hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) seemed especially interested in the SeaVenture helmet dive experience. Without
any prior positive reinforcement, the fish followed the guest tours and was attentive with the divers. The staff decided that this fishs
interactive nature made him the ideal candidate for an underwater animal interaction training program. This particular animal showed
them what the potential could be for training in fish. The use of operant conditioning with this fish spawned a wave of animal
interactions within the Discovery Cove Aquarium Department. Over the last two years, aquarists have embarked on training journeys
with multiple teleost and elasmobranch species. Through these training programs, aquarists bridged the gap between Discovery Cove
guests and animals, providing more up close and personal interactions that connect and inspire guests for a lifetime.
42
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
IMPROVING ANIMAL WELLNESS AND GUEST EXPERIENCE THROUGH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
AND SECONDARY REINFORCERS WITH A GOLIATH GROUPER (EPINEPHELUS ITAJARA)
Juliane Nylund 1*, Melissa Robertson 1, Rachel Serafin 1, Amy Slagoski 1

Thad Lacinak 2*, Angi Millwood 2
1
The Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida, USA
2
Precision Behavior, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
Critically endangered goliath groupers (Epinephelus itajara) are an important species to represent from a conservation perspective in
aquaria. Cleatus, one of The Florida Aquariums original residents, was less than two feet long when he peered out at his first admirers
from behind the acrylic wall of the exhibit that would become his home. Two decades later, Cleatus is an impressive fish at over three
hundred pounds and more than five feet in length.
The primary behavioral goals for the goliath grouper were to teach the fish basic behaviors to facilitate his daily care and to provide
Cleatus with appropriate mental stimulation. The aquarium also sought to alter the mindset of guests who most frequently responded
to viewing the grouper with the comment, I bet hed taste good.
In a short time, Cleatus was eagerly participating in targeting sessions at the surface. During conversations about training progress, it
was revealed that biologists had sprinkled sand on the grouper while cleaning his exhibit in the past and he hadnt retreated from it. This
posed a new question. Would a grouper respond well to secondary reinforcers? To our delight, when biologists entered his enclosure
with dive gear to shower him with sand and blow air bubbles in his mouth, he began displaying a posture associated with wrasse
cleaning stations that groupers encounter in the wild. These secondary reinforcers were then used to station the grouper to specific
locations within his exhibit and to reinforce him for targeting at the surface, providing needed variety.
The benefits of a training regime for the grouper were many. Past aggressive and fearful displays from Cleatus ceased and he began
exhibiting excited and/or anticipatory behavior whenever novel stimuli were presented. The program has improved his overall visibility
in his exhibit; aquarium visitors are impressed with his prowess of learning and with the interest he displays toward his caretakers;
and his activity level and food consumption have both increased. Beyond providing for the animals basic needs, this program gives
Cleatus opportunities to think, just as wild grouper use skills and adaptations to meet their daily needs. And best of all, during training
sessions, no visitor looks a Cleatus and thinks simply of a grouper sandwich.
43
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
COMBINING OPERANT CONDITIONING AND OUR OWN CREATIVE ENGINEERING TO DEVELOP
HUSBANDRY BEHAVIORS WITH A 350 POUND, FIVE-FOOT-WIDE ROUGHTAIL RAY (DASYATIS
CENTROURA)
Nicole Ethier*, Cristina Mendonca
New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, New York, USA
The New York Aquarium animal care team, consisting of aquarists and marine mammal trainers, has collaborated on efforts to
establish a training program with our sharks and sea turtles since 2012. In the summer of 2013, we also began a training program
with Ray Charles, our Roughtail ray (Dasyatis centroura) who is at least 35 years old. Ray shared her pool with three nurse sharks
and four sea turtles, all of whom tended to leave their trainers to disrupt Rays training sessions. Their interference prompted the
staff to employ a variety of techniques to enable Ray to work with us, uninterrupted by the other animals. Initially she learned to eat
from a net lowered to her at the bottom of the pool. Over the course of the next two years we have progressed to the point where she
now hand-feeds, while sitting in a specially designed stretcher at the surface. Most recently, we have desensitized Ray to husbandry
behaviors that have been critical to monitoring and maintaining her health.
In this presentation, we will share the techniques we have used to train Ray to station in a stretcher and allow blood draws, tail
manipulation, and topical medication application. We will also share our plans to train Ray and her cohabitants for the multiple
transports that will be happening over the next few years, as we open the Aquariums newest exhibit, Ocean Wonders: SHARKS!.
44
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
HUMOR, TIMING, PACE, AND BEHAVIORS: EMPLOYING HIGH PRODUCTION VALUE TO SHARE
OUR MESSAGE
Martha Hiatt and Cristina Mendonca*
New York Aquarium, Brooklyn, New York, USA
Formal shows are one of the most popular attractions at zoos and aquariums. Production staffs work hard at providing memorable
experiences for guests, and employ various methodologies to do so. Some emphasize entertainment, while others take a more
educational approach. Other parks emphasize the relationship between the animals and their trainers. All approaches have important
meritit is up to the trainers and the parks management to decide which will best serve the needs of our guests, our facility, our
animals, and our mission.
The training staff at the New York Aquarium, a Wildlife Conservation Society park(WCS), has put a great deal of thought into what and
how we communicate with our audiences, and we face a number of challenges. We must balance entertainment with our obligation
as members of WCS to educate guests about species and ecosystems, promote conservation, and encourage good stewardship of
the planet. We must compete with numerous other entertainment opportunities in New York City, one of the worlds cultural centers,
which means we must maintain high production value. New York is home to an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population,
requiring us to connect meaningfully with a very wide variety of people. We also must address the increasing amount of anti-public
display propaganda to which many of our guests are bombarded, and we need to do so in ways that do not appear defensive or
self-promoting. Most importantly, we need to make every show a positive and stimulating experience for the animals. And one more
thing, we need to do it all in about 20 minutes.
Through careful planning, and trial and error, we have developed a show style that meets all of these requirements. This presentation
shares the ways we have found to satisfy all of our goals, and create a production that benefits our guests, our organization, and
our animals.
45
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
THE SHAMU CONNECTION: CONNECTING CLASSROOMS AROUND THE WORLD VIA LIVE
VIDEO CONNECTION
Joseph Sanchez*, Kristen McMahon-Van Oss*, Kelly Flaherty-Clark
SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA
As social media evolves it brings zoos and aquariums an amazing opportunity to offer animal presentations in classrooms around
the world. At the end of 2014, SeaWorld Orlando introduced an interactive outreach program called the Shamu Connection to
inspire students and teachers around the world. The program allows animal trainers and other animal professionals to offer students
and faculty a new perspective of killer whale care at SeaWorld. This program is designed to connect students with killer whales and
trainers via live video feed in a fun, educational format that showcases the truth around caring for them. During collaboration with
the SeaWorld education department, four core ideas were decided upon to be demonstrated in the 30 minute presentation. They are
husbandry training, behavior modification, environmental enrichment and individual relationship.
The intent of this program is to spread our knowledge gained from killer whales in our care to students and teachers around the world.
Through these up close, in classroom, live video connections we promote conservation for not only killer whales but all the animals
that inhabit our oceans worldwide. With the zoological communitys ongoing commitment to celebrate, connect and care for our natural
world, we hope that zoos and marine parks around the world will follow suit and influence students and teachers from all over the globe.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF MARINE MAMMAL FACILITIES IN TODAYS CONSERVATION

LANDSCAPE: ANSWERING THE ACTIVISTS CLAIMS
Kelly Jaakkola
Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, Florida, USA
Over the last few years, the debate surrounding the issue of cetaceans in human care has grown increasingly more prominent. In the
wake of Blackfish, activists are more vocal with their accusations that cetaceans fare poorly in marine mammal facilities, and wellintentioned, but misinformed members of the public are hearing these claims and becoming concerned. It is essential that the marine
mammal community answer these accusations head-on. It is also imperative to add to the growing discussion regarding ways of
using data to combat activists claims.
It is universally acknowledged that the biggest threat to marine mammals today are human beings -- whether directly through
harassment and killing, or indirectly through the many human practices that impact the environment in which they live (e.g., overfishing, pollution, and so forth). And because humans are the problem, it is imperative that we look for ways for humans to bring
about the needed solutions. Marine mammal parks and aquariums perform two critical roles in this endeavor. First, they provide the
opportunity for research and expertise with marine mammals in a way that is impossible to achieve in the wild. The knowledge gained
from these facilities helps scientists correctly interpret studies of wild behavior, and directly informs conservation and rescue efforts.
Second, these facilities provide a forum for the general public to directly experience marine mammals, learn about the challenges
they face in the wild, and make the emotional connections necessary to inspire conservation-mindedness. Of course, from an ethical
standpoint, any such benefits to research, education, and conservation -- no matter how great -- must also be carefully weighed
against any potential cost to the animals that might be brought about by housing them in such facilities. To that end, I will discuss
current data on animal training practices, behavior, and life expectancy in marine mammal facilities, in order to better inform the
debate surrounding these issues.
46
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
ITS A ZOO OUT THERE: CREATING MARINE CONSERVATION IMPACTS THROUGH ZOOLOGICAL
INSTITUTION AND ANIMAL INVOLVEMENT
Heather L. Crane*, Sophia M. Darling*
Houston Zoo Inc., Houston, Texas, USA
Just as many other facilities are becoming more involved in conservation efforts every year, the Houston Zoo has pledged to make
conservation involvement a priority. Historically, zoos have not been in the forefront of the marine mammal industry; the focus often
lies in the lions, tigers, and bears. oh my! However, over the course of the past year, the sea lion team at the Houston Zoo has
started stepping out of those stereotypes, and is working towards putting the Houston Zoo on the map for marine conservation. These
efforts are magnified by zoo resources and the ability to reach large audiences to which compelling marine conservation messages
can be delivered. With these resources made available to us, combined with the outstanding ambassador personalities of our
California sea lions, the Houston Zoo sea lion team has built, from the ground up, a conservation initiative that is already spreading
through Texas.
This year the sea lion department has added to the existing Houston Zoo conservation programs by taking action to reduce monofilament
and marine debris, partnering with National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration in creating ex-situ conservation action.
Here at the zoo, we have re-designed our presentations to educate and inspire guests to join us in our fight for marine conservation
and cleaning up the Galveston Bay.
We want to give marine conservation a primary presence in the zoo world; a presence that we feel has been under represented. Our
goal is to reach an extensive audience by strengthening the relationship between marine conservation and zoos, using both in-situ
and ex-situ methods. It is our hope to share our conservation project model, which magnifies the efforts of a small team, as a resource
to take on large conservation efforts.
47
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
ESTIMATING THE AEROBIC DIVE LIMIT OF SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LIONS (OTARIA FLAVESCENS)
Madeleine Arencibia* 1, Paul Jobsis 1, Shannon Atkinson 2, R. Lee Kellar 3
1
University of the Virgin Islands, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
2
University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
3
Coral World Ocean Park, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Marine mammals in under human care provide an opportunity to collect metabolic rate (MR) and aerobic dive limit (ADL) data
on species where limited data from wild populations are available. By studying South American sea lions at Coral World in St.
Thomas, U.S. Vigin Islands, the MR and ADL were determined for the species. The MR was determined through oxygen consumption
measurements and oxygen stores were calculated using collected data and estimates from literature. Preliminary data collection
yielded a MR of 3.63 mL/kg/min, and an ADL of 11.78 minutes (more than double the predicted ADL). This MR will help to improve
the husbandry of these animals and the ADL will allow constraints on the natural diving behavior to be better predicted.
COOPERATIVE INVESTIGATION INTO DECOMPRESSION STRESS IN STELLER SEA LIONS

(EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS)
Troy Neale*, Nigel Waller, Danielle Hyson
Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Since 1993, the Vancouver Aquarium and the University of British Columbia have jointly operated a research program dedicated
to understanding the 80% population decline of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) over the last 30 years in the North Pacific
Ocean. As a part of this program, the consortium has collaborated with researchers worldwide. Over the last three years, working
with a group of scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Texas A&M, the Vancouver Aquariums open water trained
Steller sea lions participated in the first ever attempt to investigate decompression stress in free diving marine mammals. In order
to collect sufficient data, 0.4 sea lions each participated in anesthetic procedures, voluntary blood draws from the hind flipper, and
voluntary ultrasounds over four phases of data collection. This work was all in conjunction with collecting respirometry data while
diving and foraging at 50m as well as active swimming trials for comparison, each for 30 minutes in an open water setting. At the
end of these research trials, the animals were then loaded back onto our transport boat and returned to their holding pens for post-trial
data collection. The animals were under behavioral control for upwards of 120 minutes for each research session. Previous to this
study these animals had never been trained for voluntary bloods. With just over a month of prep time and multiple samples needing
to be collected per day, training staff were forced to overcome some great challenges. Through the collaboration process with the
international researchers on this intensive project, there were numerous successes including some unexpected and surprising results.
48
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
COMBINING VIDEO, ACCELEROMETRY AND ACOUSTICS TO STUDY MOVEMENTS AND
ROUTINES OF CAPTIVE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS)
Patrcia Rachinas-Lopes 1,2*, Vtor B. Paixo 1, Ricardo Ribeiro 1, Mrcia Neto 3, ElsaQuintino 3,
Manuel E. dos Santos 2, Rui M. Costa 1
1
Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisboa, Portugal
2
ISPA Instituto Universitrio, Lisboa, Portugal
3
Zoomarine Algarve, Mundo Aqutico,S. A., Albufeira, Portugal
To better understand the behavioral repertoire of bottlenose dolphins, this project is developing a non-subjective behavior quantitative
classification system. Using a pattern recognition algorithm with triaxial accelerometer data to study how behavior transitions occur,
it focuses on how these transitions are associated with movements and acoustic behavior. Two bottlenose dolphins were trained to
have a waterproof box (containing the accelerometer) attached to their bodies with suction cups, near the dorsal fin. It was critical
to the project that the animals were comfortable enough with the equipment to perform their normal daily behavior, and a positive
reinforcement strategy was used to desensitize the animals. The subjects could easily remove the equipment, which was a problem in
some trials. One of the subjects explored different strategies to detach the equipment while the second animal never tried to remove it.
For each session, we were able to collect up to 60 minutes of accelerometer data with both subjects (in two different contexts: alone
and with another dolphin in the habitat). However, trial duration was highly dependent of the animals mood. A total of 9 hours were
collected for each subject (divided into 60 sessions for both animals and contexts). A way to analyze the routines of the animals
in the pool has been developed using a tracking system (with three video cameras) to explore the positions of the animals in the
habitat and their preferences, which may allow the identification of unusual behaviors or routines in a very early stage. Underwater
sound recordings helped to determine periods of activity/inactivity, and the analysis of vocalizations. Preliminary analysis shows
no differences in accelerometer measurements in different contexts (alone vs with company) for both animals, although whistle
parameters differ depending of the presence or absence of the accelerometer. These analyses may provide insights into the animals
behavior that could be of used both in the welfare management of captive dolphins and in the understanding of movements of wild
cetaceans.
49
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER
C-WELL: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WELFARE ASSESSMENT INDEX FOR CAPTIVE BOTTLENOSE
DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS)
Isabella L. K. Clegg 1*, Jill L. Borger-Turner 1 and Holli C. Eskelinen 2
Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Florida, USA
2
Dolphins Plus, Key Largo, Florida, USA
The field of welfare science and public concern for animal welfare is growing, with the focus broadening from animals on farms
to those in zoos and aquariums. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the most common captive cetaceans, and relevant
regulatory standards are principally resource based and regarded as minimum requirements. In this study, the farm animal Welfare
Quality assessment was adapted to measure the welfare of bottlenose dolphins, with a similar proportion of animal-based measures
(58.3%). The C-Well assessment included 11 criterion and 36 species-specific measures developed in situ at three marine mammal
zoological facilities, tested for feasibility and accuracy, and substantiated by published literature on wild and captive dolphins and
veterinary and professional expertise. C-Well scores can be calculated for each measure or combined to achieve an overall score,
which allows for the comparison of welfare among individuals, demographics, and facilities. This work represents a first step in
quantifying and systematically measuring welfare among captive cetaceans and can be used as a model for future development in
zoos and aquariums, as well as a means to support benchmarking, industry best practices, and certification.
HAND-RAISING OF A ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHIN NEONATE (STENO BREDANENSIS) AND

TRAINING OF THE NURSING BEHAVIOR BETWEEN MOTHER AND CALF
Secret Holmes*, Jessica L. Aditays
Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida has maintained the only collection of rough-toothed dolphins under long-term
human care since 1996. The current population of 2.3 rough-toothed dolphins has provided valuable information on this little known
species in terms of habitat conditions, diet, morphometrics and behavior. In the summer of 2013, one female, Doris, was confirmed
pregnant and the growth of the fetus and physical changes of the mother were closely monitored in the following months through
voluntary behaviors and observation.
At 5:58pm on 27 June 2014, Doris gave birth to a male calf. During the first twenty-four hour period, Doris exhibited behavior that
discouraged the calf from nursing successfully. The decision was made to move Doris and calf to another pool in the park so as to
allow access for staff members to begin hand-raising the calf. Over the course of a month, the animal care team worked around the
clock to provide the care and training that both Doris and calf required, with the goal of Doris eventually being able to nurse/raise
the calf on her own. The within-park transport, nursing behavioral training and information gathered on rough-toothed dolphin milk
composition and calf growth and development will be presented.
50
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
VOLUNTARY TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF BOTTLENOSE
DOLPHINS AS A SCREENING TEST FOR CARDIAC DISEASE IN ADULT BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
Rice, Katie 2*; Julie Rocho-Levine 1*; Levine, Greg 1; Renner, Michael 4; Eubank, Jason 5; Sklansky, Mark 3
1
Dolphin Quest Oahu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
2
Dolphin Quest Hawaii, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA
3
UCLA Childrens Heart Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
4
Zoo and Aquatic Veterinary Consulting Services, Jupiter, Florida, USA
5
Mindray N. America, Mahwah, New Jersey, USA
Heart disease has been identified on necropsy and histopathology of older bottlenose dolphins both in the wild and under human
care. Clinical diagnosis of heart disease in dolphins is challenging, and treatment strategies have not been well established. In
2004, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) at Dolphin Quest Oahu (DQO) showed detailed views of the dolphin heart not
achievable transthoracically. Those studies involved four bottlenose dolphins under the age of twenty. Ten years later, the goal
was to identify baseline echocardiographic parameters for older dolphins, the population most likely affected by degenerative heart
disease. To increase the sample size and age ranges of animals studied, trainers from DQO and Dolphin Quest Hawaii (DQH) worked
collaboratively with a team of researchers to complete heart exams on nine bottlenose dolphins ranging from 14 to 44 years old.
Along with the original four males (previously trained to help develop a safe, reproducible and effective way to perform TEE) five
additional animals (3:2), were conditioned for TEE imaging. For the four repeat animals, re-conditioning the breath out and breath
hold behavior along with desensitization of the probe in the esophagus was a quick process. Prior history of husbandry behaviors
made the desensitization aspect quick and efficient for the animals first learning the behavior.
In order to achieve the cardiac assessments, each dolphin was asked to remain calm in a heads up position while being supported by
the trainer who was seated dockside or on a shallow platform in the water. The probe, which is similar to an endoscope insertion tube,
was inserted into the esophagus to the level of the heart. Each dolphin was asked to exhale and hold its breath. During the breath
hold, an attempt was made to perform a detailed transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation on each dolphin, incorporating 2D,
pulsed and color Doppler modalities. In addition to baseline evaluation of cardiac structure, particular attention was paid to elements
of cardiac function widely recognized to be reflective of heart failure/pulmonary hypertension in humans. The breath out/breath hold
behavior was repeated multiple times without removing the transducer, so multiple examinations could occur without having to
replace and reposition the transducer.
The TEE trials resulted in nine animals being examined (7:2) with an age range of 14 to 44 years old. The probe was left in
place in the esophagus from 5 to 12 minutes, with breath hold times ranging from 30 to 60 seconds. Dolphins were given the
opportunity to take regular breaths between breath hold requests. No sedation was provided and there were no complications.
Detailed echocardiographic evaluations were performed on each animal studied. Mild tricuspid and aortic regurgitation was found
in several dolphins. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function appeared to be within the normal range seen previously in young,
healthy dolphins and humans. No structural abnormalities were noted.
In conclusion, Antemortem diagnosis of dolphin heart disease will enhance our knowledge base, changing the way we care for older
dolphins by identifying potentially treatable disease.
51
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
DAYSI, A DOLPHIN REFUSING MORNING FISH INTAKE: PROCESSES ADDRESSING THIS
BEHAVIOR APPLYING OPERANT CONDITIONING TECHNIQUES
Ricardo Ruiz*, Cynthia Henderson, Oneil Wilson
Onmega Dolphin Park, Marmaris Turkey
In 2013, Daysi, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus truncatus) suffered a gastric disorder. Daysis syptoms included
high acidity levels in the stomach and persistent regurgitation preventing us from feeding her before noon. Once prescribed treatment
ended, regurgitation and heartburn were controlled by the medical team; however, avoidance of morning intake persisted.
After unsuccessfully trying methods such as 1) changing sessions time and schedule, 2) short positive sessions 3) secondary
reinforcers as motivation for eating, and 4) increasing base diet to satiation among others, Onmegas training staff continued to
address this challenge using positive reinforcement. Tools such as alternating LRS and DRI techniques were utilized without modifying
the base diet or gastric condition of the dolphin. We eventually obtained gradual recovery morning food intake. This exposition details
successful conditioning methods used in this process.
HOW OPERANT CONDITIONING ELIMINATE NETS IN A ONE HOUR DOLPHIN CALF: INNOVATIVE
MANAGEMENT PLAN TO SURVIVAL
Edgar Urbina, Manuel Garduo, Alex Mata*, Dr. Roberto Snchez, Silvia Becerra, Flix Osorio, Shelley Wood
Dolphin Discovery, Cancn, Mexico
On 28 December 2013, at 1 am, Diana, an experienced 25-year-old mother of two, gave birth to her third calf at Dolphin Discovery
in Puerto Aventuras. Within 40 minutes after birth the calfs swimming pattern and low erratic respiration rates indicated a problem.
Within the first hour of life the Veterinarians decided to intervene and the calf was pulled for a health assessment. The male calf was
diagnosed with a fungal respiratory illness due to his behavior and blood analysis.
The illness required long term multiple daily injectable treatments. Recovery of this illness required the calf be separated from its
mother to administer the medical treatment. Before the calfs first month of age the Veterinarian and Training departments designed
and implemented a plan to shift from negative reinforcement separation techniques to voluntary positive reinforcement techniques,
thereby allowing the mother to separate herself from the calf and remain calm during the handling of the calf. This plan was
implemented to minimize risk of injury and stress for mother, calf and for the attending staff as well. The plan was modified 90 days
after birth when medical treatment was changed from injections to oral medications. Operant conditioning techniques were applied
to condition calf to eat pieces of fish.
This paper will describe the postpartum protocols and the training techniques applied for handling the calf, administering medications
and mother and calf separations.
52
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
DEVELOPMENT OF A PINNIPED ULTRASONOGRAPHY REFERENCE ATLAS
Geraldine Lacave, DVM
Marine Mammal Veterinary Services, Brugge, Belgium
The correct application of a diagnostic imaging tool such as ultrasound depends on standardization, documentation and archiving.
With the progress of medical training ultrasonography is now included in the regular physical check-ups of sea lions and seals
in many facilities but there is still little available references regarding ultrasound in these species. Expected repeatable normal
images of the different anatomical systems are necessary to be able to recognize and interpret abnormal images. A reference atlas,
compiling the most representative normal images of each system, and how to obtain them, resulted from regular voluntary or
better said trained ultrasound sessions in the past 15 years with the pinniped population from several facilities. Images were
obtained using a Logiq E VET, General Electric, with 4C-RS curvilinear (2-5MHz), 8C-RS micro-convex (8-10 MHz) and 12 L-RS
linear (10-12 MHz) probes. Attention was given to a consistent labelling and orientation of the images. This atlas will mainly help
compare new findings in the animals with their normal images. On an educational point of view, it will make an excellent tool for new
veterinarians to refer to when learning this skill. It will also be useful for a better inter-facility comparison. Although this document
has now been printed for a quicker visual help, this is an on-going process. Technology evolves quite rapidly, better performing
equipment becomes available and more is learned about interpretation of this kind of diagnostic imaging every day. But also our
medical knowledge about these animals is a constant learning curve. Such an atlas would never have been possible without the
excellent training skills of these animals trainers.
53
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO BE HELD: THEATER OF THE SEAS DISABLED CALIFORNIA
SEA LION LEARNS A VOLUNTARY RESTRAINT
Amy E. Wise
Theater of the Sea, Islamorada, Florida, USA
Established in 1946, Theater of the Sea (TOTS) is the second oldest marine mammal park in the United States. TOTS staff has trained
voluntary restraints with our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) for years but had not done so with California sea lions
(Zalophus californianus). Previously, when they needed to be restrained, males were placed in a squeeze cage and females were
caught and manually restrained. After discussing other options with our curator, Beverley Osborne, we thought if the dolphins can
learn a voluntary restraint, why cant the sea lions!
Theater of the Sea is home to five California sea lions; four were born in human care and one, Bella, stranded six years ago.
Rehabilitated by the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, CA, Bella was deemed non-releasable after being diagnosed with a
neurological condition. Bellas motor skills are impaired; resulting in a constant head motion to compensate. Bellas disorder has not
inhibited her from participating in shows, swims, meets, and paint programs nor various husbandry behaviors. Historically, Bella is
distracted by shadows as well as noises and she has trouble with sessions involving multiple trainers around her, which often cause
her to flee the session.
Bellas disorder and docile nature made her the perfect candidate to train the voluntary restraint behavior. This behavior desensitizes
her to multiple people close to her and provides a way to handle her for potential medical procedures. Restraint approximations
included having Bella tuck her flippers, allow hands to hold her neck, and adding one person at a time to the behavior. Once a
person was on either side, we decided that restraining her would be much easier if a trainer kneeled over her, holding head in place,
simulating an actual restraint. In the final behavior there are one or two people on top, and up to six people around her holding her
down.
In an effort to further reinforce the restraint layout we perform the behavior in our Meet the Sea Lion Program (MTSL). The guests set
up in two rows, Bella lies down and tucks her flippers between them. Once tucked, we allow the guests to pet her in this position
providing an adorable photo for the guests and extra tactile training for Bella. Using this behavior in MTSL was a very important step
in completing the restraint.
Bella learned the voluntary restraint quickly, therefore it was decided to take the behavior a step further. We chose to combine the
restraint with her previously trained voluntary blood draw. Shortly after training Bella for the restraint, another trainer at Theater of the
Sea, Katia Kovacic, began training Mimi, an elderly blind sea lion, for the restraint paired with oral hydration. Next, Bella and Mimi
were trained to breathe with an anesthesia cone placed over their nose while in the restraint. The combinations are endless with this
beneficial husbandry behavior.
Training Bella for a voluntary restraint not only gave us another option to care for her medically, but transformed her into an animal
that is now extremely comfortable with having a group of people around her. These skills will help Bella as a whole to be a more
confident, successful animal. We believe that all of our animals can benefit from being comfortable in uncomfortable situations and
we will continue to search for even more ways to improve their care.
54
FORMAL ABSTRACTS
FRIDAY, 2 OCTOBER
WAITING TO INHALE: TRAINING A BLIND 28 YEAR OLD ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS TO HOLD
AN EXHALE FOR AN ASTONISHING ECHOCARDIOGRAM
Katia G. Kovacic
Theater of the Sea, Islamorada, Florida, USA
Established in 1946, Theater of the Sea (TOTS) is one of the first facilities in the country and is home to one of the oldest California
sea lions in human care, Mimi. Mimi is a blind 29 year old female sea lion. With age comes increased probability of medical issues
and therefore the need for conditioning husbandry behaviors that were once unimaginable in order to maintain her excellent health.
During a routine ultrasound TOTS veterinarian, Dr. Michael Renner, noticed what appeared to be fluid around her heart. Dr. Renner
said there were small moments when he saw a better view of the heart. These glimpses occurred when Mimi would exhale. The
reason there were only moments of clarity is because sea lion lungs are massive. When filled the lungs can obstruct the view of the
heart. Dr. Renner requested we condition a new husbandry behavior where Mimi empty her lungs of air and hold the exhale for an
echocardiogram. This paper will go over the obstacles and approximations that led to the success of this behavior allowing the entire
heart to be seen and diagnosed.
55
POSTER ABSTRACTS
SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTARY GASTROSCOPY TRAINING WITH AN AGGRESSIVE DOLPHIN
Arenea Sleeman and Gabby Harris*
Affrika is a 21 year old female Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops trucatus) with a history of aggression and unpredictability in her
behaviour. Animal care staff at uShaka Sea World were concerned about her health due to the abundance of red and white blood cells
found in routine gastric samples. Affrika also went through a period of chronic regurgitation and as a result it was difficult to maintain
her at a healthy weight. A restrained gastroscopy showed that Affrika suffered from ulcers in her esophagus and first stomach. Ten
days after the gastroscopy Affrika took a turn for the worse and stopped eating. In order to medicate her, negative reinforcement
training was successfully used. Affrika responded well to the treatment and started regaining her strength. Once she was stronger a
follow-up restrained gastroscopy procedure was attempted. Unfortunately, this was unsuccessful. Animal care staff were faced with
two challenges, to get consistent blood samples and to train a voluntary gastroscopy. The challenge with Affrika was her aggression
and unpredictability. Affrika regularly snaps at the gastric tube after a sample is taken, often biting the tube and narrowly missing
trainers knees. Also, this risk cannot be taken with very expensive medical equipment. A training plan was compiled with animal
behavior modification techniques and equipment modifications in mind to suit Affrika and her care givers. This paper will document
the training process and the successful results gleaned from consistent training, creative thought, and team work.
A LITTLE ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES: COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS OF MILK SAMPLES FROM
ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHINS (STENO BREDANENSIS)
Dr. Lydia Staggs, Secret Holmes*, Heather Downing
Gulf World Marine Park is the proud home to a collection of rough-toothed dolphins (S. bredanensis). As one of only two facilities
in the world to currently house rough-toothed dolphins under human care, this has afforded Gulf World the opportunity to investigate
aspects of this unique species which were previously unknown, such as milk composition. Milk samples were taken early postpartum from two individual females, and a proximate analysis was performed, looking at percentages of fat, carbohydrates, moisture
content, caloric value, and ash (mineral) composition. Findings were compared to published values from closely related cetacean
species. Milk analysis is especially important when considering man made formula composition for the hand-rearing of dolphin
calves, as the recipe needs to be formulated according to the needs of the particular species.
56
Proceedings 2015 / Posters
POSTER ABSTRACTS
LASER THERAPY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO MEDICATION OR SURGERY
Dr. Lydia Staggs, Secret Holmes, Allison Hinz*
Innovative technologies are regularly developed to advance animal health and care. One such technology used at Gulf World Marine
Park is Multi-Wave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy. This therapy increases blood and lymphatic circulation and relieves pain.
This particular technology penetrates water which helps to treat a variety of species, including: cetaceans, pinnipeds, sea turtles,
sharks, fish, penguins, and domesticated species. Laser therapy has helped treat many conditions, like arthritis, and heal wounds.
Through the training staffs and veterinary staffs subjective observations, a better range of motion was noticed for animals previously
limited and allowed veterinary staff to decrease or discontinue pain medication. Healing times for wounds were cut in half. The staff
concurs that this cutting-edge technology has been extremely beneficial as an alternative to medication or surgery.
COMPARING DIETARY COMPONENTS OF BOTTENOSE DOLPHINS NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE

DIETS
Rita Stacey* and Melissa Zabojnik*
Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, USA
Iron overload in captive animals is often attributed to the consumption of non-native diets (Johnson et al., 2009). According to our
previous research (funded by the 2011 IMATA Research Grant) results showed that blood iron levels in dolphins in human care
increase with age. These results were similar to Mazzaro et al. (2012) findings in that dolphins in professional care had higher
iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation values than free-ranging dolphins. After investigating trophic levels of native and non-native
fish species, we have compiled nutritional analysis, iron content, and tannin analysis. This compares fish species commonly fed to
dolphins in professional care to that of seven different fish species consumed by wild dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida. This research
was supported by the 2014 IMATA Research Grant.
References
Johnson, S. P., Venn-Watson, S. K., Cassle, S. E., Smith, C. R., Jensen E. D., & Ridgway, S. H. (2009). Use of phlebotomy treatment in Atalntic bottlenose dolphins
with iron overload. Journal of the American Veterinarian Medical Association, 235(2), 194-200.
Mazzaro L.M., Johnson, S.P., Fair, P.A., Bossart, G., Carlin, K.P., Jensen, E.D., Smith, C.R, Andrews, G.A, Chavey P.S., Venn-Watson, S. (2012). Iron indices among
bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): identifying populations at risk for iron overload. Comparative Medicine 62, 50815.
57
POSTER ABSTRACTS
ADVANCES IN TRAINING OF SEMEN SAMPLES COLLECTION IN A SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL
(MIROUNGA LEONINA)
Marco Gonzalez*, Matias Naughton, Nestor Truppa, Ivan Zubizarreta, Yesica Buzid, Roxana Castelli
Mundo Marino, San Clemete de Tuyu, Argentina
Mundo Marino conducted training semen sample collection in a Mirounga leonina specimen housed at the park in order to assess
reproductive capacity. Through operant conditioning techniques we positioned the animal to desensitize the genital area and get
semen samples. 210 practices were conducted over a period of 18 months. During this time we collected pre-seminal fluid samples.
The best results of this training matched the breeding season of the species. These results will allow us to evaluate and learn more
about the sperm morphology and expand the data on sexual maturity and seasonality of the species in controlled environments. This
work will allow us to preserve the genetic material in a Genetic Bank and ensure the conservation of the species.
DERMATOLOGICAL SKIN CONDITIONS IN SOUTH AMERICAN SEA LIONS
Carla Haskell*, Eric Anderson, DVM, Will Elgar, Greg Charbeneau, Chelsea Roberts, RAHT
Dolphin Cay, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Commonwealth of the Bahamas
Dolphin Cay, Atlantis is home to eight South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens). Over the past two years we have seen varying
degrees of severity in dermatological conditions in our sea lions, especially our South American sea lions. One animal in particular,
Camilla, has a severe skin condition which at times affects up to 50-60% of her body. Camilla has several areas that are affected,
with the majority of the conditions localized around the ventral throat region, ventral thorax down to the mid abdomen, shoulder/
upper flippers, dorsal- lateral head/neck, and periocular regions, differing from the commonly seen lower dorsal region. We have
used different calming and topical treatments to manage Camillas condition, with varying success. Camilla is also on a daily oral
supplementation schedule, including vitamins, fish oil, and antibiotics as necessary. Camillas condition does vary subtly with
seasonal changes; however, it never fully resolves. The condition does not affect Camillas training and interaction program. With
further studies and treatments, we hope to collaborate with other institutions to further our knowledge of an underlying cause and
treatment of this dermatological condition in South American sea lions.
58
POSTER ABSTRACTS
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: AN INSIDE VIEW INTO THE SUCCESSFUL STORY OF KEEPING
CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS) AT THE NUREMBERG ZOO
Christiane Thiere* and Andreas Fackel
Nuremberg Zoo, Nuremberg Reichswald, Germany
With this poster we want to give you a view into the history of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) at the Nuremberg Zoo.
The Zoo opened in 1912 and sea lions were presented in a rocky environment. In the 1930s, Adolf Hitler needed the area where the
zoo was located for a big parade ground and forced the zoo to move somewhere else. The former zoo director decided to move to the
edge of the forest, where the new Zoo, am Schmausenbuck, was reopened in 1939. During the Second World War many animals
died, including the pinnipeds. In 1956 the new generation of California sea lions arrived and since then the zoo has been impressively
successful in keeping and breeding these wonderful pinnipeds. Since 1956, 86 Sea lions have been born at Nuremberg Zoo and most
of them found new homes all around the world, from Hong Kong to Italy, from California to Hungary.
Over the years the environment has been rebuilt from a pond into a big natural pool with underwater viewing. In 1991 a second
group of sea lions had been settled in the zoos dolphinarium in order to become playmates for the dolphins. After the death of the two
breeding males in 2009 and 2010 the zoo reorganized the two groups to avoid inbreeding. In 2014 a new, 1 year old, male sea
lion arrived. Within a half year later he mated successfully with two of our females, which leads us into the seventh generation. We
are proud to present the great grandmother, grandmother, mother, daughter, and grandchild living together in our zoo.
WAIT! DONT PANIC! THERE IS A NATURAL SOLUTION TO THIS MIRACLE MANATEE
Edgar Urbina, Manuel Garduo, Alex Mata, Silvia Becerra, Leila Zekkour, Mauricio Madrazo, Joanna Stoklosa*,
Roberto Sanchez Okrucky, Shelley Wood
Dolphin Discovery, Cancun, Mexico
Ten years after the beginning of our manatee breeding program at Dolphin Discovery, Juliet, in Puerto Aventuras, has had five
successful births, all males. In Isla Mujeres, one of our other manatees, Sabina, was preparing for the birth of her calf. The birth was
successful and she became the second Manatee in Dolphin Discovery to successfully reproduce and the fourth in Mexico. Postpartum,
Sabina displayed maternal behaviors; however, she would not allow her calf to nurse. When it appeared that the only solution was
nursing through human intervention, we realized that the solution was a mere 90 miles away in Puerto Aventuras where Juliet was
still nursing her seven month old calf, Conchis. Juliets calf was transported to Puerto Aventuras where Sabina took care of both female
manatees with natural nursing. Coupled with our experience in operant conditioning, teaching Juliet to show the mammary glands
naturally, plus a combination formula designed for optimal growth was the key for survival of this valuable female, a new genetic line
for future reproduction of our manatees. The quick reaction, successful transport of a three day old manatee, conditioning female for
prompting the nurse position, and successful formula gave us the solution to this miracle.
59
POSTER ABSTRACTS
TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT USED TO IMPROVE DENTAL CARE IN SOUTH AFRICAN FUR SEALS
Colette Bodenstaff*
South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) teeth are blackened by bacteria. This is normal in wild seals as well as seals under
human care. Seals are piscivores, using their teeth to capture and rip prey fish apart into bite size chunks. Pinnipeds under human
care do not need to capture their prey and food is most often fed to them in smaller pieces to deliver quick rewards and minimise
chewing. Plaque builds up on their teeth as a result of less manipulation of whole fish. Seals are also prone to infections from tooth
fractures and abrasions during altercations with con-specifics. This paper will show how the animal care staff at uShaka Sea World
uses positive reinforcement and operant conditioning techniques to train the seals a variety of husbandry behaviours to monitor
and improve their dental care. These trained behaviors include daily mouth checks, regular teeth, and gum brushing with an oral
cleaning paste made specifically for animals, veterinarian presence desensitization, radiograph training, voluntary injection and
crate training for more invasive procedures requiring immobilization. Furthermore, seals are also provided with fresh kelp (Ecklonia
maxima) as enrichment on a monthly basis. The seals chewing action on the kelp stalks and leaves significantly reduces plaque
growth and serves to rid their teeth of excess plaque. This practice is not widely used and some information on the use of kelp will
also be discussed.
AMAZON RIVER DOLPHIN CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
Suzanne M. Smith
Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation, New Orleans, USA
Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports local Brazilian efforts to protect a
storied species and its rainforest ecosystem. Building upon the wisdom of Amazon traditions, practices and beliefs with findings from
modern conservation biology, Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation works to preserve the river dolphin from the corrosive
pressures of outside, usually foreign interests that threaten the survival of the dolphins and their world. The fates of dolphins and
people have been entwined for millennia. Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation promotes healthy, natural interactions
between dolphins and people that protect both animals and people, sustain local culture, and transform visitors to ardent Amazon
conservationists. Approved future collaborative projects with Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation include, but are not
limited to, photo identification catalog, population survey, and conservation education messaging.
60
POSTER ABSTRACTS
PROTEINS, FATS AND KILOCALORIES IN 5 FISH SPECIES USED IN THE MARINE MAMMAL
INDUSTRY OVER THE LAST 22 YEARS.
Dan Shinder 2, Wayne Phillips 1, Jaime Alberto 1*, Bernal Vertiz 1*
1
Cabo dolphins, Los Cabos, Mexico
2
Pisces Seafood International, La Mesa, USA
Marine mammals under human care normally consume fish that was caught by a variety of fishing methods and vessels. The fish is
either processed on board with the aim of quick freezing, or delivered directly to the processing facilities. The goal is to achieve the
freshest product while maintaining maximum nutrients. Fish is usually frozen in blocks and packaged in plastic-lined boxes to be
impervious to air and moisture to retain its quality and water content. Purchases are made in bulk, delivered to a holding cold storage,
and sent to the final destination, arriving frozen for thawing prior to being fed. Quality, freshness, and handling methodology of the
fish we use has been a subject of study and evaluation. We will review the data analysis collected over 22 years for five different fish
species used to feed our animals. The analysis include catch year, fat, proteins, and kilocalories used and consumed throughout the
marine mammal community.
YALIT, A CASE TO SHARE
J. Abarca, L. Serrano, T. Capote, R. Torres & C. Lpez*

Grupo Via Delphi SA de CV, Cacn, Mexico
A four month old Tursipos truncatus calf presented with multiple uncommon lesions including nodulations in pectoral fins and caudal
vertebrae, partial loss of vision and poor weight gain. Upon physical examination corneal opacity was evident, apparent arthritis
in pectoral fins and caudal vertebrae and high body temperature. Clinical analyses were performed and medical treatment was
administered including ceftriaxone, Varidasa, local treatments of wounds, ocular tears. After a long treatment duration there are
not recurrent lesions. This case is similar to humans with Chronic Recurrent Multiple Osteomyelitis (Colleen et al., 2004; Huber et
al., 2002).
References
Colleen, S.Y. & Chun, M.D. (2004). La osteomielitis multifocal crnica recurrente de la columna vertebral y la mandbula: Reporte de un caso y revisin de la literature,
Pediatra. 113(4).
Huber, A.M., Lam P.Y., Duffy CM, Yeung, R.S., Ditchfield, M., Laxer, D., Cole, W.G., Kerr Graham, H., Allen, R.C., Laxer, R.M. (2002) Osteomielitis crnica recurrente
multifocal: resultados clnicos despus de ms de cinco aos de seguimiento. Journal of Pediatrics. 141(2), 198-203.
61
POSTER ABSTRACTS
PERCEIVED END OF SESSION AGGRESSION IN A SOUTH AFRICAN FUR SEAL
Colette Bodenstaff*, Bilal Limbada, Nikhiel Singh
Ilanga, a 17 year old female South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) started aggressing towards trainers when asked to gate
into her holding area (kennel) at the end of a training session. This was unusual behavior as Ilanga has always been regarded as
a calm and placid seal with no tendencies of aggression towards trainers. Due to her calm nature she is often used as a confidence
booster for novice trainers to learn training skills. Various reasons for the sudden aggression were considered and ranged from the
anthropomorphic, She was having too much fun and didnt want the session to end, to the most likely reason which was that her
aggressive unwanted response had unwittingly been reinforced. End of session cues are highly debatable due to their association
with aggressive responses. At uShaka Sea World the seal team had chosen to use an end of session vocal cue and corresponding
hand signal to indicate the end of a session. This signal was always given through protected contact. Ilanga seemed to associate
the kennel as the end of her training session. The various theories as to the reason for her response will be detailed and behavior
modification techniques to solve her unwanted behavior will be highlighted.
HOW DO YOU FIGHT THE CLAIM THAT DOLPHINS ARE FORCED TO WORK ALL DAY?...WITH
DATA!
Kelly Jaakkola*, Emily Guarino, Jane Hecksher, Katy Donegan
Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, USA
Animal rights activists often accuse marine mammal facilities of forcing the dolphins to work all day. Of course, this is wrong on
multiple levels. The dolphins arent forced, and positive reinforcement training adds to an animals well-being, rather than detracts
from it as implied by the term work. In addition to correcting these deliberate terminological distortions, facilities can also address
such criticisms with objective data. At Dolphin Research Center, we timed how long each dolphin spent in sessions (excluding
enrichment) over three separate days. The results revealed an average of one hour, 31 minutes daily. We would like to encourage
other facilities to collect similar data, allowing an industry-wide response to the criticism that the dolphins are working too much.
BRINGING BACK THE JOY: MOTIVATING TWO SATIATED MALE ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSE
DOLPHINS (TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS) TO RETURN TO GUEST INTERACTIONS
Charlotte Raven*, George Rodgers
Dolphin Explorer, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
In 2014 two alpha male dolphins, Khan and Cacique, were withdrawn from interaction programs due to medical issues. Following
treatment they were cleared for participation in low-energy programs. They began well but interest gradually faded, criteria was not
met, and sometimes programs were not completed. We decided they were satiated, that over-exposure to non-swimmers and others
uncomfortable in the water was largely responsible for this behavior. Our tools for turning this around were variability and motivation
based on a strong dolphin-trainer relationship. We began by focusing on programs geared to fewer, more capable, swimmers and
having the two dolphins share the behaviors. We built on this gradually until Khan, and the more reluctant Cacique, were again
enthusiastic participants in scheduled programs.
62
POSTER ABSTRACTS
THE IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION AND TRUST IN A LONG TREATMENT OF INTRAMUSCULAR
INJECTION IN OLD TUSIOPS TRUNCATUS, WHO WAS NEVER INJECTED, USING POSITIVE
HISTORY SCENARIO AS A SUCCESFULL CONDITIONING METHOD
Ricardo Ruiz*, Cynthia Henderson & Tashi Reid
Last winter it was necessary to apply intramuscular injection treatment for twenty consecutive days to Flip, a 31 year old Atlantic
bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus truncatus), who had never been injected before. Onmegas training team had the challenge
of conditioning injection tolerance while actual medical treatment was administered. The teams goal was not to capture Flip for
treatment but to have him do so voluntarily. Applying methods of active desensitization, we offered a preconditioned positive scenario
in which the dolphin voluntarily beached and was then surrounded by trainers for a gastric inspection, as a positive reference to
gradually extinguish the aversive response to the application of the injection, then to receive intramuscular injection as a positive
stimulus. This paper will review the challenges involved in undertaking such a plan.
RELATIONSHIP AS THE MAIN REINFORCEMENT TO TRAIN A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN CALF TO

BLOOD SAMPLE BY BEHAVIOUR
Neto A.P. Henriques*, A. Popadina, M. Libianchi, F. Patrignani, F. Valeri L. Grande, L. Fiorucci
Zoomarine Italia, Pomezia, Italy
Thai is a young female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) born at Zoomarine in September 2012.Thai was used to being in
contact with trainers due to the excellent relationship between trainers her mother. This relationship allowed trainers to be close to
Thai in various training session contexts, interaction in water, playing and other situations. Increasing interaction, Thai looked for
contact more often, especially scrubbing on her fluke. Our biggest challenge was maintaining behaviors using relationship as the
main reinforcement. During the beginning of Tais training program, Thai was still nursing and just started eating fish. At the age of
one year and five months a successful blood sample by behavior was taken.
63
POSTER ABSTRACTS
INTRODUCTION OF FAMILIAR AND NOVEL OBJECTS FOR TURSIOPS TRUNCATUS PONTICUS
UNDER HUMAN CARE
Ruta Ziliene 1* and Fabienne Delfour
1
Lithuanian Sea museum/Klaipeda University, Lithuania
Laboratoire dEthologie Exprimentale et Compare, Paris 13 University, Villetaneuse, France
Scientific studies on the welfare of marine mammals under human care are deeply needed to better respect them. Studies usually
focus on various parameters, such as group composition, number of individuals, medical care or diet of these marine mammals.
Nevertheless, more studies on individual and social behaviors of marine mammals are needed such as serious assessments of
enriching programs. During the present study eight familiar and 14 novel objects were provided to six Black Sea bottlenose dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus ponticus) in Attica zoological park once a day during their free time. Preliminary results show a group interest
for novel objects; the introduction of novel objects seems to enhance social behaviors. When not manipulating the objects, dolphins
display visual interest towards the introduced objects; however, this activity is mainly individual. To conclude, results are discussed
in terms of effectiveness of enrichment programs and behavioral changes in the animals subsequent to the introduction of various
objects.
FOUR DECADES OF HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND FUN: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Mrcia Neto, Elsa Quintino*, Lucie Palma, Alexandra Rodrigues, Carla Flanagan, Marco Bragana,
Miguel Silveira
Zoomarine, Lisbon, Portugal
Zoomarines founding dolphins started to be trained for husbandry behaviors back in the 1970s, a long time before the parks
opening in Portugal. This training program, sponsored from the beginning by Mr. Pedro Lavia, is today one of the keystones of our
marine mammal zoological standards. Our husbandry behaviors protocol, together with a strict preventative medicine philosophy
largely improved the quality of life and health of our marine mammals. This lead to long life expectancies and as a result most of
our founders are still among us. Additionally, as we became more proficient in training these behaviors and in overcoming the first
challenges, the protocol included more and more animals from our collection. Husbandry behaviors have been applied both to our
dolphins and pinnipeds, and have been in constant evolution, either by increasing the number of behaviors, or by improving and
adapting existing ones to new challenges that arose. Training begins in the early stages of the marine mammals lives and lasts for
the whole duration of their life. If there is one thing that we all know in our profession is that there is not a special formula for training
marine mammals. Its a joint learning process for both the trainer and the animal. And we had a lot to learn, throughout all these
years. Many of the adaptations made to conventional training techniques were due to challenging medical conditions, animals with
special needs, innovative research projects and our geriatric pinnipeds and dolphins that required particular attention. Our path was
by no means uneventful and we made many mistakes along the way. Nevertheless, we believe that our community grows stronger
each time a member shares its experience, and that has a direct positive effect on the animals in facilities across the world. With this
presentation we would like to share over 40 years of marine mammal husbandry training and our vision for the future.
64
IMATA GIVES BACK
IMATA RESEARCH GRANT
The IMATA Research Grant was established in 2011 to provide financial support for research projects which address IMATAs Mission. All
submissions underwent a rigorous and competitive two-tier review process before the IMATA Research and Conservation Committee submitted
funding recommendations to the IMATA Board for consideration.
TO DATE, IMATA HAS AWARDED $13,570 IN RESEARCH GRANTS.

PROPOSALS ARE ACCEPTED ANNUALLY. SEE IMATA.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS.
IMATA CONSERVATION FUND
The International Marine Animal Trainers Association Conservation Fund was founded in 2011 to provide financial support for third-party nonprofit organization projects which focus on conservation-oriented issues and promote communication, professionalism, and cooperation among
those who serve marine mammal science through training, public display, research, husbandry, conservation and education.
TO DATE, IMATA HAS AWARDED $3,000 TO CONSERVATION PROJECTS.

PROPOSALS ARE ACCEPTED ANNUALLY. SEE IMATA.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS.
Questions?
Contact the Research and Conservation committee chair at ResearchConservation@imata.org
Proceedings 2015 / IMATA Gives Back
65
JUDGING & AWARDS
THE 2015 IMATA CONFERENCE IN THE BAHAMAS IS GUARANTEED TO BE FILLED WITH SOME AMAZING AND
INSIGHTFUL PRESENTATIONS, MANY OF WHICH WILL RECEIVE SPECIAL HONORS AND AWARDS! EACH YEAR,
IMATA AND THE HONORS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE PRIDE THEMSELVES ON RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING
PRESENTATION ACHIEVEMENTS BY HONORING THOSE PAPERS, POSTERS, AND PRESENTERS THAT STAND OUT
FROM THE REST.
JUDGES
The 2015 Judge Team is a diverse team of IMATA members from around the world.
As a comprehensive team, they have:

Over 80 years of training experience

Over 50 years as IMATA members

Attended over 20 IMATA conferences

Trained a wide variety of species of marine animals, terrestrial animals and birds.

Extensive experience in all areas including education, husbandry, show training, interactive training,

operational training and research.
This is a huge commitment from our volunteer judges, and every year they have a tough job to do!
JUDGING CRITER IA
Judging will be based on four elements:

Information
Subject matter
Presenter
Overall presentation
Each judge will assign a total score to each presentation based upon those four criteria.
TROPHY CATEGORIES
Awards will be given during the Honors and Awards Banquet on Friday, 2 October 2015 in the following categories:

Behavioral Training
Husbandry Training
Education and Conservation
Research Advancements
Poster Presentation
The First Time Presenter Award will be given to the individual presenting a formal presentation for the first time at IMATA.
The presenter must be giving at least 50% of the formal paper.
66
Proceedings 2015 / Judging & Awards
JUDGING & AWARDS
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
OUTERNET TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL AWA RD
Outernet Technologies will host and sponsor their 14th annual award recognizing the
best or most innovative use of technology in training sessions, shows, play sessions,
husbandry or record keeping for any formal, informal, or poster presentation. The recipients
of this award are determined by the IMATA Honors and Awards Judging Team and this year
the second place winner will receive $100, and the first place winner will receive $200.
COLL PERSKE PHOTO & ART CONTEST

The Science Applications International Corporation will sponsor the annual photo and
art contest where IMATA members are encouraged to display their creativity through
photography, art, or humor/cartoon as related to marine animals or related training
activities. All submitted entries will be judged by SAIC representatives and first and second
place winners will be selected for three categories including: best photography, best art,
and best humor/cartoon. Second place winners will receive $100, and first place winners
will receive $200 for each category.
EDITORS CHOICE AWARD

Designed to encourage and recognize excellence in writing skills, this award will be
presented to the author of the expanded abstract that most effectively and accurately
reflects the formatting guidelines for IMATA Proceedings. A cash award of $300 will be
awarded at the annual conference, sponsored by Doug and Cheryl Messinger of The
Dolphin Connection.
2015 IMATA PEOPLES CHOICE

The IMATA Peoples Choice Award is given to any individual, group, or organization that
conference attendees feel has made that greatest contribution to the 2015 IMATA Conference.
To vote, simply fill out and detach the enclosed 2015 IMATA Peoples Choice Voting Ballot
and insert into the Peoples Choice Ballot Box by 12:30pm on Friday, 2 Octoberber 2015.
These votes will be privately tallied by the Honors and Awards Committee and the first and
second place winners will be announced at the Honors and Awards Banquet where they
will each receive a special IMATA trophy.
Proceedings 2015 / Judging & Awards
67
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68
Proceedings 2015 / Sponsors
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Proceedings 2015 / Sponsors
69
THANK YOU
MESSAGE FROM BILL WOLDEN
IMATA PAST-PRESIDENT
Thank you to all of the individuals listed below for their hard work towards making this years conference a success. Its important to
note that almost all of the people listed below DO NOT GET PAID for their work with IMATA, but instead VOLUNTEER their time, energy,
and expertise so that we can become the most effective animal advocates for all creatures on this planet.

TERI CORBETT for getting us started on the right track to plan a conference that we will never forget. We hope you will rejoin the
IMATA leadership team soon.
DOLPHIN CAY for being our host facility, sponsoring the icebreaker event, and for providing every single conference attendee a
complimentary dolphin experience.
MICHELE SOUSA for being the liaison between the Atlantis Resort and IMATA - including organizing room blocks, audio visual,
food & beverage, and so much more. You will be a great President!
KELLY FLAHERTY CLARK for organizing the abstract review team, handling all submitted abstracts, organizing the formal and
informal presentations schedule, and for keeping the bar high.
WILL ELGAR and GREG CHARBENEAU for helping us organize events with Dolphin Cay and Atlantis including the icebreaker
and dolphin encounters and for setting up our Junkanoo dancers, DJ, and waterpark scavenger hunt.
MICHELLE CAMPBELL for her amazing hard work, organization and clear vision on our resume review workshop, job fair and
raffle events.
DAVE ROBERTS for his ability to recruit interesting and relevant guest speakers, and for his skills at effectively moderating and
producing the panel discussion.
70
JENNIFER PLETCHER for her assistance and creativity with the raffle drawing events, and for raising the bar and making this
years raffle our best one yet.
MICHAEL HUNT for his hard work with conference marketing and promotion, name tag design, conference registration, and
providing his expertise whenever asked.
BECKY MASUGA for her countless hours and assistance with so many projects beyond her duties with Peppermint Narwhal,
including: resolving registration challenges, name tag design, website updates, and the list could go on and on. You are a true
IMATA friend!!!
ERIC GAGLIONE for his willingness to jump in, organize, and teach new talent how to recruit moderators, organize gift bags,
and so much more.
LINDA ERB for her leadership and support over the past year and making sure we always had enough resources to get our work done.
CHRIS SCULLION for recruiting sponsorships for this years IMATA conference she is a huge part of the reason why we are able
to offer lower registration rates to our members.
LAURA YEATES for her endless support with organizing the content for Proceedings, and her work with abstract organization and
review.
GARY SIDDALL for stepping up to the plate to volunteer as our audio/visual liaison between the Atlantis Resort and our IMATA
presenters.
KEN RAMIREZ for volunteering his time and energy to conduct two animal training seminars to the eager students excited to learn
new skills.
KIM TERRELL and DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS for providing our conference attendees a fantastic afternoon at their park, a
beautiful boat ride, and for hosting our informal night.
BRIAN MASUGA and PEPPERMINT NARWHAL for designing our conference logo, PowerPoint templates, Proceedings,
marketing materials, and so much more. You continue to help IMATA look polished, and we value our partnership.
Proceedings 2015 / Thank You!
THANK YOU
ROBERT ROOZENDAAL and RITA STACEY for making sure budgets were followed, funds were tracked, and our memberships
dollars were all accounted for.
BEN SCHREINER for organizing all of our shipping needs into the Bahamas and making sure everything got to the conference
on time.
SHELLEY WOOD for organizing our interview skills workshop and providing attendees invaluable information.
BRAD ANDREWS for inspiring us all as our keynote speaker for this years conference and for sharing his insights on the animal
care community and how to secure the future for trainers and animals.
DR. TERRY MAPLES for his informative talk on the next frontier of animal welfare and reminding us all on the importance of
providing the best possible care to our animals.
DR. GERALDINE LACAVE, DR. CHRIS DOLD, DR. MARTIN HUALENA and DR. MICHAEL RENNER, representatives
of the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM), for their insightful panel discussion and workshop on animal
care along with their willingness to talk personally with our conference attendees.
ERIN WEBER for her work on recruiting and organizing our conference volunteers and for handling our roommate service requests.
ERIN WISE for securing and managing our conference moderators and for facilitating our conference survey.
ANN HOEDT for serving as our Merchandise Committee chairperson and for ensuring our conference merchandise products were
fresh, high-quality, and available for sale to our membership.
BEAU RICHTER for keeping our IMATA website up to date with important information about this years conference to keep our
members informed.
NICOLE ODONNELL for recruiting our conference judge team, securing all award trophies, and for organizing the Honors and
Awards Banquet.
ALEX MATA for creating the always fun-to-watch conference opening video and for coming up with a fun theme and wonderful
song choice this year.
SUZANNE SMITH for putting together an exciting presentation showcasing the 2016 IMATA Conference in San Diego we cant wait!!!
RESUME REVIEW TEAM made of professionals for taking their time to assist others fine tune their resumes.
ROBYN TRAINOR for all of her administrative assistance with the career night events, and keeping things organized and moving
forward.
MICHELLE SHOEMAKER for handling a variety of duties that helped us stay on track and prepare for the conference.
JILL ALLREAD for offering professional advice on all public relations matters and for making sure IMATA is well-represented and
protected.
AWESOME OCEAN for taking an interest in IMATA and wanting to tell the story of the important work that we all do.
SPONSORS for donating funds, products, and time to this years conference - and also for those companies that purchased
tables at the Exhibitor Hall to provide our membership with information, services, and products for their facilities and animals.
FACILITY SPONSORS for donating funds to this years conference and allowing us to lower conference registration rates for
our members.
ALL OF YOU the presenters, moderators and conference attendees for coming to the Bahamas, purchasing a conference
registration, speaking your voice and being an active participant in this years event it doesnt work without each of you!
IMATA for continuing to provide a platform for trainers to share information and thereby improving the quality of care for all marine
animals around the world.
Its been my pleasure to work with everyone listed above this year and I believe we have worked very hard and have done our best to
put together a conference that attendees will enjoy and remember for a long time. The IMATA leadership team continues to improve our
community by implementing new ideas, educating our members, and caring for the animals in our care with the highest of standards
and for those reasons and more Im very proud to be a part of the IMATA organization.
Proceedings 2015 / Thank You!
71
IMATA
DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE HUMANE CARE AND HANDLING

OF MARINE ANIMALS BY FOSTERING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
PROFESSIONALS THAT SERVE MARINE ANIMAL SCIENCE
THROUGH TRAINING, PUBLIC DISPLAY, RESEARCH, HUSBANDRY,
CONSERVATION, AND EDUCATION.
Proceedings is published once a year by the International Marine
Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) as a service to its members.
Submissions of abstracts, photographs, and graphics are subject
to such revision as is necessary in our sole discretion to meet the
requirements of the publication. Photographs should be submitted
as highresolution digital images. Include captions, identify all
recognizable persons, and include a photo credit. The act of
submitting an abstract, photograph, text, or graphic constitutes
an agreement that (1) the materials are free of copyright restrictions, (2) photo releases have been obtained,
and (3) the materials may be published by IMATA in Proceedings or other IMATA publications, including the
IMATA web site.
Inquires should be sent to Laura Yeates, via email at proceedings@imata.org.
Copyright 2015. All of the abstracts contained within Proceedings are the personal views of the respective
authors and do not necessarily represent the views of IMATA, its Chief Editors, or its Board of Directors.
IMATA
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60605 USA
PHONE 1.312.692.3193
FAX 1.312.939.2216
www.imata.org
PROCEEDINGS designed by:

Peppermint Narwhal
1.330.962.3718
72
Proceedings 2015
73

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SHOP

NEW ANIMAL DESIGNS EACH DAY!

Michelle Davis Garis

Sales & Logistics Manager

2015 Board of Directors

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

Kelly Flaherty Clark

I also want to thank you for the incredible opportunity youve

IMATA is a strong organization. You make it so. Our leadership

28 Facilities participating in Facility Pass benefit

At our business meeting on Monday you will receive a more

One of my goals while President was to help increase the

PAST PRESIDENTS ADDRESS

The Vice-President position is now being covered by a team

ANIMAL TRAINING CLASS WITH KEN RAMIREZ

ANIMAL TRAINING CLASS WITH KEN RAMIREZ

NON-FOOD REINFORCERS: MAXIMIZING EFFECTIVENESS

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

CONFERENCE PRESENTERS MEETING

Opening Video Compiled and edited by: Alex Mata

Conference Welcome Bill Wolden, Past-President

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BRAD ANDREWS

2015 Opening Video Theme: Have Fun With Your Animals

Not many individuals can say that they have worked in

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BRAD ANDREWS

FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (4)

LEARNING ON HER TERMS: USING INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOR AS A MOTIVATIONAL TOOL

IMATA BUSINESS MEETING

FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (3)

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

CAREER NIGHT FACILITATORS

Shelley Wood, Owner ABC Animal Training /

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

CONFERENCE PRESENTERS MEETING

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE

FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (4)

THE USE OF OPERANT CONDITIONING IN THREE AUSTRALIAN PELICANS

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR AQUATIC ANIMAL MEDICINE

FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (4)

HEY, IS SHE SMILING AT ME? SEARCHING FOR SMILES OF DOLPHINS

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

MICHAEL S. RENNER DVM

Proceedings 2015 / IAAAM Panelist

MARTIN HAULENA DVM, MSC, DIPL. ACZM

GERALDINE LACAVE DVM

Proceedings 2015 / IAAAM Panelist

POSTER PRESENTATIONS & COLL PERSKE PHOTO AND ART CONTEST

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: AN INSIDE VIEW INTO

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

RELATIONSHIP AS THE MAIN REINFORCEMENT TO

CONFERENCE PRESENTERS MEETING

INAPPROPRIATE HANDLING OF DATA, INVALID COMPARISONS, AND UNSUPPORTED

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (3)

FORMAL PRESENTATIONS (4)

TRAINING RAM VENTILATING SHARKS FOR STATIONING BEHAVIORS

LUNCH BREAK 60 MINUTES

Proceedings 2015 / Schedule

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER SITE VISIT

Enjoy heavy hor doeuvres and discounted special drinks

Frank Chau, Gavin Fong