Unannounced CAZA Inspection of Marineland - January 18, 2013

REPORT TO CAZA ACCREDITATION COMMISSION

SUBMITTED BY:  Greg Tarry

DATE: January 18, 2013

ISSUE: Inspection of Marineland January 18, 2013

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2013 /CNW/ -

SUMMARY:
During the inspection all Marineland staff and management continued to be open and candid in their comments and provided any and all information and assistance requested.  This attitude was much appreciated. There were no concerns identified during the inspection that the Commission need react to at this time.

BACKGROUND: 
Based on direction from the Accreditation Commission to Marineland of Canada on September 27, 2012 a third unannounced inspection was conducted on January 18, 2013.  The purpose of the inspection was to assess the following areas identified by the Commission in their letter of direction:

1. Assess the water quality through a review of the water logs and a physical inspection of all of the pools.
   Upon arrival at Marineland I asked for and was given copies of the internal water logs for the month of December and the external water assessment reports.   In reviewing the internal water logs all of the parameters that were being tracked were within acceptable ranges.  A review of the external water test results supported the internal water logs. Following a review of the water logs I visually inspected the water in the aquarium, stadium, training and sea lion pools. All of the water was clear and clean, there were no problems with color or odor of the water in any of the areas.  In addition none of the animals in the water appeared to be experiencing any discomfort as a result of being in the pools.
2. Assess staffing levels to ensure that animal welfare and staff safety needs are being met.
   During the site inspections I reviewed staffing levels in the areas in question. The scheduled feedings for all of the animals in question were reviewed, and all were being completed.  The staff level appeared to give them sufficient to conduct the needed training, do the scheduled feedings and maintain cleanliness in the areas that I visited.
3. Examine all of the animals held in the enclosures in question.
   All of the dolphins have been moved into winter quarters in what is called the training pool.  I closely examined the skin and eye conditions of all of the Dolphins and did not see any indication of problems.  In addition all of the animals were active and engaged during the time that I was with them.  Monthly blood tests continue to be taken for the dolphins and no problems have been identified.
4. Review with veterinary and animal care staff the status of any animals receiving treatment.
   I met with the on-duty veterinarian, Dr.  Erica Gehring, and walked through all of the areas with her and reviewed the health of the animals in question.  I specifically inspected the eyes and skin conditions of all of the animals and all were in good health with no sign of eye or skin problems. At the time of inspection none of the animals were under treatment for any non-chronic conditions. The older sea lions were receiving pain medications to address long standing eye issues that had been identified as primarily age related.   The eyes of the walrus, which had been identified as problems in the past, in all cases appeared to be normal.
5. Ensure that water quality management protocols are being properly applied.
   At the time of my visit new water management protocols had not been finalized.  It is likely that the external engineer's inspection will result in changes to the current systems and as a result we agreed that part of the scope of their work would include the provision of an appropriate protocol.   In the interim the previous practice of testing the water twice a day is being followed.

I once again reviewed the health of the Orca "Kiska" in light of a media report claiming chronic bleeding in the tail area.  As documented in previous reports, there has been no recurrence of the bleeding in the tail area. The animal continues to be in good health and is eating a full ration.

The progress on the engineering study that was also a part of the Commission's letter of direction was discussed.  Marineland has retained an engineering firm to undertake the project. They have completed their onsite work and are now finalizing their report.  Marineland expects to have the report completed by the end of January and will then move forward with implementation shortly after that.

SOURCE: Marineland

Ann Marie Rondinelli
Marineland Marketing
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]