[Animals] When will people learn?

I'm going to try and write this as cohesively as possible, but to be frank, it really gets me irked.

There is a protest happening at Marineland against the obvious poor conditions, and all the malaise that seems to surround it. I'm not terribly against it...Admittedly, I haven't seen any of it first hand, but I do have some sources I trust that lead me to believe some of the hype that's floating around.

However, the Coalition for No Whales in Captivity (hence force known as 'The Coalition') in British Columbia is setting up a mirror protest at the Vancouver Aquarium. The Vancouver Aquarium and Marineland are entirely different entities, and are practically worlds apart.

I'll throw in my disclaimer right now that I cannot speak officially for the Vancouver Aquarium. This post is merely based on my own personal opinions, and feelings. Facts will be cited. Citations for cetaceans? Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Let's throw up this image, which is of the proposed banners they will be flaunting. I will only comment on these images, because I don't have forever to correct the mountain of ignorance they have formed.

Credit obviously for the 'banners' goes to The Coalition. Not sure of the original photo sources. 

"Your money fuels the cruel capture of whales and dolphins."
    I don't really even know where to start with this one. The money from donations, admission, memberships, etc. goes obviously to operating costs (the animals eat a lot, and it ins't cheap! Neither are their health care costs, I'd imagine.), educational programs, research, animal rescues, staffing, and everything else it takes to keep the Aquarium fun, educational, and the animals safe and healthy.

Credit Norbert Rosing
Those maggot-looking things are
 beluga whales. Look pretty cozy,
don't they?

The image next to this quote looks to imply that the belugas are kept in a cramped, tiny tank. That is the animal care pool, which is not even close to half of their exhibit size. This species has proven to be comfortable in small spaces. Frequently, the belugas will swim into the animal care pool, as the gate is almost always open, when they want to relax. They have no qualms about spending their time in there. (Personally, I've seen up to four whales puttering around in their on their own free will. I think they're nuts, but that's their choice.)

This bit also applies to the last banner as well, but I'll go ahead and add it in here.

The Vancouver Aquarium and the Vancouver Parks board had come to the agreement years ago ( Unfortunately I can't seem to find the exact date this was announced, but it was before 2006. Probably quite a while before that. ). The agreement states that the Aquarium will no longer capture any new animals, and will not bring in any animals captured after September 1996. It can exchange animals for others caught before that date, or those that were born in captivity, in order to to benefit the animals social needs. Animals that were rescued and deemed non-releasable by the government due to physical disabilities or ongoing health issues are also an exception. [ Citation. Plenty of other great information as well. ]

"8 Marineland whale trainers quit and exposed the cruelty"
   This has nothing to do with the Vancouver Aquarium. The animals' living conditions are completely different. I can't even really elaborate on this. The animals in Vancouver are not suffering skin conditions, or any serious, ongoing health issues. That much is evident if you stop to actually watch a show, and see the animals performing natural behaviors. Strong, and healthy. They are also provided with enrichment through the day to keep them stimulated.

"You bought 3 dolphins from Japan fueling the annual dolphin slaughter."
  I can see how an uneducated person on this matter may get confused. Yes, three dolphins did come from Japan. Yes, there are horrific dolphin drives and slaughters down there, with many animals being bought and sold to various facilities. However, the three dolphins (two currently living) were all rescued from fishing nets. Their scars are very evident, and could not be released for visibly obvious reasons.
No one in their right mind would support the drive, and should work to stop it, and similar operations still happening across the globe. No, sadly, Taiji isn't the only one. It was made famous by the movie The Cove, which I do recommend. Know however, the Ric O'Barry is a crazy,delusional old fart, and that you should take anything he states as fact with a grain of salt.

I will go on to say that no animals in North America are from those drives. Those animals go to primarily asian zoos and aquariums. If you are interested in the drives, and the animals that are caught, I will direct you to a personal favorite website of mine. A fantastic resource that is always being updated by a fantastic and dedicated person. Ceta-Base.com . For all your cetacean related news and information! She (he?) has some very good sources of information, and I consider her (him?) to be very trustworthy.


In other news, a short blurb about Theodore. While his prognosis seems to be improving, it's still all up in the air of course. He -looks- better, with a lot of wounds pretty well closed up. He's swimming a lot, too. Eating plenty as well. I'm pretty hopeful this little dude will be back and frolicking in the ocean one day. That could change though, and I won't say why, but I can understand if that goal changes. Still, I keep my fingers crossed for him! ~Jenicsaco

[Animals] Meeting Theodore

So last Monday, I met Theodore. He's a three year old harbor porpoise at the Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (what a mouthful!). Due to confidentiality, and respect, I won't divulge too much. I'm going to try not to speculate too much either. It was a pleasure to meet him, though. I've still got my fingers crossed for him, because I still think there's a good chance he can be released, if he survives.

It may be because he's probably exhausted, and in some pain, but he seems pretty laid back. Compared to Jack and Daisy, his personality seems to be a lot less...attention-whorish. He's not jittery, and quite calm for the most part. Bear in mind, this is just my observations from sitting next to his pool for four hours. I could have just caught him on some down time, for all I know.

I'll be going back next week, which I'm looking forward to. It takes me an hour and a half to get there, and for a four hour shift, it can take a bit to get myself going. It's always worth it when I get to the centre though. Porpoise watch is pretty relaxed, and much easier on my bad back than it was to work with the seal pups that come in. I like that I can still help out.

Seal pups, I feel the need to mention, are adorable. However...a thought came to me on Monday when I was watching Theo. There's a pool with pups close to being able to be released directing behind me, which is blocked off by tarp and barrier across the ground. I could reach back and touch a pup if it was on the haul-out, if the barrier weren't there. And if I wanted to lose my position, probably job, and maybe a finger. That's how close they are. Anyways...seal pups sound an awful lot like zombies. Adorable little zombies. Espescially when you can't see them...The "maw'ing", groaning and moaning, and other odd noises. Just sayin'.

~Jenicsaco

[Animals] Here We Go Again

So, another harbor porpoise has been rescued of BC's coast! And again, I've signed up to help. Confidentiality keeps me from saying too much, or posting any pictures. At least, that was the drills last time, I assume it's the same as always. Regardless, I'm excited! A young adult, named Theodore.

Click here for more info on Theodore. Photo credit goes to
the Vancouver Aquarum. 

I know I shouldn't speculate, but if he survives (that's a huge if), I think chances could be good that he could be released. That is of course, assuming the damage done to his tail doesn't have any lasting effects. Though, it is to my understanding that stranded cetaceans often suffer from serious muscle damage. So, that could have a negative impact as well. It would be nice to seem him released though. It would be fantastic for the Aquarium, knowing that for any new animal that makes its home there, "animal rights" groups have a field day. "Oh, they just want another animal for their collection.". If these groups really knew anything about these animals, they would know that they could not survive in the wild. (I'm referring to Jack and Daisy, here) The decision to be released, or kept, is not even up to the Aquarium in any way. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (a government operation) is responsible for that decision.

Due to the fact that he's a bit older than Jack and Daisy were, I think he stands a better chance of release. However, it seems that the older animals haven't done as well in recovery, and the muscle damage/tail wound  could really impact his recovery and chance of release.

Then again, I'm just thinking aloud here, and I don't have any fancy degrees, and I can't speak for the animal care staff. Please do not take this post too seriously. Anything could happen. Let's all just wish Theodore good luck, and a speedy recovery.

My Porpoise In Life

So let me start off by saying that I never thought I would even see a harbor porpoise in real life, let alone have the opportunity to help rehabilitate three. Honestly, harbor porpoises weren't really even on my radar. I knew of them, I thought they were cute, but that was about it. Now though, I have a deep fondness and passion and respect for the species.

Daisy and her precious noodles.

The first was Daisy. My first shift started with her in September, 2008. It was instant love. She spent a lot of time puttering around in a sling that was made just for her, to help support her in the water while she was too weak to swim. Once she was strong enough, she seemed to develop a love for pool noodles. She'd push them around on her little head. I remember having to make sure that they didn't cover her blow-hole. I took the noodle off once, and pushed it away from her....Daisy promptly picked up the noodle on her head and swam back to me. I'm convinced she thought she was a dog...

Daisy even inspired me to get a tattoo, my second one. Porpoise flukes splashing out from some waves, with of course, a daisy in the background.

Daisy coming over to say 'hello!'.

In July 2009, she was deemed non-releasable by the Canadian government, and was transferred to the Vancouver Aquarium. In my opinion, they made the right decision (I apply this thought to Jack as well.) She was too dependent on humans, and having stranded at such a very young age, she had next to none of the skills necessary to survive in the wild. She's thriving now, and (pardon my anthromorphism), she seems pretty darned content. She seems in enjoy the visitors that come to see her, as well as her new companion, Jack. 

Learn more about Daisy here.




Siyay was the second harbor porpoise that I met. A little older than Daisy. "Sub-adult" they called him. I had one, maybe two shifts with him in May, 2011. He was rescued on April 26, 2011. Unfortunately, this handsome boy didn't survive...He would seem to get better, then something would get worse. It was up and down a lot...

Siyay, Unknown Source. Credit goes to the photographer, not myself. 

The cause of death ended up being a terrestrial parasite called "protozoan endephalitus", something in his brain that I don't think ever could have been detected. I hope that he last days were as comfortable as they could have been....he was certainly surrounded by people that loved him. I'm sorry we couldn't help you, Siyay.


Official photos of Siyay.
More information about his rescue here and his death here.

A typical 'Jack' greeting. 

Jack was the third, and latest porpoise that I was able to work with, my first shift starting in October 2011. When I say 'work with', by the way, I mean monitoring respiration-rate, assisting with feeding, watching for strange behavior, and more or less babysitting.  Jack was a lot different from Daisy...similar to boys vs, girls, I suppose. While Daisy liked playing with her toys, Jack was more outgoing and "Hey, look at me!".  He liked to spyhop (he still does), and like Daisy, he also seemed to enjoy retrieving his toys and bringing them back.

This is typically what you'll see now when you visit the "Sugar Seal Pool".
You can tell it's Jack by the long white scar in front of his dorsal fin. 

In May 2012 (I think...honestly can't remember exactly when), Jack made his debut at the Vancouver Aquarium. Sharing a habitat with Daisy, and being as social as ever. Jack seems to absolutely love any visitors that come to see him, spending most of his day at the viewing window. (It's hard to leave him, when you know he'll be there, watching you walk away. I wonder if he thinks to himself, "Why are they leaving? What did I do?".) He's a people-pleaser, that's for sure. Their habitat is not a main attraction, but I implore anyone visiting the Vancouver Aquarium to go and visit the harbor porpoises. No, not the "baby dolphins". They are very different. There is plenty of signage to tell you exactly who, and what they are. Daisy now has things on her mind other than visitors, quite often, so it is like Jack that will be the first to come and say hi.

Learn more about Jack here.

Sometimes, you get both, and everything becomes the cutest thing you've ever seen.