Survival improvements of marine mammals in zoological institutions mirror historical advances in human longevity.

An intense public debate has fuelled governmental bans on marine mammals held in zoological institutions. The debate rests on the assumption that survival in zoological institutions has been and remains lower than in the wild, albeit the scientific evidence in support of this notion is equivocal. Here, we used statistical methods previously applied to assess historical improvements in human lifespan and data on 8864 individuals of four marine mammal species (harbour seal, ; California sea lion, ; polar bear, ; common bottlenose dolphin, ) held in zoos from 1829 to 2020.

Transmission beam pattern and dynamics of a spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris).

Toothed whales possess a sophisticated biosonar system by which ultrasonic clicks are projected in a highly directional transmission beam. Beam directivity is an important biosonar characteristic that reduces acoustic clutter and increases the acoustic detection range. This study measured click characteristics and the transmission beam pattern from a small odontocete, the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostis).

Training techniques to enhance the care and welfare of nonhuman primates.

Nonhuman primates are excellent subjects for the enhancement of care and welfare through training. The application of positive reinforcement techniques to specific aspects of the management of captive nonhuman primates spans a wide range of species, social contexts, and housing situations (eg, laboratories, zoos, and sanctuaries). There is an increased interest from regulatory and accrediting agencies to insure improved conditions for captive nonhuman primates, apparent by the various standard guidelines, accreditation standards, and protocols available for the 3 primary types of nonhuman primate holding facilities.

Enhancing nonhuman primate care and welfare through the use of positive reinforcement training.

Nonhuman primates are excellent subjects for the enhancement of care and welfare through training. The broad range of species offers tremendous behavioral diversity, and individual primates show varying abilities to cope with the stressors of captivity, which differ depending on the venue. Biomedical facilities include small single cages, pair housing, and breeding corrals with large social groups.