Volume III, Appendices EM - National Marine Fisheries Service ...

ecause the animal will have a bald patch that could cause reduction of heat retention. This
procedure could have serious or life-threatening implications for fur seals, sea otters, or debilitated
animals.
Washing Harbor Seals, Elephant Seals, Sea Lions
Sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals rely on their thick blubber layer for insulation, making
them less susceptible to hypothermia when they become externally oiled. These species are
washed with Dawn detergent in thermal-neutral (~ 98°F or 37°C) water. Soap is applied and
rubbed on the fur until the oil is visibly removed. The detergent can be made into a uniform
solution by mixing it with water at a 1:1 ratio prior to applying thus making it easier to work into
the hair and oil. Washing pinnipeds takes between 10-30 minutes depending on the extent and
type of oil, species and health of the animal, and the proficiency of the staff. An initial quick rinse
can be done at the wash station and then completed with the animal unrestrained in its pen using
a pressure nozzle. This modified rinse procedure decreases the duration of manual restraint. In
general, rinsing should be continued until there is no evidence of oil or detergent in the rinse
water. Most pinnipeds are placed directly into their outdoor pens to dry.
General Guidelines for Washing Pinnipeds
1. Thermal neutral water (~ 98°F or 37°C)
2. Dawn detergent rubbed onto fur until oil is removed
3. Pressurized rinse in pen until oil and detergent removed
4. Air dry in pen
Washing Fur Seals
In contrast, fur seals possess a thin subcutaneous fat layer and a thick pelage that thermally
insulates these animals (Reidman, 1990). Since they rely more heavily on their fur, fur seals are
washed in a similar fashion to otters. Oiling 30% of a fur seal’s coat will result in a 50% increase in
heat loss (Geraci and St. Aubin, 1990), emphasizing the need for these animals to be closely
monitored during the washing procedure. Fur seals are washed using a thermal-neutral (~98°F or
37°C), 5% diluted Dawn dish washing detergent solution. The diluted detergent solution is gently
massaged into the fur and, as with other species, the washing duration depends on the extent and
type of oil, the strength of the animal, and the proficiency of the staff. Fur seals are rinsed with
fresh, soft (3-5 gr) water under moderate pressure (30-40 psi) with a spray nozzle. This process
can require up to 40-60 minutes and animals are rinsed until no oil is visible in the rinse water and
no petroleum odor is detectable on the fur (Davis and Hunter, 1995). For all pinnipeds, animals
may become hyperthermic during washing in which case they may need to be washed and rinsed
in cold water.
Fur seals, which depend on their coat for thermoregulation, may need to be placed in a drying
enclosure that is warmed with an industrial pet dryer that blows room temperature air (68°F or
20°C). Animals in drying pens must be monitored for dehydration, hyperthermia, hypothermia,
and alertness. Once dry and alert, fur seals can be returned to their outdoor pens.
Washing Sea Otters
Sea otters have the densest fur of any mammal, and, unlike most other marine mammals, replace
their fur throughout the year instead of undergoing a seasonal molt (Tarasoff, 1974; Williams et
al., 1992). Otters have guard hairs and many fine under-hairs that are microscopically interlocked
to trap air, thus providing waterproofing, thermal insulation, and buoyancy. Oil contamination
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