Special Issue Survey of Cetaceans in Captive Care

336 CouquiaudFigure 5.27. Beach in semi-natural facilityhave a low wall limiting this ledge, 0.6 to 1.0 min height, or a physical barrier made of rocks orother materials to prevent dolphins from slidingout of the water and getting stranded for extensiveperiods which potentially could cause dehydrationand overheating. Several surveyed facilities havereported that dolphin calves have been trapped indrains or recesses and have been severely injured oreven died. Skimmers and drains should be protectedby grates, and their design and location will notprevent the animal from sliding back into the water(Amundin, 1986; survey). One surveyed facilitysuggests that there be wider areas with a removablebarrier instead because it is sometimes necessary tobring large or heavy equipment close to the water.Figure 5.28. Beach and show stageFigure 5.29. Beach in an artificial facility (Photographfrom B. Mercera)with artificial pools expressed the need to have runningledges around the perimeter of the pool to allowbetter trainer circulation and to provide a variety oftraining stations. Ledges often were reported in thesurvey as being too narrow in existing facilities. Theypreferably will be submerged and of comfortabledimension—at least 1- to 1.5-m wide. The ledgewill be slightly sloped toward the inside of the pool.Animals may jump or be pushed out of the poolswhile engaged in play or aggressive behaviour(Sweeney & Samansky, 1995). It is important toFigure 5.30. Ledge (Photograph from B. Mercera)Underwater Training PlatformAn underwater platform is a very useful featurefor medical examination and husbandry training,especially in facilities with no ledge or beach. Itallows trainers to stand knee-deep to waist-deep inthe water while handling an animal. An underwaterplatform can be a shallow recess, a protrudinglip from the wall, or an extended ledge or beach. Itcan be between 0.8- and 1.2-m deep and minimum1.5-m long by 1.2-m wide.An adjustable underwater platform offers moreversatility in its use—for training as well as husbandrypurposes. This platform can be made ofstainless steel or PVC and have rounded edges. Itis important to maintain it properly to avoid corrosionand slipperiness due to algae, and check themechanism to adjust the level regularly to ensureit is functioning at all times.Training StationTraining stations and their locations vary accordingto the pool design and the climate. In coldweather, trainers tend to avoid contact with water.In tropical regions, however, they may prefer totrain in the water or stand on a beach, an underwaterplatform, or a submerged ledge. When not inthe water, various training positions may be used.