Special Issue Survey of Cetaceans in Captive Care

346 Couquiaudexcavated. The indoor situation of a pool does notlimit the incorporation of free form and naturalisticelements in the design. The indoor environmentalready reinforces the sense of artifice, thereforeefforts to create a more natural environment forthe benefit of the animals and the pleasure of thevisitors are important.As observed in several existing facilities, poolslocated in the upper levels of a multi-story buildingtend to be much smaller and shallower than thoselocated on ground level because of the structurallimitations due to the weight of the water. They usuallyhave one or several structural piles in the pool.Upper levels create problems in animal transport,as well as causing an inconvenient environment forthe staff. Thus, the construction of cetacean poolsin upper levels of buildings should be avoided.It is important to provide an unobstructed airspace above the water surface to a height appropriateto the leaping capacity of the species kept there(Anonymous, 1992). A minimum clear height of6 m above water level is recommended. The surfaceabove the pool will be clear of overhangs,balconies, and mezzanines. The surface lining ofthe roof and all areas adjacent to the pools shouldbe constructed of materials that will not shed particulateor toxic material into the water.Every space, stage area, pool deck, platform,etc., that is accessed by the staff should have aminimum standing room of 2.2 m. I recommendthat there be a clear height above the stage of atleast 3 m. The stage has to be easily accessible. Aramp with a no-slip finish is preferred over steps.Incorporating an outdoor pool in the design ofnew indoor facilities is desirable. To allow the animalsto use the outdoor environment during suitableclimatic conditions, this outdoor pool willbe connected to indoor pools by a short and widechannel, with a large sliding or removable panelsof the same width as the channel and located in thewall above to prevent the impression of a tunnel.During cold months, the indoor pool can be isolatedfrom the outdoor pool by a watertight gateand insulating wall panels. This combination ofindoor and outdoor pools allows the animals toexperience natural sunlight, fresh air, and the outdoorenvironment, all of which are beneficial tothe animals’ health and are enjoyable to visitors.Animals should not be introduced to an outdoorpool if the difference in air temperature betweenthe inside and the outside is too great. Water temperaturewill be similar in both indoor and outdoorpools.TemperatureThe air and water temperature in indoor facilitieswill be sufficiently regulated by heating or coolingto protect captive cetaceans from temperatureFigure 5.53. Indoor artificial show poolFigure 5.54. Indoor pool with natural rock and large roof spanFigure 5.55. Outdoor-indoor crane