Special Issue Survey of Cetaceans in Captive Care

348 Couquiaudand security measures available to secure theirpremises at all times from unwanted intrusionby humans or animals (Anonymous, 1979-1984,1995; 1992). To ensure that animals are safe andequipment and facilities are secure, a member ofthe staff preferably will be present at all timeswhen the public has access to the pools. A patrolingguard will ensure that no member of the publicis found loitering in or near the pools after hours.The guard should have the contact numbers of allmembers of the curatorial team in case of emergency.Areas that are off-limits to the public willbe fenced-off, with signs to inform people aboutrestrictions and potential dangers.Emergency ProtocolsLittle is known about the way dolphins protectthemselves during violent storms and cyclonesin the wild. In controlled environments, theycannot escape a storm by traveling away or seekingrefuge in protected bays. Some facilities havebeen severely damaged and animals injured duringextreme climatic events in the USA, Honduras, theBahamas, Bermuda, France, and Japan by tents,roofs, and building elements collapsing in thepools or by the wave action. Even if the animalsdo not get injured, they may be highly stressedby the event itself and the following repair work.At the approach of a violent storm or cyclone, itis important to secure every mobile element andcheck all fixtures. An indoor pool should be providedto shelter animals temporarily in facilitieslocated in regions subject to extreme weatherconditions. In natural facilities that are subject tocyclones, tidal waves, or earthquakes, an emergencyprotocol will be developed to transfer theanimals to a safer place or to temporarily releasethem. Several tropical facilities housing bottlenosedolphins have contingency plans to releaseresident dolphins in case of a hurricane, so theanimals will not be hurt by fences or collapsingplatforms. Terrell (1997) recommends that animalsbe tagged with microchips, replacing cryogenicmarkings, which allow them to be trackedand identified when recaptured.Emergency protocols also should be establishedin case of equipment breakdowns, such asthe malfunction of pumps, filtration system, ormajor power failure, as well as severe pollutionor virus outbreaks. Such situations are potentiallyharmful to the animals and disruptive for visitorsif not dealt with promptly and efficiently.A simple event can generate dramatic consequences.Power failure for a freezer can spoilweeks or months worth of fish supplies. Apartfrom the financial loss, animals’ health can bejeopardised by food poisoning if the problem goesundetected. A failure in the pumping system canslow down the water turnover rate or increase thetemperature and bacterial load, leading to harmfulconsequences for the animals.Alarm systems should be installed on all controlpanels to detect and signal failures. Backupgenerators will be available in case of power failure.Backup equipment that can assume the functionsof adequate temperature control, ventilation,lighting, water flow, and water filtration mustbe maintained in good working order in case ofprimary system failure or while repairs are beingundertaken (Anonymous, 1992).Emergency protocols for the evacuation andtemporary relocation of animals will be establishedwith other nearby facilities when possible.Support FacilitiesSupport facilities are essential to the operation ofall institutions. Their convenience and quality ofdesign ensure the comfort of the staff, a high levelof hygiene, and maintenance.Staff QuartersAdequate staff quarters include wet and dryspaces. The wet area, located immediately at theentrance, is composed of a changing room, lockers,showers, and washbasins, in such numbers thatit promotes high personal hygiene and complieswith regulations. Staff can enter with swimsuitsor wetsuits. Floors and walls will be covered withno-slip waterproof finishes, easily sanitised to preventmould and fungal growth. Appropriate drainagewill be provided. A space should be reservedto hang wet suits and store snorkelling gear.It also is advised that an outside shower andhose located near the entrance of the indoor wetarea be installed to allow the rinsing of wetsuitsand equipment.A laundry room with washing machines anddryers will be provided and preferably will belocated near the changing room.Figure 5.56. Workshop