The United States maintains some of the best standards
for marine mammals in the world. Dolphins, whales, sea
lions, manatees, and other marine mammals are protected
by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Different federal
agencies are responsible for overseeing the MMPA, depending
on the species.
Marine mammals that live in human care come under the
jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), which oversees the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
Dolphin Research Center , and every public facility
holding marine mammals, must be registered and licensed
for public display by the USDA. If a facility conducts
research with marine mammals, they must also register
as a research facility. Dolphin Research Center currently
maintains both public display and research permits.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),
an agency within the USDA, administers the AWA. APHIS
outlines specific, strict, standards for the care and
handling of marine mammals. (Current regulations can
be found online at www.aphis.usda.gov.)
Here are some of those many requirements:
- Employees experienced in the field of marine mammal
care and husbandry
- Humane handling
- Appropriate housing/habitat
- Appropriate social situations for the species
- Adequate space - depending on size, number, and
species maintained
- Environmental quality
- Clean housing and food preparation areas
- High food quality
- Thorough record keeping
- Veterinary care program
- Emergency procedures
At least once a year APHIS inspectors arrive unannounced
at DRC to inspect how well we follow those and additional
regulations. We give the inspectors full access to all
areas where our dolphins and sea lions live, and they
observe how we handle and care for the family pod.
Dolphin Research Center always
makes the health and well-being of the dolphins and
sea lions in our family our highest priority. We have
consistently maintained an exemplary record of care
and maintenance that has been recognized by APHIS inspectors
as going well “above & beyond” government
requirements.
 Copyright © 2009
Dolphin Research Center
Information Can Be Used with Proper Citing
Dolphin Research Center, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050-6019
305-289-1121 www.dolphins.org
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