Tag Archives | Marine Mammal Science

Swine Flu Strikes Seals

May 16, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) The swine flu virus has been found in elephant seals off the central coast of California, according to a recent study. The research is the first to report the H1N1 virus in marine mammals, which shows influenza viruses can be transferred among species. During the study, scientists encountered two northern elephant seals who were infected, and they discovered an additional 28 seals carrying swine flu antibodies. Keep reading for more information on the highly contagious virus and this enlightening study. — Global Animal

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Dolphins, The Ultimate Sleep-Swimmers

April 26, 2013

(OCEANS) The things that keep most of us up at night, may have dolphins sleeping easy. But interestingly enough, our marine mammal friends might not need it. Dolphins have a unique ability to sleep with only half of their brains, keeping the other half alert while they rest. This function allows dolphins to avoid predators, and surface for air, while they remain at rest. Continue reading below in order to find out more about this interesting study. — Global Animal

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Changing Polarities

April 17, 2013

(POLAR BEARS) According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the polar bear population has decreased by over 30 percent over 45 years. Not only do these bears suffer from a dwindling environment, but they face other pressures as well. The good news is that polar bears seem to be finding a way to adapt to their conditions. However, whether or not that adaptation leads to the disappearance of what we know as the polar bear today, remains in question. Continue reading to find out what the future holds for the polar bear. — Global Animal

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Look Who’s Talking

April 17, 2013

(ANIMAL SCIENCE) It looks like Doctor Dolittle might not have been so special after all—as it turns out, animals really can talk! According to a new study, bottlenose dolphins can actually identify the vocal patterns of other dolphins familiar to them. What’s more, scientists have observed variations in these patterns that imply bottlenose dolphins may in fact be sharing additional information with one another. However, this news really comes as no surprise seeing as though dolphins are the second smartest animal in the world—second only to humans. Regardless, this level of communication between species is uncommon and could mean big news for the future understanding of animal communication. Continue reading to find out what scientists believe this could mean for the animal world. — Global Animal

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Protest Marine Mammal Captivity At uShaka Sea World

April 6, 2013

(ACTIVISM) SOUTH AFRICA — Each year, thousands of dolphins are slaughtered in Taiji on the south coast of Japan. Bottlenose dolphins are then pre-selected by trainers and sold for as much as $200,000 to marine parks all over the world such as Marineland, where the animals remain in captivity and are forced to perform circus acts for their entire lives. Aquariums defend their actions as “rescuing” animals, but in reality, the captive industry is subsidizing hunts which may not have been conducted otherwise. Today and May 25th, Ocean Watch SA is hosting a protest at uShaka Sea World to advocate for the rehabilitation and release of captive animals. Read on to learn more about Ocean Watch SA and sign the petition below telling uSkaka Sea World to retire their wild caught dolphins, Gambit and Frodo, ensure animals not disturbed after hours, stop breeding captive breeding programs, and only practice rehabilitation and release. — Global Animal

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Dolphin Asks Divers For Help (VIDEO)

January 29, 2013

(OCEANS) A bottlenose dolphin recently found himself stuck with a hook and a fishing line in his pectoral fin. Fortunately, the clever mammal knew how to ask for help. The dolphin continued swimming around a group of divers who were on a night swim off Kona on January 11, until they took notice of his condition and helped him. The divers were watching manta rays feeding on plankton when the dolphin started circling around them. Read on to learn more about the amazing story and watch the video of the dolphin rescue. — Global Animal

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The Dark Side Of Dolphins?

May 1, 2012

(ANIMAL NEWS) CALIFORNIA — A lone dolphin that has remained in the shallow waters of a Huntington Beach nature reserve is raising the concerns of locals. While rescuers attempt to lead the marine mammal back into the open ocean, one rescue specialist on the scene is concerned that this particular individual is the victim of dolphin bullying. Read more on the wayward Bolsa Chica dolphin, and why marine science experts disagree with the dolphin bully theory. — Global Animal

 

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Dead Dolphins In Peru Baffle Scientists

April 23, 2012

(ANIMAL NEWS) Dolphins are mysteriously dying around the world in Cape Cod, The Gulf of Mexico, and Brazil. Since January, dead dolphins have washed ashore in Peru, the death toll reaching a staggering 877. Scientists are still trying to explain the bizarre deaths, and their best prediction at the moment is that its due to a virus outbreak or acoustic trauma. Read on to find out more details about these unsettling occurrences. — Global Animal 

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