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Tidière M, Colchero F, Staerk J, Adkesson MJ, Andersen DH, Bland L, Böye M, Brando S, Clegg I, Cubaynes S, Cutting A, De Man D, Derocher AE, Dorsey C, Elgar W, Gaglione E, Anderson Hansen K, Jungheim A, Kok J, Laule G, Goya AL, Miller L, Monreal-Pawlowsky T, Mucha K, Owen MA, Petersen SD, Pilfold N, Richardson D, Richardson ES, Sabo D, Sato N, Shellabarger W, Skovlund CR, Tomisawa K, Trautwein SE, Van Bonn W, Van Elk C, Von Fersen L, Wahlberg M, Zhang P, Zhang X, Conde DA. Survival improvements of marine mammals in zoological institutions mirror historical advances in human longevity. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231895. [PMID: 37848064 PMCID: PMC10581765 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
An intense public debate has fuelled governmental bans on marine mammals held in zoological institutions. The debate rests on the assumption that survival in zoological institutions has been and remains lower than in the wild, albeit the scientific evidence in support of this notion is equivocal. Here, we used statistical methods previously applied to assess historical improvements in human lifespan and data on 8864 individuals of four marine mammal species (harbour seal, Phoca vitulina; California sea lion, Zalophus californianus; polar bear, Ursus maritimus; common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus) held in zoos from 1829 to 2020. We found that life expectancy increased up to 3.40 times, and first-year mortality declined up to 31%, during the last century in zoos. Moreover, the life expectancy of animals in zoos is currently 1.65-3.55 times longer than their wild counterparts. Like humans, these improvements have occurred concurrently with advances in management practices, crucial for population welfare. Science-based decisions will help effective legislative changes and ensure better implementation of animal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Tidière
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Conservation and Science Department, Species360, 7900 International Drive, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55425, USA
| | - Fernando Colchero
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Pl. 6, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johanna Staerk
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Conservation and Science Department, Species360, 7900 International Drive, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55425, USA
| | | | - Ditte H. Andersen
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Lucie Bland
- Conservation and Science Department, Species360, 7900 International Drive, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55425, USA
- Eureka Publishing, Thornbury, Australia
| | - Martin Böye
- Centre de Recherche et d'Etude pour l'Animal Sauvage, Planète Sauvage, 44710 Port Saint Pere, France
| | - Sabrina Brando
- AnimalConcepts, PO Box 378, 03725 Teulada, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabella Clegg
- Animal Welfare Expertise, The Knoll, Woodlands, Combe Martin, EX34 0ATLittleton Manor, Winchester SO22 6QU, UK
| | - Sarah Cubaynes
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE-PSL University, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Amy Cutting
- Polar Bear International, PO Box 3008, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Danny De Man
- European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Plantage Middelaan 45, 1018-DC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew E. Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Candice Dorsey
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 8403 Colesville Road Ste 710, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - William Elgar
- Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177, USA
| | - Eric Gaglione
- Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
| | - Kirstin Anderson Hansen
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Marine Biological Research Center, University of Southern Denmark, Hindsholmvej 11, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark
| | - Allison Jungheim
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr., Saint Paul, MN 55103, USA
| | - José Kok
- Ouwehands Zoo, Grebbeweg 111, 3911 AV Rhenen, The Netherlands
| | - Gail Laule
- Mandai Wildlife Group, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
| | | | - Lance Miller
- Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, USA
| | | | - Katelyn Mucha
- Conservation and Science Department, Species360, 7900 International Drive, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55425, USA
| | - Megan A. Owen
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas Pilfold
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Richardson
- Zoological Consultancy Ltd, Columba Cottage, Mill Rd, Kingussie PH21 1LF, UK
- EAZA Polar Bear EEP, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Evan S. Richardson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Unit 150–234 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1M8, Canada
| | - Devon Sabo
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, PO Box 400, Powell, OH 43065-0400, USA
| | - Nobutaka Sato
- Asahiyama Zoological Park, Kuranuma, Higasiasahikawacho, Asahikawa city, Japan
| | | | - Cecilie R. Skovlund
- Conservation, Copenhagen Zoo, Roskildevej 38, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kanako Tomisawa
- Omuta City Zoo, 163 Showa-machi, Omuta, Fukuoka 836-0871, Japan
| | - Sandra E. Trautwein
- Conservation and Science Department, Species360, 7900 International Drive, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55425, USA
| | - William Van Bonn
- A. Watson Armour III, Center for Animal Health and Welfare, Animal Care and Science Division, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
| | - Cornelis Van Elk
- Independent practitioner, Arendsweg 98, Enschede 7544RM, The Netherlands
| | | | - Magnus Wahlberg
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
- Marine Biological Research Center, University of Southern Denmark, Hindsholmvej 11, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Mammal and Marine Bioacoustics Laboratory Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianfeng Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, People's Republic of China
| | - Dalia A. Conde
- Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics (CPop), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
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2
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Robeck T, Katsumata E, Arai K, Montano G, Schmitt T, DiRocco S, Steinman KJ. Growth, maturity, reproduction, and life expectancy in ex-situ pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:57. [PMID: 37170158 PMCID: PMC10127427 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00158-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pacific walruses are found in Arctic regions of the Chukchi and Bering Sea where rapid changes in environmental conditions resulting in loss of sea ice are occurring. Therefore, accurate life history data are crucial for species management plans and longitudinal data collected over the lives of individual walruses housed in zoos and aquaria provide otherwise difficult to obtain biological information.
Results
While similar at birth, Gompertz regression curves indicated that males grew faster than females (p < 0.0001) in weight (99 kg vs 57.6 kg/y) and length (26.9 cm vs 26.3 cm/y) with physical differences being detected by age 3 for weight and age 7 for length. Males reached adult weight at 13.5 ± 3.3 y and females by age 12.3 ± 2.3 y. The mean age at first ovulation and at first conception occurred at 8.8 y and 9.6 y. Greater than 75% of all conceptions and calving occurred between February and March and from May to June, respectively. Mean gestation lasted 423 d and false pregnancies lasted at least 169 d with a decrease (p < 0.05) in serum progesterone concentration between false pregnancy and pregnancy occurring within 6 months after ovulation. Based on these results, we estimated embryonic diapause to last from 120 to 139 days, and fetal growth last ~ 284 days. All males older than 8 y had an increase in serum testosterone and body weight that was highest in February and lowest in July. Overall, no differences were observed between male and female survival, with a mean (± SEM) life expectancy of 19.5 ± 1.5 y, respectively. Currently, the oldest male and female captive walruses are 40 and 43 y, respectively.
Conclusions
Data provided herein include details of life history characteristics of zoo and aquaria housed walruses that are useful for wild population recovery models. In particular, results on survivorship and the identification of the most vulnerable period for calf survival can help with model development and suggests that for recovery to occur birthing locations for this species must be protected.
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3
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Gould NP, Powell R, Olfenbuttel C, DePerno CS. Growth and reproduction by young urban and rural black bears. J Mammal 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Human-dominated landscapes contain fragmented natural land cover interspersed throughout an urban matrix. Animals that occupy human-dominated landscapes often grow and reproduce differently than conspecifics. Female American black bears (Ursus americanus) produce litters for the first time usually at age 4 years; 2-year-olds rarely give birth. We visited winter bear dens and trapped bears in spring and summer to compare the reproductive output and weight of female black bears within the city limits of Asheville, North Carolina, and three forested rural sites in North Carolina and Virginia representative of the undeveloped habitat of Asheville. Urban yearling females weighed nearly double (45.0 kg ± 8.1 [± SD]; n = 36) that of yearling females from the three rural study sites (23.2 ± 8.5 [Pisgah], 23.6 ± 8.3 [Virginia SW], and 23.9 ± 9.7 [Virginia NW]; n = 95). Across all sites, hard mast production during the autumn, when females were cubs, did not affect their weights as yearlings. Seven of 12 (58%) 2-year-old urban bears produced 11 cubs (mean litter size = 1.6 ± 0.8), but no 2-year-old rural females produced cubs. Production of hard mast in the autumn, when females were yearlings, did not influence cub production by 2-year-old female bears at the urban site. We hypothesize that reproduction by 2-year-old bears is linked to the availability of anthropogenic food sources associated with urban environments. To inform population level management decisions, managers and researchers should quantify urban food sources and the effects on black bear life history. If high fecundity allows urban populations to sustain relatively high mortality rates, then urban bear populations may be source populations for surrounding, rural areas. Alternately, if reproduction in urban populations cannot match high time-specific or age-specific urban mortality rates, then urban populations may be sinks for the surrounding areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Gould
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Roger Powell
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Colleen Olfenbuttel
- Wildlife Management Division, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Pittsboro, NC, USA
| | - Christopher S DePerno
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Jaakkola K, Bruck JN, Connor RC, Montgomery SH, King SL. Bias and Misrepresentation of Science Undermines Productive Discourse on Animal Welfare Policy: A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071118. [PMID: 32610674 PMCID: PMC7401611 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Creating good animal welfare-related laws, regulations, and policies depends on accurate knowledge. To that end, scientific reviews that explain and contextualize the relevant research can be powerful tools for informing decision-makers, assuming these reviews represent the state of the scientific knowledge accurately and objectively. In this commentary, we examine the major flaws, biases, and misrepresentations of the scientific literature in one such recent review regarding the welfare and care of captive killer whales. Such pervasive problems, in this or any review, make it impossible to determine the true state of knowledge of the relevant issues, and can ultimately result in misinformed, arbitrary, or even harmful decisions about animals and their care. Abstract Reliable scientific knowledge is crucial for informing legislative, regulatory, and policy decisions in a variety of areas. To that end, scientific reviews of topical issues can be invaluable tools for informing productive discourse and decision-making, assuming these reviews represent the target body of scientific knowledge as completely, accurately, and objectively as possible. Unfortunately, not all reviews live up to this standard. As a case in point, Marino et al.’s review regarding the welfare of killer whales in captivity contains methodological flaws and misrepresentations of the scientific literature, including problematic referencing, overinterpretation of the data, misleading word choice, and biased argumentation. These errors and misrepresentations undermine the authors’ conclusions and make it impossible to determine the true state of knowledge of the relevant issues. To achieve the goal of properly informing public discourse and policy on this and other issues, it is imperative that scientists and science communicators strive for higher standards of analysis, argumentation, and objectivity, in order to clearly communicate what is known, what is not known, what conclusions are supported by the data, and where we are lacking the data necessary to draw reliable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Jaakkola
- Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, FL 33050, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Jason N. Bruck
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX 75962-3003, USA;
| | - Richard C. Connor
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, USA;
| | - Stephen H. Montgomery
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK; (S.H.M.); (S.L.K.)
| | - Stephanie L. King
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK; (S.H.M.); (S.L.K.)
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Marino L, Rose NA, Visser IN, Rally H, Ferdowsian H, Slootsky V. The harmful effects of captivity and chronic stress on the well-being of orcas (Orcinus orca). J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Legacki EL, Robeck TR, Steinman KJ, Conley AJ. Comparative analysis of steroids in cyclic and pregnant killer whales, beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 285:113273. [PMID: 31525377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.113273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There exists a surprising diversity in the physiology and endocrinology of pregnancy among mammals in both the source (luteal/placental) and metabolism of progesterone. To evaluate the possible diversity of steroid metabolism within toothed cetaceans, we investigated 5α-reduced progesterone metabolites and androgens in cyclic (luteal phase) and pregnant captive killer whales, belugas and bottlenose dolphins (n = 5/species) bled longitudinally in early, mid- and late pregnancy (0.16, 0.50 and 0.85 fractions of 535, 464 and 380 gestation days, respectively). Mid-luteal samples were also collected. Serum was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry as previously validated for (among others) progesterone, 20αOH-progesterone (20αOHP), 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), several additional 5α-reduced metabolites and androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione and testosterone). The predominant mid-luteal pregnanes were: progesterone, belugas; progesterone and 20αOHP, dolphins; allopregnanolone (3α-DHP) and progesterone, killer whales. Progesterone was 2-4-fold higher in early pregnancy than mid-luteal samples but decreased thereafter. The predominant metabolite, 3β,20α-dihydroprogesterone (3β,20α-DHP; 40-80 ng/ml) was higher in mid- and late-than early gestation in all 3 species. Concentrations of 20αOHP and 3β,20α-DHP were similar at mid-gestation but 20αOHP declined in late-gestation in killer whales, and 20αOHP was lower than 3β,20α-DHP in belugas and dolphins throughout gestation. Other 5α-reduced metabolites, DHP, 3α-DHP and 20α-DHP, were far lower throughout pregnancy (<10 ng/ml). DHP and 3α-DHP decreased from early to mid-gestation in belugas, but changed little in killer whales and dolphins. These data suggest that progesterone metabolism is relatively conserved among these cetacean species. As in equine pregnancies, 3β,20α-DHP is the major metabolite, increasing at the expense of progesterone as pregnancy progresses. Androstenedione and testosterone also increased detectably in mid- to late-gestation in these species. The tissue source remains unknown, but progesterone metabolism during gestation in these cetaceans is similar to horses and, together with androgens, may be reliable biomarkers of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Legacki
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Atkinson S, Branson M, Burdin A, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM. Persistent organic pollutants in killer whales (Orcinus orca) of the Russian Far East. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110593. [PMID: 31550574 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a key factor in predicting the collapse of global killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations due to reproductive and immune impacts. Blubber biopsies from killer whales (n = 25) were collected in the Russian Far East in 2002-2004. Biopsies were analyzed for ΣDDT, ΣPCB, and HCB concentrations. A subset of biopsies was further examined for additional contaminants, ΣPBDE, ΣHCH, ΣCHLD, mirex, and dieldrin. Mean concentrations were compared across resident (fish-eating) and transient (mammal-eating) ecotypes and between sexes. ΣPCB analytes (resident males 18,000, resident females 1200, and transient males 420,000 ng g-1 lw) and HCB (resident males 750, resident females 81, and transient males 6200 ng g-1 lw) differed significantly (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between sexes. Notable disparities in contaminant levels between ecotypes support the major toxicological theories of contaminant bioaccumulation and dietary impacts on individual contaminant load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Atkinson
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Point Lena Loop Rd., Juneau, AK 99801, USA.
| | - Maile Branson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Alexander Burdin
- Kamchatka Branch of Pacific Institute of Geography, FEB RAS, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
| | - Daryle Boyd
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
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8
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Nollens HH, Robeck TR, Schmitt TL, Croft LL, Osborn S, McBain JF. Effect of age, sex, and season on the variation in blood analytes of a clinically normal ex situ population of killer whales (Orcinus orca). Vet Clin Pathol 2019; 48:100-113. [PMID: 30676655 PMCID: PMC6850284 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background The effects of sex, age, and season on blood analyte concentrations have not been investigated for the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Defining these changes provides background data for improving the care of managed populations and defines normal changes that could occur in wild counterparts. Objectives We aimed to define hematologic and serum biochemical variation by age, sex, and season for an ex situ killer whale population. Methods Blood samples collected from killer whales during normal wellness exams were retrospectively identified. Killer whales were categorized by age; calf (0‐2.9 years), juvenile (3‐10.9 years), early adult (11‐20.9 years), adult (21‐30.9 years), and aged (>30.9 years); sex; and season. Standard CBC and biochemistry were collated, and only samples without evidence of disease were used. A mixed effects maximum likelihood regression with animal identification (ID) as the random effects variable was used to compare groups with a significance set at P ≤ 0.01. Results All analytes differed by age, while only four differed by sex. Red blood cell parameters and associated renal analytes increased with age, while liver‐associated analytes and glucose decreased. Season affected 59% of the blood analytes. Conclusions Aged killer whales showed strong evidence of altered physiology as compared with younger animals. Anemia did not develop with age as was observed in one bottlenose dolphin population. Observed decreases in renal function could be caused by chronic disease or dehydration. Decreases in immune function parameters suggest immune senescence. These results provide background data for evaluating the health of managed and free‐ranging killer whales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, California
| | - Todd L Schmitt
- Veterinary Services, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Lara L Croft
- Veterinary Services, SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando, Florida
| | - Steve Osborn
- Veterinary Services, SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - James F McBain
- Veterinary Services, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego, California
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9
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Nabi G, Hao Y, Robeck TR, Jinsong Z, Wang D. Physiological consequences of biologic state and habitat dynamics on the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoises ( Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. asiaeorientalis) dwelling in the wild and semi-natural environment. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy072. [PMID: 30581572 PMCID: PMC6298535 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of habitat and biological state on the physiology of critically endangered wild and semi-natural Yangtze Finless Porpoises (YFPs; Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. asiaeorientalis) by measuring and comparing serum biochemical parameters. A total of 168 YFPs were sampled, 68 living in the semi-natural (Tian-E-Zhou Oxbow) and 98 living in the wild (Poyang Lake, PL) environment. The YFPs in the Tian-E-Zhou Oxbow were sampled from 2002 to 2015 and in the PL from 2009 to 2017. Each population was divided into Juvenile Male, Juvenile Female, Adult Male, Pregnant and Lactating Female life history categories. Overall, with location, 19/33 of the analytes and with season 18/33 of the analytes were significantly different. Similarly, within each location, 15/33 of the analytes changed with time in PL while only 8/33 changed with time in Tian-E-Zhou Oxbow, respectively. Finally, 15/33 of the analytes demonstrated significant differences between the different age and sex groups of animals. In our study, a significant variation, as well as an increasing and decreasing pattern of several parameters in both populations, suggest a worsening ecological environment of both habitats. This study will help in health assessment, improving conservation and management practices, a crucial requisite for biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Zheng Jinsong
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China
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Desforges JP, Hall A, McConnell B, Rosing-Asvid A, Barber JL, Brownlow A, De Guise S, Eulaers I, Jepson PD, Letcher RJ, Levin M, Ross PS, Samarra F, Víkingson G, Sonne C, Dietz R. Predicting global killer whale population collapse from PCB pollution. Science 2018; 361:1373-1376. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aat1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) are among the most highly polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)–contaminated mammals in the world, raising concern about the health consequences of current PCB exposures. Using an individual-based model framework and globally available data on PCB concentrations in killer whale tissues, we show that PCB-mediated effects on reproduction and immune function threaten the long-term viability of >50% of the world’s killer whale populations. PCB-mediated effects over the coming 100 years predicted that killer whale populations near industrialized regions, and those feeding at high trophic levels regardless of location, are at high risk of population collapse. Despite a near-global ban of PCBs more than 30 years ago, the world’s killer whales illustrate the troubling persistence of this chemical class.
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SERUM COBALAMIN AND FOLATE CONCENTRATIONS AS INDICATORS OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE IN KILLER WHALES ( ORCINUS ORCA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2018; 49:564-572. [PMID: 30212340 DOI: 10.1638/2017-0102.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cobalamin and folate are water-soluble vitamins that are useful indicators of chronic gastrointestinal (GI) function in humans and some animal species. Serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in an ex situ population of killer whales ( Orcinus orca) were measured and factors that may affect their serum concentrations were identified. Serum samples ( n = 104) were analyzed from killer whales ( n = 10) both while clinically healthy and during periods of clinical GI disease as defined by clinical signs and fecal cytology. To characterize serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in clinically healthy animals, a mixed-model regression was used, with cobalamin and folate both significantly affected by weight (cobalamin: P < 0.0001, folate: P = 0.006) and season (cobalamin: P < 0.0001, folate: P < 0.0001). The marginal mean concentrations for cobalamin and folate across weight and season were 742 ± 53.6 ng/L and 30.2 ± 2.6 μg/L, respectively. The predicted 95% confidence intervals (CI) for these analytes were then compared with samples collected during periods of GI disease. Across individuals, 22% (2/9) of the folate and 80% (8/10) of the cobalamin samples from the animals with GI disease fell outside the 95% CI for the population. When comparing samples within an individual, a similar pattern presented, with 100% of cobalamin of the observed abnormal samples reduced compared to healthy animal concentration variability. The same was not true for folate. These results suggest that serum concentrations of cobalamin and folate may be useful minimally invasive markers to identify GI disease in killer whales, especially when values are compared within an individual.
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Gridley T, Elwen SH, Harris G, Moore DM, Hoelzel AR, Lampen F. Hybridization in bottlenose dolphins-A case study of Tursiops aduncus × T. truncatus hybrids and successful backcross hybridization events. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201722. [PMID: 30208020 PMCID: PMC6135391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The bottlenose dolphin, genus Tursiops is one of the best studied of all the Cetacea with a minimum of two species widely recognised. Common bottlenose dolphins (T. truncatus), are the cetacean species most frequently held in captivity and are known to hybridize with species from at least 6 different genera. In this study, we document several intra-generic hybridization events between T. truncatus and T. aduncus held in captivity. We demonstrate that the F1 hybrids are fertile and can backcross producing apparently healthy offspring, thereby showing introgressive inter-specific hybridization within the genus. We document that female F1 hybrids can reach sexual maturity at 4 yr and 3 mo of age, and can become pregnant and give birth before being fully weaned. The information presented has implications for understanding hybrid reticulation among cetacean species and practical implications for captive facilities housing either Tursiops species or hybrids thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Gridley
- Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, C/o Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - S. H. Elwen
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, C/o Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Muizenberg Cape Town, South Africa
| | - G. Harris
- The South African Association for Marine Biological Research, uShaka Sea World, Point, Durban, South Africa
| | - D. M. Moore
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - A. R. Hoelzel
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - F. Lampen
- The South African Association for Marine Biological Research, uShaka Sea World, Point, Durban, South Africa
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Veasey JS. In pursuit of peak animal welfare; the need to prioritize the meaningful over the measurable. Zoo Biol 2017; 36:413-425. [PMID: 29193216 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite the diversity of animal welfare definitions, most recognise the centrality of the feelings of animals which are currently impossible to measure directly. As a result, animal welfare assessment is heavily reliant upon the indirect measurement of factors that either affect what animals feel, or are effected by how they feel. Physiological and health orientated measures have emerged as popular metrics for assessing welfare because they are quantifiable, can effect and be affected by how animals feel and have merits regardless of their relationship to the feelings of animals. However, their popularity in animal welfare assessment has led to them having a disproportionate influence on animal management to the detriment of animal welfare in numerous instances. Here, the case is made that a tension exists between management that prioritizes aspects of care reflecting popular animal welfare metrics such as those relating to physical health, and management that emphasizes psychological wellbeing. By re-examining the relative merits of physical and psychological priorities in animal management, an alternate animal welfare paradigm emerges less tied to traditional welfare metrics. This paradigm theorizes about the possibility for an optimal animal welfare state to exist where managed animal populations provided essential psychological outlets but protected from key physical stressors routinely experienced in the wild, might experience higher levels of welfare than wild populations would routinely experience. The proposition that optimal animal welfare could theoretically be achieved in well managed and well designed captive environments challenges a widely held ethical perspective that captivity is inherently bad for animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S Veasey
- Care for the Rare c/o, School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom
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Wasser SK, Lundin JI, Ayres K, Seely E, Giles D, Balcomb K, Hempelmann J, Parsons K, Booth R. Population growth is limited by nutritional impacts on pregnancy success in endangered Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179824. [PMID: 28662095 PMCID: PMC5491047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Southern Resident killer whale population (Orcinus orca) was listed as endangered in 2005 and shows little sign of recovery. These fish eating whales feed primarily on endangered Chinook salmon. Population growth is constrained by low offspring production for the number of reproductive females in the population. Lack of prey, increased toxins and vessel disturbance have been listed as potential causes of the whale’s decline, but partitioning these pressures has been difficult. We validated and applied temporal measures of progesterone and testosterone metabolites to assess occurrence, stage and health of pregnancy from genotyped killer whale feces collected using detection dogs. Thyroid and glucocorticoid hormone metabolites were measured from these same samples to assess physiological stress. These methods enabled us to assess pregnancy occurrence and failure as well as how pregnancy success was temporally impacted by nutritional and other stressors, between 2008 and 2014. Up to 69% of all detectable pregnancies were unsuccessful; of these, up to 33% failed relatively late in gestation or immediately post-partum, when the cost is especially high. Low availability of Chinook salmon appears to be an important stressor among these fish-eating whales as well as a significant cause of late pregnancy failure, including unobserved perinatal loss. However, release of lipophilic toxicants during fat metabolism in the nutritionally deprived animals may also provide a contributor to these cumulative effects. Results point to the importance of promoting Chinook salmon recovery to enhance population growth of Southern Resident killer whales. The physiological measures used in this study can also be used to monitor the success of actions aimed at promoting adaptive management of this important apex predator to the Pacific Northwest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K. Wasser
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jessica I. Lundin
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Katherine Ayres
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Seely
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Deborah Giles
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Balcomb
- Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Hempelmann
- Northwest Fisheries Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Kim Parsons
- Northwest Fisheries Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Booth
- Center for Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
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Robeck TR, Steinman KJ, O'Brien JK. Characterization and longitudinal monitoring of serum androgens and glucocorticoids during normal pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 247:116-129. [PMID: 28126344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The secretory patterns of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol (C), and corticosterone (Co) were characterized throughout 28 normal pregnancies until two-months post-partum in eleven killer whales. Effects of fetal sex, dam parity or age, and season were evaluated across either day post-conception (DPC), stage of pregnancy (PRE, EARLY, MID, LATE, POST) or indexed month post-conception (IMPC) using a mixed model linear regression with animal ID and pregnancy number as the random variables. Across DPC, DHEA, A4 and T concentrations were affected (P<0.05) by season, with highest concentrations during spring (DHEA, A4, & T) and summer (A4) as compared to the fall. A significant effect of parity on androgen production was observed only for DHEA, with multiparous females having higher (P=0.01) concentrations than nulliparous females. All three androgens significantly increased with each successive pregnancy stage and IMPC with peak concentrations occurring during IMPC 10 (DHEA), 13 (A4) and 14 (T), respectively. Cortisol was affected by season (P=0.03) with highest concentrations being detected during the months of fall, while Co was only affected by parity (P=0.003) with significant increases observed for primiparous females as compared to nulliparous females. Cortisol and Co concentrations peaked (P<0.05) during IMPC 17 (i.e., the month prior to parturition). The C to Co ratio during pregnancy was 7.4 to 1, indicating that cortisol is the major circulating glucocorticoid studied to date in pregnant killer whales. The significant increase in concentrations of maternal androgens throughout pregnancy, which were unrelated to fetal sex, indicates that they play an important role during killer whale fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Justine K O'Brien
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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Phillippe M, Phillippe SM. Birth and death: Evidence for the same biologic clock. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Phillippe
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Shiela M. Phillippe
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
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Montano GA, Robeck TR, Steinman KJ, O'Brien JK. Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in relation to age and season in male and female beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1642-1652. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to describe serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) patterns of ex situ male and female beluga to examine the influence of age (divided into 5-year categories) or sexual maturation and reproductive season. In males aged 5–9 years, AMH concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in all age categories exceeding 15 years and were not influenced by season (P = 0.57). AMH concentrations in females peaked in the 5–9-year age category during the breeding season and decreased (P < 0.05) after 9 years of age. Aged females displayed lower (P < 0.05) AMH concentrations than immature and mature animals and immature females secreted higher concentrations than mature animals (P = 0.03). For mature females, seasonal differences (P = 0.02) in AMH concentrations were detected, with females in the breeding season displaying higher AMH concentrations than in the non-breeding season. This is the first time AMH has been characterised in a cetacean species and the first potential hormonal evidence of reproductive senescence in beluga. Further research is required to determine if this hormone can be used as a predictor of fertility for the species.
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Guarino S, Hill HM, Sigman J. Development of sociality and emergence of independence in a killer whale (Orcinus orca) calf from birth to 36 months. Zoo Biol 2016; 36:11-20. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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O'Brien JK, Steinman KJ, Fetter GA, Robeck TR. Androgen and glucocorticoid production in the male killer whale (Orcinus orca): influence of age, maturity, and environmental factors. Andrology 2016; 5:180-190. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. K. O'Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center; SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment; San Diego CA USA
| | - K. J. Steinman
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center; SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment; San Diego CA USA
| | - G. A. Fetter
- San Diego Zoo Global, Institute for Conservation and Research; San Diego CA USA
| | - T. R. Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center; SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment; San Diego CA USA
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Robeck TR, Steinman KJ, O'Brien JK. Characterization and longitudinal monitoring of serum progestagens and estrogens during normal pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 236:83-97. [PMID: 27401258 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The secretory patterns of progestagens and estrogens were characterized throughout 28 normal pregnancies until two month post-partum in eleven killer whales. HPLC analysis of serum from different reproductive stages (luteal phase, EARLY, MID, and LATE pregnancy) identified three major immunoreactive progestagen peaks; progesterone (P4), 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5α-DHP) and pregnanediol, with 5α-DHP approximately half of that for P4 in the luteal phase, and EARLY, but approximately 2/3 of P4 during MID and LATE pregnancy. At birth, 5α-DHP was the only significant (>10% immunoreactivity) immunoreactive progestagen detected in placental (umbilical cord) serum. Maternal recognition of pregnancy appears to occur between day 21 and 28 post-ovulation when a significant deviation in progestagen concentrations between conceptive and non-conceptive cycles was detected. Progestagen concentrations during pregnancy displayed a bimodal pattern with significant peaks (P<0.05) in EARLY (indexed month post-conception [IMPC] 2, 3, 4) and MID (IMPC 9, 10) before decreasing (P<0.05) over an 11day interval to luteal phase concentrations on the day of parturition. Among estrogens, estriol was secreted in the highest concentrations but only estrone (free and conjugated) and estradiol increased (P<0.001) during pregnancy, with peaks observed during the final month of gestation, and an influence (P<0.05) of fetal sex on estradiol production was detected. Collective findings indicate that P4 derived from the corpus luteum is the major biologically active progestagen during the luteal phase and pregnancy, and that 5α-DHP production, possibly from both luteal and placental sources, increases during the second half of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
| | - Karen J Steinman
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
| | - Justine K O'Brien
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Inc., SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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Anderson R, Waayers R, Knight A. Orca Behavior and Subsequent Aggression Associated with Oceanarium Confinement. Animals (Basel) 2016; 6:ani6080049. [PMID: 27548232 PMCID: PMC4997274 DOI: 10.3390/ani6080049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on neuroanatomical indices such as brain size and encephalization quotient, orcas are among the most intelligent animals on Earth. They display a range of complex behaviors indicative of social intelligence, but these are difficult to study in the open ocean where protective laws may apply, or in captivity, where access is constrained for commercial and safety reasons. From 1979 to 1980, however, we were able to interact with juvenile orcas in an unstructured way at San Diego's SeaWorld facility. We observed in the animals what appeared to be pranks, tests of trust, limited use of tactical deception, emotional self-control, and empathetic behaviors. Our observations were consistent with those of a former Seaworld trainer, and provide important insights into orca cognition, communication, and social intelligence. However, after being trained as performers within Seaworld's commercial entertainment program, a number of orcas began to exhibit aggressive behaviors. The orcas who previously established apparent friendships with humans were most affected, although significant aggression also occurred in some of their descendants, and among the orcas they lived with. Such oceanaria confinement and commercial use can no longer be considered ethically defensible, given the current understanding of orcas' advanced cognitive, social, and communicative capacities, and of their behavioral needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Anderson
- Retired, Space Dynamics Laboratory, Utah State University Research Foundation, Logan, UT 84341, USA.
| | - Robyn Waayers
- Palomar College, 1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA.
| | - Andrew Knight
- Centre for Animal Welfare, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK.
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The significance of postreproductive lifespans in killer whales: a comment on Robeck et al.: Table 1. J Mammal 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Robeck TR, Willis K, Scarpuzzi MR, O'Brien JK. Survivorship pattern inaccuracies and inappropriate anthropomorphism in scholarly pursuits of killer whale ( Orcinus orca ) life history: a response to Franks et al. (2016). J Mammal 2016; 97:899-905. [PMID: 30793711 PMCID: PMC6377038 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Franks et al. (2016) consider that the degree of error in estimated ages used to define survivorship patterns of northern and southern resident killer whale ( Orcinus orca ) populations is of insignificant impact to estimates of the species' postreproductive lifespan (PRLS). We provide evidence that survival probabilities for killer whales using a dataset comprising estimated age animals differ significantly from that determined using data collected from known-age animals in the Pacific Northwest over the past 40 years. Consequently, our findings indicate that the degree of error in age estimates and ensuing survivorship patterns do not support the notion by Franks et al. (2016) of a prolonged PRLS in the female killer whale that is comparable to the PRLS observed in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd R Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment , 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (TRR, JKO).,Minnesota Zoo , 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 , USA (KW).,SeaWorld San Diego , 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (MRS)
| | - Kevin Willis
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment , 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (TRR, JKO).,Minnesota Zoo , 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 , USA (KW).,SeaWorld San Diego , 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (MRS)
| | - Michael R Scarpuzzi
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment , 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (TRR, JKO).,Minnesota Zoo , 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 , USA (KW).,SeaWorld San Diego , 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (MRS)
| | - Justine K O'Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment , 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (TRR, JKO).,Minnesota Zoo , 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 , USA (KW).,SeaWorld San Diego , 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019 , USA (MRS)
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