It’s not every day a seal visits the dentist. But for Seal Trainers at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, it’s something they proactively work towards through earned trust and rapport with the individual animals in which they work.
In celebration of International Day of the Seal (Wednesday, 22 March), SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast is showcasing the hard work that goes on (often behind the scenes) through their positive reinforcement training, which is supported by a dedicated and specialised aquarium veterinary team ensuring the seals’ ongoing health and welfare.
Groucho, the aquarium’s largest seal (currently weighing 182 kg’s) and second eldest (22 years), led the charge perfectly, demonstrating the long-term goal for many of the aquarium’s younger seals in cooperating in his very own health care.
Groucho’s trainer Sarah was able to ask him to station (stay) before presenting a mouth open behaviour which allows trainers and aquarium vets, including Dr. Astrid Loch-Wilkinson, the opportunity to physically inspect his teeth and gums on a day-to-day basis. Once Sarah had determined Groucho was comfortable, a specialist x-ray team, including Dr. Trent Raeburn, were given the unique chance to capture annual dental x-rays. From these they can gain thorough assessment of Groucho’s dental condition below the surface (gum line).
“We collect these x-ray images annually to provide a holistic overview of each animal’s ongoing dental health during their time in our care,” commented Sarah Iwanoczko – Seal Trainer, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast.
“Believe it or not, seals and sea lion pups are born with white teeth, but as they mature, the naturally occurring bacteria in their mouths darkens their enamel. Seals are not immune to teeth cavities, plaque build-up, and gum diseases, just like humans, so being able to train advanced husbandry behaviours such as brushing an older seal’s teeth can become important to their well-being in care.’’ continued Sarah.
Around the world, there are 33 species of seals and sea lions, collectively referred to as ‘pinnipeds’. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium currently cares for seven individuals from four species, including the Australian sea lion (Endangered), Australian fur-seal, long-nosed fur-seal and sub-Antarctic fur-seal. All current residents have been rescued or bred as part of a regional species management program led by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA).
Guests can catch daily seal presentations at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm throughout the upcoming school holidays and can get up close through one of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s unique seal experiences. For more information visit https://www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/tickets-passes/experiences/seal-experiences
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast
Where: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Cost: $47 per adult and $33 per child (free for under 3)
URL: www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/
.jpg){kind=tracking}
