Event Title

Comparing Natural versus Captive Social Behaviors of Harbor Seals

Presentation Type

Presentation

Location

Online

Start Date

5-6-2021 12:00 AM

Disciplines

Zoology

Keywords

pinnipeds, behavior, social structure, captivity

Abstract

I spent the Spring 2021 semester doing comparative research observing wild and captive harbor seal social behaviors. A team of divers in Washington state went on underwater excursions from February to May searching for harbor seals and recording their behaviors. Meanwhile I was awarded a small grant by Ohio Wesleyan University to complete weekly observations of captive seals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. I collected and organized all of the recorded observations and compared them to determine if the captive seals are reflecting natural social behaviors and are thus being properly enriched.

Project Origin

Independent Study

Faculty Mentor

Shala Hankison

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Jun 5th, 12:00 AM

Comparing Natural versus Captive Social Behaviors of Harbor Seals

Online

I spent the Spring 2021 semester doing comparative research observing wild and captive harbor seal social behaviors. A team of divers in Washington state went on underwater excursions from February to May searching for harbor seals and recording their behaviors. Meanwhile I was awarded a small grant by Ohio Wesleyan University to complete weekly observations of captive seals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. I collected and organized all of the recorded observations and compared them to determine if the captive seals are reflecting natural social behaviors and are thus being properly enriched.