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
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.