SLEWTHS Project
End of the year summary
2000
Research Projects
Helicobacter study:
In a collaborative research effort between Drs. Jenifer Hurley and Sheri Cole of
UCSD, (senior thesis - Kat Foster), the slewths project looked for Helicobacter, the
common bacterial cause of stomach ulcers, in our sea lion population. Using voluntary
stomach samples from Beaver and Sake and saliva swabs from Nemo and Jonah, cultures
were grown by Sheri Cole and identified as a new species of Helicobacter. The project
will continue in 2001, characterizing the bacteria and obtaining more samples in order to
name the new species of Helicobacter and determine antibiotic resistance.
Whale filming
In June 2000, successful trials were made in the open ocean with Sake swimming
next to humpback whales. Sake was taken out approximately two miles from the shore
lab where multiple pairs of humpback whales had been sighted. The whales would sound
a few times then dive and Sake successfully swam within five feet of the whales while
they were at the surface. Unfortunately, due to poor visibility and camera placement,
there was no footage of the whales captured on the video despite multiple close
encounters. It was concluded that the dorsal camera placement on the sea lions is not
optimal, especially for Sake’s swimming pattern.
Heart rate in sea lions and humans
Early training was begun in preparation for a heart rate comparison study next
year. Sake was trained to retrieve a biteplate attached near the dive anchor to verify her
diving to a specific depth. This will be used in open ocean experiments for comparing
diving heart rates of sea lions and world champion human free divers.
Respiratory rate
A project (capstone -Jennifer Ellsworth) has begun comparing the respiratory
rates of the animals during specific behaviors both in and outside of training sessions.
Respiratory rates are being taken while the animals are swimming, sitting, or lying down
both in and out of training sessions. This data can be used as a baseline for future
investigations into energetic expenditure.
Camera development
An integrated depth readout is being designed for the video camera that the sea
lions wear in the open ocean for testing some time in 2001. (Capstone - Sarah Radloff )
Growth factors studies
A study was begun, using long term project records to look at growth factor
variables in sea lions(senior thesis - Beau Richter). Monthly averages of each animal’s
food consumption, water temperature and weight will be analyzed for trends and
correlations.
Education
Sea Lion Stewards
The Sea Lion Stewards K-12 grade program was developed in cooperation with
Save Our Shores, and began with children’s groups in June. The innovative program
delivers a strong message of conservation and environmental protection to visitors of all
ages. Using Sake, the sea lion, as the ambassador for the oceans, the presentation
explains the importance of keeping our beaches clean and recycling as well as gives
information on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the research of the
SLEWTHS project. Participants then immediately go on a beach clean up to incorporate
action with the education. School groups came on an average of twice a month from July
through December, with approximately 250 children coming through the program in
2000. In addition to educating the students, slewths volunteers learned to give the
speaking parts and/or the animal training parts during the demonstrations, as well as
assist with the groups during the beach clean ups.
Classes (taught through CSUMB ESSP department)
- Techniques and Theories is Animal Training (January, 2000) (4 credit)
- Techniques and Theories is Animal Training (July, 2000) (4 credit)
- Working With Marine Mammals (June, 2000) (3 credit)
- Working With Marine Mammals (July 2000) (4 credit).
- 50 students from all over North America participated in the classes
Internships
-50 students participated in one day internships as part of classes
-9 students participated in a weeklong internship, focusing on individual interests
-7 interns with a training emphasis
-1 intern with a medical emphasis
-1 intern with a research emphasis
-18 volunteers worked on the project year long, donating approximately 11,000 hours
Student projects
- Wendy Lewis did a community service learning project for CSUMB, giving
educational talks to visiting school groups in March and April of 2000.
- Jennifer Ellsworth worked on a capstone project for CSUMB studying respiration
rates of the animals during different behaviors.
- Sarah Radloff worked on a capstone project for CSUMB designing a integrated depth
readout on the video camera the sea lions wear.
- Beau Richter worked on a senior thesis for UCSC on sea lion growth factor variables.
- Kat Foster worked on a senior thesis for UCSC studying Helicobacter in sea lions.
- Erin Lovin did an independent study for her education minor through UCSC.
Presentations, Publications, and Proposals
Presentations
- Jenifer Hurley gave an invited presentation to the American Cetacean Society in
September 2000, over-viewing the different aspects of the project and it’s research.
- In October 2000, four SLEWTHS staff members attended the IMATA conference in
Cancun, Mexico. (Jenifer Hurley, Stefani Skrovan, Traci Fink, and Tritia Hunziker)
They presented a poster entitled “The SLEWTHS (Science Learning and
Experimenting With The Help of Sea Lions) Project at Moss Landing Marine
Laboratories,” which won second place in the poster presentation category.
Publications
Wurts, S.L., Bickley, L.W., and Hurley, J.A. (2000). Timed behaviors: Extended
stationing with California sea lions. Marine Mammals: Public Display and
Research. 4(1): 1-6.
Hurley, J.A. and Costa, D.P. Standard metabolic rate at the surface and during trained
submersions in adult California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Submitted to
the Journal of Experimental Biology
Proposals
- An NSF REU program proposal, “Research Experience for Undergraduates Working
in Marine Science with Trained California Sea lions,” submitted by the project was
denied in January, 2000.
- A proposal to Sea World to have the SLEWTHS sea lions film the sinking of the
Yukon battleship in San Diego was originally approved, but subsequently declined,
due to logistical difficulties and delays with the ship.
Public Display
In October 2000, the slewths project obtained a class C exhibitor license from the
USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. To date, we have maintained a
perfect record of no non-compliances at the Moss Landing Facility.
Media
-Animal movie: In November 2000, The slewths project began filming for the motion
picture “Animal.” Working with Steve Berrens of Animals of Distinction, Sake was
transported to a temporary facility at the Barrens’ ranch in the hills above Los Angeles.
During the 9-day trip Sake practiced working at remote locations from a small, mobile
enclosure. The film has provided considerable funding for SLEWTHS as well as valuable
experience for SLEWTHS staff and animals.
-
Article in the Monterey Herald, September 13, 2000
Article in California State University Extended University Annual Report, 1998-2000
-
Article in San Jose State University newsletter, Washington Square, v8,n2, winter
2000.
Facilities
New Staff Trailer
The old staff trailer was replaced in July with a new trailer (which used to be the
caretaker’s trailer from the Salinas campus.) The old staff trailer was turned into extra
storage space pending its removal.
Shade Screens
In May and June shade screens were created for M1 and M2. The screens were
put up in an attempt to help the animals’ eyesight by cutting down on direct sunlight.
They were installed on posts 2 feet above the fences on adjustable ropes. The screens
were left in place throughout the summer and fall, and removed in November to prevent
damage from winter winds and storms. The screens are fairly easy to remove and install,
and will be put back up in the spring.
Decking
In December the decking in of the back and side compound was completed.
Funded by an anonymous grant to Save Our Shores, the remainder of the compound was
decked over, eliminating sand and many uneven areas and creating a nice public viewing
education area. The decks were constructed in large pieces, which can be removed for
access to the harbor dredge pipes below.
Other
- installed black matting and skid strips on the M1 ramp
- solid wooden gates were installed to prevent animal access behind M2and M3, and to
be able to close off the front compound from the back
- metal corner guards were installed to protect wooden doors and fence posts in the
enclosures from being chewed
- a safety latch was added to lock the main compound door from the inside while
animals are in the compound
- the office roof was re-coated with tar
Animals
Beaver
- Learned Put
- Learned Porpoise
- Learned Water Spirals
- Worked on verbal only SD’s
- Began learning Vogue
- Began learning Sneeze
- Began learning Open Eyes
- Began learning Balance
Sake
- Learned Shoulder target
- Learned Mark
- Learned Focus
- Learned Put
- Learned Plate retrieval
- Learned to honk a horn
- Learned open mouth through cage bars on no tactile SD
- Learned to drop a ball on SD
- Began learning Vogue
- Began learning Spin Jump
Nemo
- Learned Salute
- Learned Bark
- Learned Wave
- Learned Diving (up to 1:00)
- Finished transmitter desense on the harness and working on tether desense
- Started Stomach tube training
- Started second person desense
- Started sudden touching desense
- Started desensitization of people in the water
- Began going on trips outside the compound
- Began two animal one trainer work inside
- Began learning Handstand
- Began learning Flip
- Began learning Sail
Jonah
- Learned Salute
- Learned Diving (up to 45 seconds)
- Learned Heeling
- Finished Rollover
- Finished Rear flippers
- Finished full harness and working on transmitter desense
- Started Stomach tube training
- Started second person desense
- Started sudden touching desense
- Started desensitization of people in the water
- Began two animal one trainer work inside
- Began learning Flip
- Began learning Bounce