citation_inspection

The USDA reviewed the facility's records for the 5-year-old whale, Havok, during the time he was on 24-hour watch. During the eight hours prior to his death, the staff members conducting the overnight watch documented multiple observations of abnormal behavior and did not alert the Attending Veterinarian. The frequency of these abnormal behaviors markedly increased during this time compared to what had been observed previously. From 0000-2150 on the day prior to Havok’s death, about 40 instances of a combination of “logging,” shaking of pectoral flippers, “ventral up” and rolling behaviors were noted at the facility in various time intervals. Comparatively, during Havok’s last eight hours 2151-0550, the facility's records noted at least 40 instances of 360 rolling, with one instance of four rolling behaviors noted at 0049 hours and five rolling behaviors noted at 0146 hours. Other abnormal behaviors noted to increase in frequency were at least 15 instances of "ventral up” (most of note was the instance of ventral up for 15 seconds at 0101 hours), 3 instances of "gaspy" respirations beginning at 0413 hours, and 7 instances of water seen coming from his blowhole beginning at 0416 hours. There were also 10 instances of "active bleeding” from Havok's rostrum recorded during the two hours prior to his death. This increased frequency of abnormal behaviors constitutes a problem; can indicate rapid deterioration of the animal’s health and may result in prolonged distress. Although staff members were recording their observations of Havok’s behaviors, the veterinarian was not contacted during this eight-hour timeframe until Havok’s death at 0550 hours. The facility failed to provide adequate veterinary care by not using appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose and treat diseases during Havok’ s last eight hours. Correct from this date 10/15/21 forward.

The USDA reviewed the facility’s records for the 5-year-old whale named Havok which contained multiple entries documenting injuries the animal sustained on the surfaces of the primary enclosure housing him. On 6/23/21 he injured himself on an area in the medical pool where the posts for the hydraulic mechanism are located. This incident resulted in a 4”x 4” round full thickness wound to the right caudal peduncle that required ongoing treatment. On 7/12/21 “staff note that whale appears to have reduced vision, often colliding with habitat wall and sustained rostral and fluke abrasions”. Indoor and outdoor housing facilities for marine mammals must be structurally sound and must be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury. Correct from this date 10/15/21 forward.

From 7/31/21 to 8/27/21 the recorded levels of ORP (Oxidative Reduction Potential), a measure of ozone in the water where the animals live, ranged between 476 and 715mV which is above the levels generally considered to be acceptable for marine mammals. There were eight consecutive days during this time period when the level ranged from 553 to 606. ORP levels that exceed 500mV can suggest that animals may be exposed to high oxidant levels in their pool and require immediate attention by marine mammal facilities. Elevated levels of oxidants in the water, such as ozone, are harmful to marine mammals and may cause irritation to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Per this Section of the Regulations the primary enclosure shall not contain water which would be detrimental to the health of the marine mammal contained therein. This item was addressed by the facility prior to the inspection. This inspection was conducted with facility representatives and NOAA personnel on 9/29/21 and 9/30/21. The exit briefing was held 10/12/21 with facility representatives. Additional Inspectors: Tonya Hadjis, Supervisory Animal Care Specialist Carolyn McKinnie, Senior Veterinary Medical Officer - Marine Mammals and ExoticsEnd Section