A SURVEY TO EVALUATE OUR CURRENT UNDERSTANDING OF THE ANIMAL EXPERIENCE AND WELFARE OF CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS) UNDERGOING REHABILITATION AT RESCUE CENTERS IN CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.
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Abstract
California sea lions are one of the most common pinniped species to strand along the United States west coast, particularly along California coastlines. While data on the number of strandings that occur on a yearly basis, analyses of why they strand, and the criteria for an individual to be released are well documented, knowledge gaps still persist. The welfare of marine mammals under permanent human care has been studied; although more is known about cetacean welfare than pinnipeds. However much less is known about the welfare of many marine mammals during rehabilitation, and particularly about California sea lions. Thus, a survey of those supervising the rescue, rehabilitation, and release process of these animals promises a clearer understanding of the animal experience, and thus hopeful indications of their general welfare, when undergoing rehabilitation. Data collected from survey answers will serve in exploring a wide array of topics related to the rehabilitation process. These topics include those directly related to the animals as well as the administrative background of these facilities. This survey will serve as a way to better understand the interconnectivity of each aspect of the rescue, rehabilitation, and release process while also identifying areas of the process that are thriving and those that may need improvement or further exploration.