In preparation for emergency animal rescue response calls, members of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums are working with federal and state agencies to provide animal care expertise, stranded animal rescue experience and resources in a coordinated and comprehensive plan to save dolphins, manatees and sea turtles affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill.

Alliance members played a critical role in the wildlife recovery efforts in disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, and members are once again being tapped by government wildlife agencies to provide support and expertise to rescue and care for animals that are likely to be adversely affected as the oil spill continues to spread.  Many Alliance zoological parks and aquariums are members of the agency’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Programs and are approved by those federal agencies to respond to wild marine mammals or sea turtles that are sick, injured or orphaned. Many of these care providers have specialized training for responding to hazardous chemical or oil spills in the marine environment. Other member parks and aquariums are poised and ready to travel to the Gulf and offer their personal time and expertise as needed.

“Government agencies can’t do it by themselves; that’s why our members are prepared to assist with resources, research and rescue support. We have the expertise,” said Marilee Menard, executive director of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. “We are experienced at collaborating with multiple partners and our members bring expert knowledge in marine animal health and medicine that is invaluable in a crisis situation.”

Oil spills in the marine environment present unique problems for wildlife. Dolphins, manatees and sea turtles are exposed to the toxins in oil and the chemicals used to treat oil spills in several ways: by inhaling volatile chemicals in the air that they breathe at the surface, by consuming contaminated food or ingesting chemicals in the water or by direct exposure on the skin while swimming in contaminated areas. While dolphins in human care are safe from these disasters, wild dolphins have been documented swimming, eating and socializing in oiled waters. 

Alliance members are also informing the public about what they can do to help in this disaster. If you discover an oiled, injured or dead marine mammal, sea turtle or bird, a special Wildlife Hotline has been set up at 866-577-1401. Do not touch or approach the distressed animal. Only trained personnel with the appropriate protective gear should handle or treat oiled, sick or injured marine animals.

There are a variety of government websites to go to for up to date information on the oil spill: www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com, www.owcn.org, www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health, www.response.restoration.noaa.gov/deepwaterhorizon and www.fws.gov/home/dhoilspill/index.html.

The Alliance encourages people to support our member organizations that are contributing to the rescue effort.

The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is an international association of marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.