PHILIPPINE MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING NETWORK

The Philippines is home to 26 species of whales and dolphins (cetaceans) and the critically endangered dugong. When one of these animals is found sick or injured, referred to as “stranded”, it is likely tobe slaughtered for food before any help can be found. Ocean Adventure has become the leader in rescuing stranded marine mammals. In the past 9 years, our Stranding Response Team has responded to 40 strandings involving 11 different cetacean speciesand 3 dugongs. Ocean Adventure has the only Cetacean Rehabilitation Center in the country where sick and injured cetaceans are provided round the clock care to nurse them back to health.

For 5 years Ocean Adventure and WIN have been working with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to train staff in marine mammal rescue through our Cetacean Stranding Response Workshop. At the end of 2010,578 key personnel from BFAR Regional offices, local Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (IFARMC), Local Governmental Units (LGU) including Provincial, Municipal and Barangay offices, Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO), and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxilliary have been trained at these Workshops. Plus another 600 individuals attended a total of 16 Regional Introductory Workshops including one for the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila. Our latest contribution to professional training is a workshop on the Medical Management of Stranded Marine Mammals. This hands-on intensive Workshop is for veterinarians and medical technicians and has trained 30 individuals to date.

We continue to offer the Cetacean Stranding Response Workshop twice a year, 6-8 regional workshops per year, and the Medical Management Workshop on an annual basis.

All of these Workshops and rescue efforts have led to the development of a nationwide Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Much of the funding for this critically important project has been provided by the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

SEA TURTLE RESEARCH, RESCUE AND REHABILITATION

Five species of threatened or endangered marine turtles are found in the Philippines: green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead and olive ridley. All five species have been reported in Subic Bay, and the olive ridley is a frequent nester here. Unfortunately, nesting areas are under extreme pressure from fishing activities, coastal development, and human activity.

Ocean Adventure is contributing to sea turtle conservation in two very important ways. First, we monitor and protect sea turtle nests and hatchlings along our own beaches and others in the area. Second, we have the only Sea Turtle Rescue And Rehabilitation Center in the country. Here sick and injured sea turtles of all ages are nursed back to health and returned to the sea.

WILDLIFE IN NEED RESCUE CENTER

Ocean Adventure, in collaboration with Wildlife in Need, provides operating funds for the WIN Rescue Center, which is accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Rescue Center cares for sick, injured, and confiscated wildlife of the forest including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Whenever possible, animals are rehabilitated and released back to the wild. If they are deemed “unreleasable” for any reason, they are provided a safe and permanent home at the Rescue Center.

HELPING DOMESTIC ANIMALS

Ocean Adventure is committed to helping all animals, both wild and domestic. Here at the park we have our own feral cat “trap/neuter/release” program, which has been proven to be the most effective and humane way to manage stray cats. First, we capture the cat using a humane “have-a-heart trap”. The cat is then given a complete veterinary examination, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and then released back on Ocean Adventure grounds. We then provide food for these cats on a daily basis. This creates a stable population that is healthy and helps with rodent control.