Gulfarium: Taking care of each other

Like many businesses along the Gulf Coast, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in NW Florida has had to temporarily close due to the coronavirus pandemic. But for the hundreds of animal-residents, life goes on. The dolphins still jump and train even though the stands are bare. But, the task of caring for the animals continues. “We have at least 20 people every day here,” said Bryan Martin, director of animal care and training, “making sure that all the animals get training sessions. Animal welfare is a “very important part of what we do here.” It starts with the staff preparing about 500 pounds of per a day designed for each animal’s dietary needs. It continues with hands-on interaction. Taylor, a 500-pound California sea lion, spins and dances on the deck of the Gulfarium’s theater, and gives high-fives to trainer Johanna Scholar. Other staff work with four male dolphins using hand gestures to communicate as they perform routine jumps for wet-run rehearsals for when it’s time to reopen. In the mean time staff have posted educational videos on the Gulfarium’s Facebook page as a way to reach out to the community. Martin sees a silver lining in the current situation. “We’re the ones giving (the animals) care, but at the end of the day, through all of this stuff, and in many ways, they’re helping take care of us,” said Martin. (Source: NW Fla. Daily News 04/05/20) https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20200405/care-for-gulfariumrsquos-animals-continues-despite-closed-doors?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NW%20Florida%20Daily%20News%20daily%202020-04-06&utm_content=INKA_FWN&utm_term=040620.