At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we believe in providing personalized care to every animal, and the pinnipeds are no exception. Pinnipeds, including seals and sea lions, are marine mammals with front and rear flippers, known for their playful antics and graceful movements. At Adventure Cove, our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure these fascinating animals receive top-tier wellness and preventative care—keeping them physically, mentally, and emotionally engaged.
We sat down with Shea Eaves, Wild Encounters Pinnipeds Assistant Curator, and the pinniped team to learn more about the specialized care they provide. According to Shea, one of the key elements in ensuring the health of these animals is training them in a wide variety of behaviors. These behaviors not only help keep the pinnipeds physically active but are also essential for their mental wellbeing.
“The most important behaviors we train are called husbandry behaviors,” Shea explains. “These behaviors allow us to provide excellent healthcare in a way that is comfortable, safe, and positive for the animals.” This includes everything from practicing eye exams and ultrasounds with props to voluntary blood collection and even walking onto a scale for regular weigh-ins. These weigh-ins are an easy way for keepers to track daily changes in the animals’ weight, which helps them adjust their diet or activity plans as needed.
In fact, the Columbus Zoo's commitment to high standards in animal training and care recently earned us accreditation by the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA). This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality of our animal care programs and training practices, reinforcing our dedication to providing the highest level of care for our pinnipeds and all the animals at our Zoo.
Regular check-ups and preventative care are also essential for maintaining the health of sea lions, especially their eyes. Sea lions are particularly predisposed to various eye diseases, so scheduled exams are a key component of their health routine. All the sea lions in the Zoo’s care are trained to participate in voluntary eye exams, which are conducted twice a year by specialists. We partner with MedVet, working closely with Dr. Terah Webb, an ophthalmologist, and Dr. Matt Read, an anesthesiologist, to ensure that every animal’s eye health is closely monitored.
This specialized care program at Adventure Cove not only helps keep the pinnipeds healthy but also provides them with mental stimulation and positive interactions with their keepers. Through a combination of tailored training, behavior management, and routine health checks, we ensure that each pinniped is set up for a long, healthy, and enriching life in our care.
By continuing to innovate and adapt our care methods, we are constantly striving to meet the evolving needs of the animals, ensuring that they live their best lives while inspiring our guests to learn more about these incredible creatures. This recognition from IMATA is just the latest example of how the Columbus Zoo is setting the bar for excellence in animal training and care.
