I always found it interesting that no one walks in with them at Harderwijk and them only being trained with an electric fence between trainer and sealion (at least thats the way it used to be) while I have seen them in direct contact with the trainer at Mystic, Vancouver or Klaipeda.
I always found it interesting that no one walks in with them at Harderwijk and them only being trained with an electric fence between trainer and sealion (at least thats the way it used to be) while I have seen them in direct contact with the trainer at Mystic, Vancouver or Klaipeda.
That is interesting ! It used to be that way, but I have not been there for a long time. I even thought the electric line is visible in the picture. Maybe it is still there but they do go in now. The Steller's are very impressive animals and can be quite intimidating, even if they are well trained !
I visited in oct. 2010 and there was an electric fence. They only do feedings. The keeper said it would be to dangerous. Maybe because it's a real breeding harem and the male would get to protective, but this is speculation
At least Mystic has a harem as well, even though breeding has been rare.
This video shows hands on training of the females. I have seen the trainers go in with the whole group:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mjZFTlpTZo]YouTube - Stellar Sea Lion Training/Husbandry Session at Mystic Aquarium‏[/ame]
