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ANIMAL WELFARE
OCEAN BERLIN
You won't find dolphins, seals, or whales in our oceanariums, as we fundamentally disagree with holding mammals in captivity.
Ocean Berlin and the interdisciplinary team of marine biologists and ocean researchers attach particular importance to animal welfare, to which the highest standards have been applied.
All our parks have transformative potential and are created and maintained with the welfare of our marine species in mind before any other considerations.
We draw attention to environmental threats through our multiple conservation programs and our fascinating displays.
Understanding Animal Welfare
To ensure animal welfare, a multidisciplinary, scientifically evidence-based approach is essential.
This approach includes providing effective veterinary care, meeting nutritional requirements, enabling individuals to engage in species-specific behaviors, and promoting positive emotional states.
When assessing welfare, it's essential to consider both 'environment-based' and 'animal-based' measures. 'Animal-based' actions, in particular, offer a more representative reflection of how the animal is coping and feeling.
In our facilities, experts in marine biology employ various assessment tools to evaluate animal welfare. Animal-based measures encompass behavioral observations, assessment of body condition, and hormonal indicators.
FOOD
The drive to obtain sufficient energy from food is a fundamental instinct displayed by all animals.
When we observe our fish eating regularly, we can conclude that they are content with their environment because a stressed fish, for any reason, will not feed.
BEHAVIOR
Animals exhibit their natural behaviors when they are in harmony with their environment.
Our aquarists are specially trained to identify any irregular behavior, which provides insights into how we can enhance the situation to create a more balanced environment for them.
BODY CONDITION
Healthy fish will exhibit their optimal physical condition through various indicators, including shiny and smooth scales, clear eyes, undamaged fins, and normal behavior. If any of these signs are not observed, it serves as a signal to the curatorial team to take immediate action.
