More Evidence that Research With Captive Marine Mammals Is Important: An Introduction to the Second Special Issue

Abstract

The papers in this special issue complement those in the preceding special issue and once again demonstrate the significance of research with captive marine mammals. A number of papers in this issue summarize bodies of research conducted with captive marine mammals at specific facilities (Bauer, Colbert, & Gaspard; Perelberg, Veit, van der Woude, Donio, & Shashar, & Eilat; Tizzi, Accorsi, & Azzali), and in so doing provide valuable insights into the significance of such research and the roles that facilities can play in advancing our understanding of marine mammals. Three papers present original findings that aptly illustrate the value of research with captive marine mammals as well as the range of such research ‐ Horback, Friedman, and Johnson consider factors that influence the occurrence of s-postures in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas); Jaakkola, Guarino, and Rodriguez report some very intriguing findings on a bottlenose dolphin’s (Tursiops truncatus) ability to mimic vocal and motor behaviors while blindfolded; Muraco, Clough, Teets, Arn, and Muraco report on the relationship between ovarian follicular dynamics and the LH surge in bottlenose dolphins. In their respective papers, Delfour presents a novel theoretical perspective on how marine mammals make sense of their experience, and Brando reviews the role of training in marine mammal husbandry. The remaining papers provide excellent reviews of research in a variety of areas, numerous suggestions for future research efforts, and emphasize the importance of studying both captive and wild marine mammals (Dudzinski; Johnson; Kuczaj, Xitco, & Gory; Morisaka, Kohshima, Yoshioka, Suzuki, & Nakahara; Pack; Paulos, Trone, & Kuczaj; Perelberg et al.).