citation_inspection: 68

The USDA inspectors were at the holding pool inspecting where 3 belugas are currently being housed. The USDA noted that there are times during the day when the holding pool lacked sufficient shelter to protect the animals from direct sunlight. Although the building adjacent to the holding pool provides shade to parts of the pool at varying times during the day, there was no natural or artificial shelter available that provided the animals a consistent source of shade. Records maintained by the facility for the 5 new whales contained entries for the application of sunscreen from 6/11/21 through 9/28/21. Havok’s medical record included an entry on 7/12/21 that described the presence of solar dermatitis with skin ulceration surrounding the blowhole and solar dermatitis on his melon and cranial dorsum. Records also document that the five whales have eye issues which can be exacerbated by direct sunlight. These conditions can be painful for the animals and may require treatment. Per this Section of the Regulations, marine mammals that are kept outdoors shall be provided protection from the weather or from direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight can adversely affect the animals’ health resulting in eye or skin damage. Correct by 12/15/21