93 



Please find enclosed peer reviewed papers from Myrick, Christensen, Heyning and 

 Mitchell that stipulate in their studies a maximum life expectancy ranging from 25 

 to 40 years, depending on which study is cited. 



As you will see from these current, peer reviewed scientific articles, definitive esti- 

 mates of longevity and life spans and other issues of this complex nature do not 

 exist. For instance, the mortality rate of neonate killer whales ( less than 1 year 

 of age) in the wild is supposedly 50 percent. With our successful breeding program 

 (7 019 calves living), that leads us to a survivorship rate of 78 percent. 



A truer picture of how animals at Sea World are presently faring is demonstrated 

 bv our successful breeding program established in 1978 for bottlenose dolphins, 

 Tursiops truncatus, and our productive breeding program for killer whales, Orcinus 

 orca. 



Toda^, more than 60 percent of the bottlenose dolphins in our parks are captive 

 bom. Some tire in the third generation. The success of this program served as an 

 effective model for the design and implementation in 1983 of tne Killer whale breed- 

 ing program. We are pleased with the progress of this program. Captive bom kUler 

 whales now represent at least 50 percent of our collection. Our beluga whale breed- 

 ing program, initiated in the late 1980's appears equally promising. 



At present, there are 18 killer whales in the four Sea World parks. The ages of 

 these animals range from six months to 29 years. Nine are captive born. The age 

 distribution of the animals in our parks approximates that of killer whales in the 

 wild as reported by Christensen in 1981. (See attached). 



To further illustrate the progress in this area, including the species discussed by 

 HSUS, we have attached to this letter a summary of a paper submitted for the 

 record by Dr. Deborah A. Duff ield and D. Shell, marine mammalogists at Portland 

 State University. This paper demonstrates the progress and success which has been 

 made by zoological institutions in fulfilling commitments to conservation through 

 captive breeding. Successful captive breeding programs account for dramatic in- 

 creases in percentages of captive bom individuals representing many zoological pop- 

 ulations of marine mammals. 



Our commitment to research, education and the conservation of the marine envi- 

 ronment is evident throughout our nearly 30 years of history. We remain concerned 

 about the serious threats which face marinelife as a result of deterioration of the 

 marine environment. And we are mindful that many serious questions * * * the an- 

 swers to which are absolutely fundamental to successful marine conservation * * * 

 remain unanswered. It is our firm belief that the answers to these and other broad- 

 er Questions about marine mammals will continue to be derived from studies in the 

 wild and through public display programs. The answers will provide factual knowl- 

 edge for use in the pursuit of solutions to protect and preserve marine mammals 

 for the appreciation of future generations of Americans. 



In closing, we would simply reiterate that the care marine mammals receive in 

 reputable marine paries and aquariums is of excellent quality. People who work in 

 these institutions have dedicated their lives to these animals and work hard to safe- 

 guard their health and well-being. Also, the Department of Agriculture's, Animal 

 and Plant Health Inspection Service visits the institutions regularly to assure the 

 public that standards are being met. 



Senator Kerry, we thank you again for offering us the opportunity to discuss these 

 issues and request that this letter and its attachments oe made part of the July 

 28, 1993 "Reauthorization of the Marine Manrunal Protection Act" hearing record. 

 Sincerely, 



Brad Andrews, 

 Vice President, Zoological Operations. 



[Referred to materials may be found in the committee files.] 



[Miscellaneous materials unable to be printed may be found in the committee 

 files.] 



70-912 O - 94 (100) 



