Ocean | Incredible Aquatic Species

Captivity Of Endangered Species By Humans ? An Ironic Consequence Of Our Mistakes

Many persons justify the captivity of sea life by pointing out that these animals would be at a much higher risk to hunting and poaching if they are allowed in the open sea or ocean. Well, that is equivalent to stating that it is better to keep a person in jail than to kill him or her when the truth is that he or she has not done anything to deserve the punishment.

Humans have come up with advanced technologies for fishing the deep seas and oceans without any difficulty. This has affected the natural imbalance. Further, certain sea predators have been attacked for their teeth, skin, oil or other body parts. Humans have recklessly over exploited the resources of the planet. A population explosion has compelled people to hunt for more food.

All this has resulted in certain species becoming near extinct. Now, humans are suggesting that animals of these species must be captured and kept in captivity so that they are not destroyed. If humans were so keen on protecting the species, why did they trawl the deep seas and indulge in reckless fishing to earn more profits? These are pertinent questions which must be answered before proceeding further.

However, the sad truth is that bulk of these questions have become academic. We have overexploited the oceans and are now trying to do our best to reduce the guilt. However, the sad truth is that our reckless activity and our supposedly remedial action – both have spelt disastrous for the animals. They were killed in the past. Now, they are being kept in the captivity. In both cases, they were never at fault.

Whale Watching a Safe Leisure Activity

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There are several types of whales that one can see during a whale watching boat ride or tour but one of the most popular attractions on these trips is the killer whale. Killer whales, or orca, belong to the dolphin family and have gathered the same reputation for intelligence and grace that their cousins have with marine enthusiasts.

However, some people have started to question the safety of whale watching tours, particularly with the bad press over a handler’s death at SeaWorld in 2010. That particular whale was responsible for at least two other deaths throughout his career as a marine theme part animal and there have about two dozen other attacks (and a few deaths) on humans by orca that were in captivity at the time.

Even the earliest writings of the killer what would indicate that the animal is a threat to human lives. Pliny the Elder wrote around 70 A.D. that there was no way he could describe the creatures, “other than an enormous mass of savage flesh with teeth.” However, though his imagery is violent, he clearly states that the whales get their name from the way they ram into other whales.

There have been very few confirmed incidents of orca attacking humans in the wild. Most of the time, even the people involved with the attack can attribute it to another circumstance, such as an orca confusing a boat for prey. Even with these rare attacks, there are no recorded incidents of a human death attributed to a killer whale in the wild. It would seem that the only danger killer whales pose for humans is in captivity.

Killer Whales Only ‘Killer’ in Captivity

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Killer whales were much beloved in the early 1990s after the film “Free Willy” captured the hearts of children and adults alike. However, in recent years, killer whales have been getting a bad reputation for being dangerous. Since the 1970s, there have been more than two dozen recorded attacks on humans (including trainers and visitors) by orca held in captivity, particularly at aquariums or theme parks.

The latest was Dawn Brancheau who was playing with an orca that had previous human deaths on his record – a trainer in 1991 and a pool intruder in 1999 – and was dragged to her death in 2010.

The movie “Free Willy” may be more relevant to understanding the problem of killer whales held in captivity than most people know – not because of the actual movie’s message but because of the eventual fate of the star – Keiko the orca. Keiko was removed from a theme park and there were several attempts to re-intergrate him into the wild. However, Keiko died entirely dependent on his human trainers and handlers who still fed him every day.

Keiko was never involved in any aggression toward humans but his situation embodied the basic problem with the reasons that killer whales become killers in captivity: small tanks, limited ways to get the attention of the humans they depend on, forced social grouping with other animals, frustration, confusion and even the chemical alterations in the pools that vary from their natural habitat.

The endangered status of the orca is increasing daily. Conservation efforts are sometimes hampered by the bad reputation they get from these attacks on humans in captivity.

Ocean Safety Tips

Thinking of planning a trip to the ocean? The ocean is a great place for a vacation or even just a fun day trip. In addition to soaking up the sun and swimming, it is also good place to relax and enjoy some peaceful scenery. Here are some ocean safety tips.

One of the most important tips for staying safe at the ocean is to be sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen. Even on the most cloudy day you will want to put on plenty of sunscreen. If you decide to get in and out of the ocean, invest in some waterproof sunscreen. If you do not have any available to you then be sure to put on a new layer of sunscreen each time you get out of the water. This is especially important if you are taking young children or infants.

Another important tip is to always swim at your own risk even if there is a lifeguard on duty. Unless you are a very strong swimmer you will want to stick with calmer waters and avoid going out too far. If you decided to try your hand at surfing be sure you have someone who is experienced go out with you.

When strolling along the beach you may want to get some beach friendly shoes such as flip-flops. There are sharp shells under the sand as well as other unseen materials that could possibly scratch or cut your foot. There are also jellyfish and other sea creatures to watch out for.

Lastly a good way to stay safe at the ocean is to look for important updates ahead of time. Check out your local weather reports as well as the local news to see if there are any advisories to look out for.

Adventure at SeaWorld

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SeaWorld is a place that many kids often dream about visiting. Between the dolphins, sea lions, orca, and other amazing sea creatures, you are sure to have fun! On top of all the amazing animals you will find at SeaWorld, you can also enjoy a number of different adventure rides like roller coasters.

One of the most popular experiences is the Shark Encounter, where people have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the sharks’ tank. After going all in with the sharks ,you might want to take a ride on the Wild Arctic, which is a ride that simulates riding in a helicopter to the Arctic and landing at a station where you can see polar bears, beluga whales and other Arctic creatures. In December, part of the Wild Arctic at the SeaWorld in Orlando is turned into the Polar Express, where children have the opportunity to see Santa Claus in the north pole along with all the creatures that are normally featured.

The next big attraction is the Penguin Encounter, where a number of different penguins are displayed. Alongside the Florida manatees, who are an endangered species, this park certainly has a lot of offer. Even if your kids have grown tired of all the exciting animals and rides, there is still fun around the corner with a playground called Shamu’s Happy Harbor. For the little ones, there is an especially fun attraction in San Diego called the Sesame Street Bay of Play, where children can enjoy their favorite Sesame Street pals.

No matter who you are or what you enjoy, there is bound to be something at SeaWorld that will catch your attention. This underwater adventure land is packed to the brim with amazing animals, rides, and themes that you can hardly wait to come back to.

Horses of the Sea

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Seahorses: the cute little creatures that many places have adopted as company symbols, and people for what symbolic nature they have. These creatures live in the shallow water of tropic island areas. The like warm waters and live near coral reefs or other ares that can offer protection, making it easy to spot them for scuba divers who are enjoying a nice Hawaiian vacation.

Seahorses live in specific areas, similar to how humans live in their homes. The male seahorse will stay within about eleven square feet of where they have set camp. However, the female will venture out nearly a hundred square feet. They swim in and out of their habitats and camouflage themselves to match their surroundings to protect them from predators. The only time these unusual creatures have color is during social situations like mating where they will turn different colors.

During mating, seahorses court each other by moving together in patterned behavior. This is to allow the two seahorses to be closely in sync with each other so that when the female deposits the eggs the male will be safely ready for them. During the courtship they change colors and dance with each other for several days. Eventually they take part of what is called a “true courtship dance,”which is when the mating occurs. The mating lasts for nearly eight hours where the male will show the female his empty pouch and the female will give him the eggs to care for.

During mating these creatures are one of the few who switch roles. The male seahorse will carry the eggs to full maturity, essentially becoming the pregnant seahorse. The female will give the male up to fifteen hundred eggs, which will remain in the male for 9 to 45 days until the eggs have grown to completely developed seahorses. Once the babies are born, they require no more care from either of the parents.

What’s with Squid

Squid are creatures that a lot of people enjoy. In many countries squid can be a local delicacy. In the water, these creatures fascinate local biologists, tourists, and sight seekers. There are over three hundred different types of squid. Squids have a very apparent head, a cloak-like structure called a mantle, and tentacles. Squid are impressive in the water and can even gather enough force to shoot themselves out of the water for small distances.

A squid can change its colors to adapt to its surroundings, much like a chameleons. This can be used for hiding or to ward off other fish with a bluff. This makes the squid pretty much invisible to the fish it is hunting and to those fish that hunt it. Squids use their bodies to propel themselves forward by bunching up their skin and shooting it out.

Instead of one heart, squids have three. The first two are attached to the gills, and surround the third heart that pumps blood to the squid. A squid’s eyes are protected by a thick lens. The lens focuses during movement, kind of like a camera, rather than adjusting the way a human eye would. When squids are attacked they have a defensive mechanism: they spray black ink in the face of a predator. The ink is stored inside the body cavity for rapid release in these situations.

Some people enjoy squid and the ink as a delicacy. Where many people will most likely cringe at the idea of eating something like this, the Italian people love it! Squid is bathed in juices, along with noodles, and it is cooked for several hours and then served. Some people fry squid without the ink. Some just eat it raw, ink or no ink. No matter how you eat it, or otherwise enjoy it, the squid is a fascinating aquatic creature.

Scary Stingrays

The Stingray is a very common and feared creature in our costal waters. After the death of the famous crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, people have been more cautious around them. However, even in the worst of tragedies comes some comic relief, as Steve is now fondly remembered in a comedy routine that jokes about hunting something dangerous.

Stingrays are actually related to sharks, so it might be a good idea to be a little apprehensive before sticking you hand out to pet one. Because they can be found in both the tropical waters and not so tropical seas, these creatures are on the forefront of the minds of travelers when visiting the beautiful destinations. Some aquariums even allow you to pet stingrays, although these stingrays are less of a threat than the ones you will find in the water.

Stingrays get their name from the long stinger at the end of the tail which they use for defense. Like a scorpion, tail the stinger contains a nasty venom that will make its predators think twice about feasting on them. Some have up to three stingers, while others don’t have any. Because they are so tactful in their defenses, they are hardly an endangered species. However some stingrays are becoming more and more rare to find.

As scary as stingrays seem they are an important part of sea life. It is very important to protect these creatures and to leave them alone when they are in the wild. They are not only interesting and cool but also very dangerous. If someone gets stung by a stingray, make sure to take them to the hospital immediately, as the venom in the stingers is not like a bee sting; it will hurt quite a bit and it can cause quite a bit of damage.

Use Vacations To Introduce Your Child To Water Animals And Fishes

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As an adult, you may feel the need to go on vacations and spend time relaxing inexpensive luxury hotels and eating rich food. However, you must keep in mind that such a lifestyle is going to be very harmful for your kids. For starters, they would not be as stressed as you are and would not need such a vacation.

Secondly, you will lose a valuable chance to provide education to your child when you take them out for a holiday. Many parents make the mistake of declaring that there shall be no learning during vacations. This is a big mistake.

Instead, you should opt for out of the box and innovative approach to help the child learn more during the hols. You can take the child to aquatic museum or water amusement park. Do not focus on swings and slides alone. Rather, use the chance to introduce the child to animals that live in the sea.

It is difficult to find a child who has not been entranced by the sight of fishes swimming in an aquarium. You can opt for your vacation at such a spot where the child can take a look at different types of aquatic animals from up close.

Taking your child for scuba diving may not be the safest option around. That is the reason why you should start with aquariums and other water parks. You can encourage the child to write about all the animals and fishes that he or she has seen during the day.

With the internet becoming popular, you can even encourage your child to write blog posts and upload the same to the internet. All friends can read it and learn and comment on your child’s experience. This is a simple but effective way to inculcate love for nature in the child.

Advantages Of The Sea World

Sea World is a unique place where the sea animals are brought to a particular place and are kept on display for the people to have fun and enjoy the animals. There are various kinds of sea animals that are used in these Sea world theme parks. Though initially, when these parks were started, there were only some kinds of animals. These days, there are many animals that are seen in these parks.

Some of the common animals that are seen here are the seals, different kinds of fish, the Orca, the various kinds of dolphins. The Orcas and the dolphins are the ones that perform in various shows including stunts. These stunts are also full of danger for the person who is involved in making these sea animals to perform, usually the trainer. It is also dangerous for the people who are watching, usually they are at a distance from the performance, but if someone gets too close in spite of the dangers involved, then they might have some problems. The stunts can also mean danger to the animals that may injure themselves as they are very close to each other and are kept in a smaller area than their natural habitat.

The various advantages of these Sea World parks are that the people who come here to see these animals learn a lot more about these animals than they would if they had read about it. They are able to see these animals up close. This will help them to understand the importance of nature and this should also motivate these people and encourage them to preserve nature with their actions. There are various other advantages like getting a very close up view of nature that makes the people more concerned about the environment. This makes the Sea world to be one of the places where a lesson is learned by many people.