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Make A Wave with Ocean Connections! Your donation supports our animal care and conservation efforts. We appreciate your support! We are currently soliciting donations to support our husbandry care program. We pride ourselves in the exceptional care provided to our animals and your support makes a difference! Husbandry care is cooperative medical care. Through training sessions and a trusting relationship, our animals learn to participate in their own healthcare by voluntarily cooperating in routine procedures such as blood draws, eye examinations, flipper x-rays and much more. Husbandry care helps to double the lifespan of these animals in zoological environments. Through cooperative medical care, seals and sea lions live into their 30s while their wild counterparts may only reach 10-15 years of age. Medical procedures such as teeth brushing, fetal ultrasounds and routine animal weights are essential to providing exceptional care. Currently we are in need of a new scale to obtain regular body weights on our animals. Animal weights fluctuate according to the season and are a key predictor in their health. A digital scale which is water resistant and can support the weight of a 700 lb sea lion runs approximately $5,000. Your donation to this cause is greatly appreciated.   If you would like to make a donation to support this cause, please visit us at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Stop by the Sea Lion Shoppe (located outside of the Ocean Connections Show Stadium) and donate or mail in your donation to help support the health and well-being of the seals and sea lions at Ocean Connections!    Mail your donations to:     Ocean Connections 10001 W Bluemound Rd Milwaukee, WI 53222                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  You can make a difference in the lives of the animals at Ocean Connections!  

In 1972, Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This act prevents the harassment, capture, injury and killing of all species of whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, walruses, manatees, dugongs, sea otters, and polar bears. Through this act, many marine mammal lives have been saved thanks to efforts of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Together, these two governmental agencies oversee the enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act to help protect wild populations and our ocean ecosystems from detrimental interactions with humans. Let’s celebrate the grace and beauty of marine mammals and give thanks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and its advocates for protecting these magnificent animals for 40 years! Do your part to help keep all wild animals safe by always observing them from a safe distance, never approaching a wild animal or trying to feed them.Visit a local zoo or aquarium to learn more about these fascinating creatures and find tips to help protect our environment. Together, we can help keep the ocean ecosystem balanced, marine mammal populations abundant in the wild and promote a curiosity and sense of wonderment in our oceans for our future generations to enjoy! Watchable Wildlife Tips Leave no trace. It’s important to leave the environment as you found it or in a more pristine state than what you encounter. Be sure to dispose of your waste properly when out on a hike, exploring in a forest or walking along the beach. Better yet, lend a hand and pick up stray litter to help protect wildlife. Keep your distance. Always view wildlife from a safe distance. Do not disturb animals, approach or try to feed them. Wild animals can be unpredictable and protective of their young and shelter. Use binoculars to view wild animals without disrupting their natural way of life. Stay away from wildlife that looks sick or injured. If you come across a sick or injured animal, do not try to help the animal yourself. Instead, call your local animal shelter or wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center and give them details about the animal. These trained professionals will be able to provide care in a safe setting to help the injured animal.  

We know you can't be at Ocean Connections all the time, so we brought some of our fun online! Want to color a picture right on your computer? Check out our online coloring book. You can also print out a fun word search and crossword puzzle from our puzzles page. Additionally, we have some cool desktop wallpapers that you can download on our free downloads page. We'll be adding additional games and trivia soon. In the meantime, if you'd like to know the differences between seals and sea lions, you can read all about it in our animals section.

February 9, 2012 Press Release Distributed by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) Making More Than Just A Memory National Poll Finds Accredited Marine Parks, Aquariums and Zoos Best Places for Children to Learn About, Connect with Marine Mammals Children have a natural curiosity about dolphins, whales and other marine mammals. The best way for parents to encourage this interest – and to inspire a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation – is to log kids off the computer and visit an accredited marine park, aquarium or zoo, where learning happens best. That’s according to a new national public opinion poll that says the public strongly believes seeing and experiencing live animals is the best way for children to learn about marine mammals. Released on February 9, 2012 by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, the survey of more than 1,000 adults found that 97 percent of people agree that marine life parks, aquariums and zoos are important because they educate children about marine mammals – animals that children might not have the opportunity to see in the wild. 94 percent of those polled agree that children are more likely to be concerned about animals if they learn about them at marine life parks, aquariums and zoos, and that visiting these facilities can inspire conservation action that can help marine mammals and their ocean environments. The poll, conducted by Harris Interactive®, also found that 94 percent of people agree that zoological parks and aquariums offer valuable information about the importance of oceans, bodies of water and the animals that live there. “Children, especially, care more about what they know and understand, and these parks provide important interactions that are a critical first step in promoting kids to take action to help animals and their habitats,” said Marilee Menard, executive director of the Alliance. Additionally, the poll found that 89 percent agree that children learn more about marine mammals at an aquarium or zoo than in a school classroom, and 88 percent agree that you can learn about animals at marine parks in a way that can’t be replicated by watching film or TV programs. Some 91 percent agree that seeing a marine mammal at these facilities fosters a connection to the animal. “When children – and adults – see and experience the excitement of being close to marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and sea lions, it resonates in ways that even the most vividly illustrated book or video cannot. It is an emotionally enriching experience that fosters a sense of caring for these animals and their ocean environments,” said Menard, whose Alliance membership represents 48 accredited facilities that account for the greatest body of experience and knowledge about marine mammal care and husbandry in the world. Other findings from the new public attitude survey include: 40 percent of Americans (about 125 million people) have visited a marine park, aquarium or zoo in the last 12 months, including 56 percent of households with children (about 20 million households). 94 percent believe the people who care for the animals at marine life parks, aquariums and zoos are committed to the welfare of the animals. 93 percent believe that many of the successes to save endangered or declining species are at least in part a result of work done in marine life parks, aquariums and zoos. 90 percent agree that species in the wild benefit when their biology and physiology is studied in marine life parks, aquariums and zoos. 90 percent believe that interacting with dolphins in a marine life park, aquarium or zoo offers people a deeper understanding and appreciation of this mammal. 97 percent (ages 18-24) would be interested in swimming with dolphins. “We pride ourselves on providing an educational and enjoyable experience for families,” Menard said. “Professionals at Alliance member institutions work every day to inspire guests of all ages to share their commitment to marine mammals, the need to protect them in the wild and to conserve ocean habitats.” Methodology Harris Interactive® conducted the study online on behalf of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums between Aug. 29 and Sept. 6, 2011 among a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,011 U.S. adults ages 18 and over. The data were weighted where necessary to be representative of the total U.S. adult population on the basis of age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income. The propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums is an international association of marine life parks, aquariums, zoos, research facilities, and professional organizations dedicated to the highest standards of care for marine mammals and to their conservation in the wild through public education, scientific study, and wildlife presentations.    

Learn All About Marine Mammals! Ocean Connections is dedicated to inspiring conservation awareness and public action for our world’s ocean through education.  Our commitment to education ranges from daily Seal & Sea Lion Presentations, interactive programs, to outreach opportunities and more.  We offer a variety of programs for educational groups from September through May each year.  Bring the magic of marine mammals to your classroom or bring your classroom to us during one of our STEAM+ based programs that are perfect for learners of all ages!  Ocean Connections has three different types of outreach opportunities: School Visits, Zoo Field Trips, and Digital Learning. Learn more about each of these below and decide which is perfect for your classroom. Once you've decided on a program, fill out the Outreach Inquiry Form below!   School Visits Our programs allow you to bring the excitement of marine mammals to your classroom!  The Ocean Connections Education Team will customize curriculum topics in order to create the perfect outreach program for your students.  Our School Visits are full of age-appropriate interactive activities that will engage your students in their own learning and may even include a visit from our education animals (subject to availability and animal needs).    All School Visit programs are 45-60 minutes each but may be booked for multiple scheduling blocks.       Zoo Field Trips If you are interested in immersing your students into the world of animals, consider a field trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo and let Ocean Connections enhance your experience with one of our onsite programs. Choose an interactive experience and come poolside with our animal ambassadors or allow us to tailor a program to augment your curriculum.  Our Zoo Field Trips include a private demonstration by our seals and sea lions highlighting various educational topics of your choosing and a Seal & Sea Lion Show (weather permitting).   1 chaperone per every 10 students is required for all programs that occur at Ocean Connections. Since Ocean Connections is a separate non-profit from the Milwaukee County Zoo, outreach programs do not include zoo admission or parking. To arrange for group admission rates, please contact the Group Sales Department at 414-258-5058.     All Zoo Field Trip programs are 45-60 minutes each but may be booked for multiple scheduling blocks.           Digital Learning Opportunities Ocean Connections is committed to community outreach and education so we are bringing the magic of marine mammals to a classroom near you! Our STEAM+ based educational curriculum is perfect for at home learners, digital classrooms, and virtual field trips. Program lengths vary depending on content but all include a virtual visit from our seals and sea lions.     All Digital Learning programs are 30-45 minutes each.       Outreach Program Inquiry Form Please fill out the Outreach Program Inquiry Form below to assist our Education Team in customizing and creating the perfect program for you!  After submitting your Inquiry Form, a member of our Education Team will be in contact with you within 2-3 business days.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact us here.       

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Our world’s fisheries are facing many challenges due to overfishing and its detrimental effects. Factors including limited populations, bycatch and habitat destruction are impacting the state of global fisheries and the sustainability of our oceans. What is overfishing? Globally, fisheries are removing fish from the oceans at a faster rate than they can reproduce. This results in depleted populations, decline of ecosystem stability and limited food sources for marine life and communities around the world. Scientists estimate that 75% of the world’s fisheries are either fully exploited, overexploited or have collapsed and only 1% is recovering from depletion. In response to the declining fish populations, the number of fishing vessels has increased. Currently, the commercial fishing fleets are operating at 2.5 times the sustainable level resulting in too many boats chasing a devastating low number of fish. Over the last 50 years, fishing technologies have evolved to be more efficient than ever. Fisherman have the ability to fish farther and deeper than ever before resulting in astronomical fish catches averaging 80 million tons of fish a year. Research estimates that we have removed 90% of the large predatory fish such as shark, cod and tuna from our world’s oceans. These large fish species are long-lived and slow to reproduce making their populations exceptionally vulnerable to overfishing practices. The state of global fisheries is threatening food supplies, economies and recreation in all parts of the world. Decades of overfishing has driven some fish populations so low that the possibility of recovery, if even possible, would be long-term. Other Factors There are other harmful impacts of overfishing in addition to depleted fish populations. Habitat destruction from fishing gear and bycatch cause detrimental changes to the marine ecosystem. Habitat Destruction As fishermen work harder to catch fewer fish, their fishing methods can cause negative impacts to the marine environment. Fishing vessels with trawling nets or dredges destroy ocean habitats collecting organisms from coral to shellfish and other bottom-dwellers along in their path. These fishing practices destroy shelter, feeding and breeding grounds that are essential for species survival. Many of the species impacted by these methods have problems recovering from such complete habitat destruction as areas are dredged and trawled multiple times a year. Bycatch Bycatch is the accidental catch of unwanted species. This occurs when fisherman use large nets or trawling methods to catch large quantities of fish. Often, these methods results in a large catch of the desired fish species but also takes casualties including other fish, birds, sea turtles and marine mammals that are discarded back into the ocean. Worldwide, one out of every four fish caught is discarded, dead or dying as bycatch. Though bycatch greatly impacts the stability of the marine ecosystem, there are fishing practices that help to limit its effects. Fishermen have the ability to use hook-and-line fishing gear that allows them to quickly release unwanted catch from their hooks because they are reeled in soon after a fish takes the bait. “Turtle excluder devices” are trap doors in shrimp nets that allow turtles to escape and there are new circular-shaped hooks which are less likely to catch turtles. Fishermen also have started fishing at night when birds are less active to help limit the detrimental impacts of bycatch. With this new fishing gear available, fewer animals are affected by bycatch but the problem continues as not every fisherman chooses to use these safer devices. Fishing Down Once a particular fish species has been depleted, fishermen sometimes move onto a new species lower in the food web. As top predator populations decline, more fishermen catch species such as crabs, sardines and squid. These aquatic animals were once bypassed by fisherman but have become important economic and food sources for the world. Issues arise when these important prey species are depleted in the ocean because of human consumption. Many birds and marine mammals depend on these lower level species for survival and their absence creates negative impacts throughout the ecosystem. Taking Steps Towards Sustainable Seafood We have the power to make the issues effecting fish populations worse or to improve them. Through better fishing and fish farming practices, we can create healthy and abundant oceans to support everyone including marine animals that depend on fish for food. Seafood Watch is a program of the Monterey Bay Aquarium that works to provide consumers with the most accurate information regarding sustainable seafood as possible. Since 1999, Seafood Watch has been dedicated to educating consumers, fishermen, restaurants and retailers about fishing practices, impacts and best choices for sustainable oceans. The oceans supply us with food, help regulate our climate, and supply a livelihood for millions of people. Seafood Watch recommendations don’t hinge on any single issue. They consider the fishery, habitat, species, management, and a host of other factors that affect each species. Through these efforts, Seafood Watch works to provide a clear vision for sustainability. To learn more about sustainable seafood and efforts you can take to make a difference, please visit our Sustainable Seafood page or www.seafoodwatch.org for more information. Sources National Geographic: Ocean www.ocean.nationalgeographic.com Seafood Watch www.seafoodwatch.org      

 2/5/12 This winter we welcomed a new member to our pinniped family! In late January, Bumper, a 2 year old male Atlantic harbor seal joined Ocean Connections from Long Island Aquarium in New York. Being a juvenile, Bumper weighs in at 130 pounds. When full grown, male harbor seals reach weights of approximately 300 pounds and lengths of 6 feet. This little guy sure has some growing to do! At his previous home, Bumper was an exhibit animal and had just begun his formal training. As an inquisitive youngster, Bumper is curious about everything in his new environment. We are excited to continue his training and help him transition from an exhibit to a show and interactive environment. Bumper’s training goals include advancing his foundation behaviors, building trust in his new trainers and learning voluntary husbandry behaviors to help the animal care staff monitor his health on a daily basis. For photos and news updates about Bumper’s transition to life at Ocean Connections, be sure to follow us on Facebook! < Back to Current Events

Meet Bumper! Juvenile male Atlantic harbor seal Average weight is 130 pounds Born June 14, 2009 Arrived at Ocean Connections in January 2012 Bumper is one of the youngest members of the Ocean Connections family! He is a 3 year old, juvenile male Atlantic harbor seal. Bumper was born at the Long Island Aquarium in New York where he shared his pool with 4 other harbor seals and a rescued grey seal. In New York, Bumper was on exhibit where he played with his pool mates and began his formal training when he was a few months old.  Over the past year, Bumper has adjusted well to his new home filled with seals, sea lions, educational shows and interactive programs. This youngster has begun working with guests to help teach about marine mammals and animal training. He has  learned new husbandry behaviors to assist in his own health care and also fun, high energy behaviors such as a ball touch to delight visitors of Ocean Connections. Bumper is cute, cuddly, and always looking for new adventures. We are all very excited to watch Bumper learn, grow and build relationships with his new family at Ocean Connections!  

2/11/12 It's already been a week since Bumper arrived at Ocean Connections Milwaukee! Having never been anywhere other than the Long Island Aquarium, this week was full of firsts for our new friend! Trainers from Long Island Aquarium accompanied Bumper on this journey assisting in his acclimation this first week. Introducing animals into a new environment requires a great deal of preparation. Bumper had new trainers to meet, new pools to explore, and new friends to greet through underwater gates. The week has progressed smoothly with daily goals being met. Happily one of those goals was introducing Bumper to Satara. Both were very curious and greeted each other with plenty of nuzzling and circling. The two quickly became fast friends with Bumper proceeding to follow Satara in every direction. We thought you might enjoy a few of photo's of this first introduction....next week goals will include meeting sea lions, which will truly be a first for Bumper!  < Back to Current Events  

Pinnipeds residing in zoos and aquariums are ambassadors for their species providing us the opportunity to gain knowledge through research dedicated to learning more about marine mammals Information gained about animal behavior, life cycles, and social structure can then be applied to better understand the animal’s wild counterparts. In the process, we are able to educate the public about the animal’s natural life history and environmental concerns impacting animals in the wild. Zoos and aquariums have the ability to provide exceptional mental, physical and medical care because of our expertise and training techniques. Additionally, these environments ensure animals the protection from natural predators, pollution and harassment while providing them the benefit of a high quality diet and specialized veterinary care. Because of these efforts, we have been able to double the lifespan of the pinnipeds under our care. Seals and sea lions in zoos and aquariums typically live into their 30s with the possibility of living much longer. Life in the wild does not provide such a safe and friendly environment as wild pinnipeds only live 10-15 years on average.     Marine mammals face many challenges on a daily basis. Some of these challenges occur naturally while others are contributed by human interaction and development. Through habitat destruction, harassment, pollution, overfishing, and disease, these animals struggle to survive in their natural habitats. The most common issues impacting pinnipeds are domoic acid poisoning, pollution and entanglement, and lack of food sources due to overfishing. Each of these factors present different challenges to seals, sea lions and walruses living in the wild. Learn more about the challenges affecting pinnipeds in the wild.  Domoic Acid Poisoning Marine Debris Overfishing  

Understanding Domoic Acid Domoic acid toxicity was first discovered in the late 1980’s. Since this discovery, domoic acid poisoning has been responsible for several unusual mortality events involving seabirds and marine mammals and also has caused detrimental effects to humans who consume the toxin through shellfish consumption. The impacts of domoic acid poisoning range from nausea and headaches to more severe symptoms including neurological damage, seizures and even death. Domoic acid is a naturally occurring biotoxin that does not present danger in small quantities. It becomes dangerous when it is present in large quantities. While we are uncertain of the causes of the influx of domoic acid in our oceans, scientists are researching possible causes for the increased levels. Possible contributing factors include global climate change, eutrophication from fertilizers, agricultural and urban runoff, aquaculture activity, coastal development and consequently the increased exposure to waters and foods contaminated by domoic acid. Domoic acid is often associated with “Red Tide”. Red Tide occurs when certain phytoplankton species with reddish pigments bloom, resulting in water that appears to be colored red. Not every algae bloom is harmful, but a small number of algae species produce neurotoxins which present many challenges for animals in the wild and the ecosystems where they occur. Harmful Algae Blooms Harmful algae blooms (HABs) can occur when conditions cause specific types of algae to grow quickly forming visible patches of algae at the surface of the water. HABs can occur in all water sources from lakes, rivers, estuaries and oceans. These harmful algae blooms can cause various problems for humans, animals, plants and the environment. Algae blooms often occur in the spring, after winter storms have caused nutrients from deeper water to rise to the surface, where sunlight is present, producing favorable conditions for the growth of thousands of species of phytoplankton. Excessive algal growth can deplete oxygen and block sunlight that is vital for the survival for many aquatic species. Some of these algae blooms produce toxins that can affect the health of animals and humans. A Harmful Toxin Domoic acid is a neurotoxin produced by a few specific types of harmful algae blooms. The diatom, Psuedonitzschia australis, is a phytoplankton that causes detrimental effects in the marine environment. The alga is not detrimental to its primary consumers but becomes harmful when it is consumed by another organism. Many shellfish and other small fish consume this alga when it is blooming and then it accumulates in their bodies. The problem occurs when another member of the food chain consumes this contaminated prey source. The toxin is then biomagnified through the food chain resulting in health concerns for the animals or humans who have consumed the toxin. Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of a pollutant from one link in a food chain to another. Many of the most dangerous toxins settle to the seafloor and then are taken in by organisms that live or feed on bottom sediments. Because these compounds aren't digested, they accumulate within the animals that ingest them, and become more and more concentrated as they pass along the food chain. Top predators will have the highest concentrations of the toxin because they have eaten the most prey that has been contaminated. Domoic Acid and Its Effects Domoic acid poisoning affects the brain and causes lethargy, disorientation, seizures and may even result in death. This toxin attacks a portion of the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system that is responsible for emotion, behavior and long-term memory. The role of the hippocampus is to consolidate and organize new memories, connect emotions and senses to memories, and aide in navigation and spatial orientation. Damage to this structure affects the ability to form new memories, may cause problems with memory recall and impairs the sense of navigation with similar effects in animals as seen in humans. In humans, domoic acid causes a syndrome known as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) which is transferred through the consumption of contaminated shellfish. ASP results in nausea and vomiting while extreme cases may result in neurological symptoms including short-term memory loss, hallucinations, seizures and possible death. Most cases experience minor symptoms within 24 hours of consumption. It has been found that sea lions are the most common pinniped exposed to domoic acid poisoning due to their habitat and location of foraging sites. Sea lions are impacted by domoic acid when they consume contaminated prey sources. Sea lion pups are at risk as pregnant mothers pass the toxin onto their developing fetuses and through nursing after giving birth. The results of domoic acid toxicity are very detrimental to the infected animals. Sea lions with domoic acid poisoning often beach themselves and undergo head bobbing, disorientation and seizures. Local marine mammal rescue crews work to safely rescue and rehabilitate as many animals as possible. In most cases, rescued animals are given an electrolyte solution and medications to help control seizures. If the sick animal stabilizes, meaning the seizures stop, they begin eating consistently, their physical abilities return and blood work is normal, the animal will be cleared for release. The unfortunate truth is that though every effort is made to rehabilitate and release every rescued animal, some will survive the toxicity and others will not win the fight against the poison. We may not be able to predict the harmful algae blooms that cause domoic acid poisoning, but we can certainly learn from the animals under the care of marine mammal rescue and rehab programs such as those at the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center located in Laguna Beach, CA. The efforts of these dedicated staff members help to successfully release animals into the wild and help us learn not only about the effects of the domoic acid toxicity in marine mammals, but also the impacts it can have on humans. Marine mammals are ambassadors for their species offering us great educational value.Through animal tagging and tracking, research, and environmental impact studies, we are able to catalogue our findings to gain a better understanding of the world we live in and the interconnections of ecosystems. Scientists are able to extrapolate our findings and compare what we learn from animals to better understand people. These efforts are all completed in hope of building environmental stewardship and a great appreciation for animals and the environment.

Thank you for submitting your application!   Your application and resume have been submitted successfully and we will review them soon.   Please remember that you must submit Two Professional Letters of Recommendation for full consideration.   If you are pursuing college credit, you must also submit a letter from your Sponsoring Professor verifying your eligibility to receive college credit. These letters must be sent directly to Ocean Connections in a signed, sealed envelope or emailed directly to the Education Specialist. Please send all application materials to: Lisa Krueger Education Specialist Ocean Connections 10001 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226 For questions or more information please contact Lisa Krueger.