Man’s best friend may be the dog but
today, a sailor’s best friend is a marine mammal. I know; this is a very controversial subject but let's just look at some facts.
Sea lions and dolphins served in the
military during the first Iraqi war. The animals were used to detect mine
fields that were placed to blow up American ships. Contrary to some reports,
the marine mammals are treated very well. They are given the best food and
their trainers are with them night and day. They are too expensive and too important to be treated badly.
Because these animals work in open
water without the supervision of the trainer the marine mammal will only return
to the ship if it wants to. Training is based on a bond of trust between the marine mammal and the trainer. The work has to be fun and mentally
stimulating as well or the marine mammals lose interest. remember, they are intelligent animals and get bored with routine.
This dolphin is carrying a camera on
its flipper and signaling that it has finished its photo mission. The sea lion
is fitting a recovery line to lost equipment.
The Navy doesn’t take any chances
with injuring their ‘divers’ because training is too expensive and replacements
can take years to train.
Sea lions have the advantage over
dolphins in being able to climb into boats and helicopters; dolphins have to be
transported in large tanks of water or follow their trainer’s speed boats.
Civilians have
been working with sea lions for search and rescue in open water. Some research
facilities now take their dolphins into the ocean for exercise. They return to
their pens when they have had enough and want to spend time with their
trainers.
Dr. Ted
explained, “This kind of work with marine mammals requires a lot of careful
interaction with the animals. They have to trust us as much or more than they
trust a member of their own species. Working as partners with marine mammals is
probably the best part of my job.”
