Ethics Guidelines
Part A - Guidelines for Projects Involving Work on Free-living Vertebrates
Section 3 - Transport and Restraint
3.1 Seals
In the event of antarctic pinnipeds needing to be transported or restrained for prolonged periods, consideration should be made of wind and temperature, disturbance to the animal and prevention of injury to the animal and operators. Transportation or containment cages may be constructed of wood or metal but should be of sufficient strength, allow good visual and manual access to the animal. allow for rapid release of the animal even if the crate is overturned, have no internal protrusions and have good ventilation while still protecting the animal from disturbing visual stimuli. Transportation should be in accordance with the NHMRC Australian Code of Practice (6th ed. 1997) at Chapter 4.2 and with the current IATA regulations.
Transport or prolonged restraint should be conducted according to the advice of a veterinarian experienced in the transport of wild animals. Sedation should be used at the discretion of and under the direct supervision of the veterinarian.
During restraint of seals a major problem is the animal over heating. Hyperthermia can be caused in fur seals as a result of exertion and anxiety or calm, sunny conditions. Seals are able to shunt blood to their flippers when hot so regular monitoring of the hind flippers gives an indication of the onset of hyperthermia. The flippers should be doused with cool water whenever they feel warmer than human blood temperature.
3.2 Penguins
Transporting penguins away from their colonies will inevitably cause distress and so should be avoided unless absolutely necessary and only undertaken if covered by a permit. The recommended procedure is to place penguins in a well ventilated cardboard box large enough to allow unrestrained movement (one penguin per box to minimise injury to the birds). Make provisions and preparations for transportation by using appropriate pet carriers.
Restraint within the box should not be necessary, but the penguin being transported should be watched at all times and the temperature of the vehicle maintained at ambient air temperatures. If the bird shows any signs of distress it should be returned to its place of capture immediately. Ensure pilots and/or drivers operate vehicles slowly and carefully at all times, and that noise is kept to an absolute minimum.
Sedation could be given after consultation with a veterinarian experienced in transport of wild animals or avian medicine.
Flying birds should be placed inside a cloth bag after capture and transported inside a well ventilated cardboard box. Flying birds should be transported this way with only one bird per bag. More than one bird can be placed in the cardboard box, but be careful not to overcrowd the box. Do not hold the bird in the bag with your hands, instead allow the bird to settle and sit in the bag on its own.
Birds should be watched at all times during transportation and the temperature of the vehicle maintained at ambient air temperatures. Make provisions and preparations for transportations by using appropriate pet carriers available from veterinarians in Australia.
(ASP & C)May 2002
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