Present Condition of Marine Mammals Show Centers of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the present condition of marine mammals’ parks and therapy centers in Turkey and their living conditions in these centers. For this purpose, in 2007, a survey program was carried out in Aydın-Kuşadası, Muğla-Bodrum and Marmaris, Antalya- Kaş- Kemer-Beldibi and Serik where centers are located. Age, length, weight, sex, diet, habitats and health condition parameters of the mammals were determined. It was seen that 12 dolphins, 6 seals, 3 white whales, a California Sea Lion and 1walrus had been imported for the Centers. Twenty five out of 35 dolphin individuals were examined and it was determined that females and males comprised of 28 and 72 % respectively. The mean age was 12.26 years and mean weight 170 kg. Dolphins and seals 8 kg of food consumed per day at summers, 12 kg winters. This value was determined to be 20 kg for California Sea Lion and walrus. Consists almost exclusively of foreign staff working at these facilities and most of them (85 %), Russia and Ukraine are determined. Marmaris facility completely mental and physical disabilities have been identified for therapy services provided. Other facilities mainly were established for show purposes, in addition to established for therapy.