BP Funds PBI Hearing Study
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Hudson Bay Helicopters of Churchill, Manitoba, donated the headphones for the project. Team technicians are rewiring and modifying these for the hearing study. The headphones block out background noise to ensure that the bears react only to the sounds being tested.
"The mobile lab we are developing for the project is very exciting," says Owen, "as it can later be modified for use with other animals."
Team Work
Owen has spent nearly 15 years on projects related to human disturbances of animals. She assembled a stellar scientific team to work with her on the project. Members include Dr. Ann Bowles, a bio-acoustical scientist with the Hubb-Sea World Research Institute in San Diego; Dr. Ron Swaisgood, a behavioral ecologist from the San Diego Zoo; two technicians from Hubb-Sea World: Sam Denes, a bio-engineer who is designing the electrical components of the headset, and Jennifer Keating, who is developing the headset's sound isolation and comfort components. JoAnne Simerson, the study’s lead trainer, will lead the animal care team, which includes Gaylene Thomas, lead keeper; and Kelly Murphy, keeper.
"Training is essential to the success of this project," says Owen. "The science just can't be done if the animals can't be trained. We're extremely lucky to have JoAnne."
Owen expects testing to be completed on the first bear in six to eight months. After that, the team will test the San Diego Zoo's other polar bear, followed by the three bears at Sea World. "The great thing about polar bears is that they're so intelligent," she says. "We expect to be able to move through the study fairly quickly because of this."
Owen says that she's excited to be working with PBI on the project. "I love the way PBI is bridging the gap between industry and the needs of animals," she says. "This study will provide important information on which activities are okay."
"The mobile lab we are developing for the project is very exciting," says Owen, "as it can later be modified for use with other animals."
Team Work
Owen has spent nearly 15 years on projects related to human disturbances of animals. She assembled a stellar scientific team to work with her on the project. Members include Dr. Ann Bowles, a bio-acoustical scientist with the Hubb-Sea World Research Institute in San Diego; Dr. Ron Swaisgood, a behavioral ecologist from the San Diego Zoo; two technicians from Hubb-Sea World: Sam Denes, a bio-engineer who is designing the electrical components of the headset, and Jennifer Keating, who is developing the headset's sound isolation and comfort components. JoAnne Simerson, the study’s lead trainer, will lead the animal care team, which includes Gaylene Thomas, lead keeper; and Kelly Murphy, keeper.
"Training is essential to the success of this project," says Owen. "The science just can't be done if the animals can't be trained. We're extremely lucky to have JoAnne."
Owen expects testing to be completed on the first bear in six to eight months. After that, the team will test the San Diego Zoo's other polar bear, followed by the three bears at Sea World. "The great thing about polar bears is that they're so intelligent," she says. "We expect to be able to move through the study fairly quickly because of this."
Owen says that she's excited to be working with PBI on the project. "I love the way PBI is bridging the gap between industry and the needs of animals," she says. "This study will provide important information on which activities are okay."
Page 2 of 2