Occurrence of Ocular Disorders in California Sea Lions Under Human Care: Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Housing Conditions
Brehm I, Herzner S, Baumgartner K, Beckmann J, Simon R, von Fersen L (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 15
Article Number: 739
Journal Issue: 5
DOI: 10.3390/ani15050739
Abstract
This study investigated the ocular health of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) at Nuremberg Zoo, comparing those housed in freshwater pools to those in saltwater. An analysis of medical records over ten years showed no significant difference in the overall occurrence of eye diseases between the two groups. However, California sea lions in freshwater experienced a peak of eye disorders in the summer, while those in saltwater had a more consistent occurrence throughout the year. These results imply that factors such as sun exposure and water quality may play a more crucial role in ocular disease development than salinity. The study highlights the need for further research to understand these dynamics and improve care for marine mammals.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Brehm, I., Herzner, S., Baumgartner, K., Beckmann, J., Simon, R., & von Fersen, L. (2025). Occurrence of Ocular Disorders in California Sea Lions Under Human Care: Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Housing Conditions. Animals, 15(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050739
MLA:
Brehm, Ingrid, et al. "Occurrence of Ocular Disorders in California Sea Lions Under Human Care: Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Housing Conditions." Animals 15.5 (2025).
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