ABSTRACT
Methods for hand-rearing marine mammals have improved over the last decade, especially for cetaceans (Townsend, 1999). Species from common dolphins (
Delphinus delphis
) to gray whales (
Eschrichtius robustus
) have been successfully hand-reared on artificial formulas. With some of the more commonly hand-reared species, such as harbor seals (
Phoca vitulina
), comparative studies of growth following use of different formulas have been conducted (Sanderson, 1999). In species infrequently hand-reared, such as cetaceans and polar bears (
Ursus maritimus
), data are gathered from the successful, usually individual, case reports. In recent years, detailed analyses of formulas have been utilized to develop optimal diets for each species. This chapter includes suggestions for formula selection and preparation, practical tips for hand rearing, and advice on weaning procedures to help facilitate a successful outcome. However, for each species, the reader is advised to seek advice from colleagues with experience hand-rearing the species of concern, since hand-rearing is as much an art as a science.
