The truths about the animals in our care

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The truths about the animals in our care

We urge you: Share the facts, not misinformation and click-bait. 

We’ve noticed some conversations on social media about the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary that could benefit from clarification.  While we respect people’s right to express their views, we believe it’s essential to address some of the misinformation being spread.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary prides itself on using evidence-based responses to demonstrate proof of animal welfare and has an animal care approach based on scientific findings versus objective views.  

We ask our supporters to share the facts. Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Managing Director, Tiga Cross says: “Let’s start the conversation – but let’s do it with a grounding of truth and facts.” 

Animal welfare versus animal rights

Animal Care Australia states that ‘Animal welfare and animal rights differ based on one key aspect: animal welfare is a fact-driven approach to our relationship with animals, whereas animal rights take an ideological approach.”  

Animal welfare, broadly accepted, refers to ‘quality of life’, the opportunities for positive experiences made available to an animal, and how well an animal is coping with or responding to their environment. This is measured with scientific outcomes-based observable facts. Read Animal welfare vs animal rights – Animal Care Australia 

Below are some of the most recent statements been presented about Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary and our responses to this information  

“Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is misleadingly named”

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary provides a safe, enriched environment for animals based on ethical care standards and scientific evidence. Our name reflects our mission to offer sanctuary for these animals, ensuring their well-being is our top priority.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary inherited many of the animals and continues to provide sanctuary to protect them from the threat they would face in the wild.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a welfare-accredited institution under the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). We have received commendable mentions for our animal welfare business model. Additionally, independent studies by Dr Isabella Clegg, marine biologist and animal behaviour and welfare expert, with the C-Well Assessment, specific to cetaceans, has confirmed our high standards.  

If you want to learn more about animal welfare and ZAA Accreditation, visit: https://www.zooaquarium.org.au/public/Public/Animal-Welfare/Animal-welfare.aspx 

Learn more about The C-Well Assessment | Animal Welfare Expertise 

“Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary exploits animals.”

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organisation and its vision and mission is “to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife while fostering a culture of conservation and respect for Australia’s unique fauna”.  

Through partnerships and community engagement, we aspire to create a safe environment for wildlife and inspire future generations to cherish and protect the natural world. 

 The sanctuary is just one part of the wildlife management process. As a not-for-profit facility, money raised is used to go back into supporting the animals, their care and conservation, research and education.  

Further reading:  
The Role of Zoos and Aquariums in a Changing World | Annual Reviews     

(PDF) Short Communication: The Importance of Modern Zoos and Animal Sanctuaries in Promoting Wildlife Conservation and Education 

“Dolphins were bred in captivity for profit.”

Bella, Zippy and Jet were born at the facility during the previous ownership, these individuals cannot be released back to the wild.  

As the last facility in New South Wales permitted to house dolphins under Government regulations prohibiting the further importation and breeding of dolphins in human care, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is fully committed to providing lifelong, high-quality care for these individuals. 

Read more about why Zippy, Bella and Jet are in our care: https://coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au/news/setting-the-story-straight-about-sea-pen-feasibility/   

 All funds raised and generated through visitation is used for the care and wellbeing of the resident animals. Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organisation.  

The cost of rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals is enormous. For example, rescuing and rehabilitate just one injured turtle costs over $2,000. At Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, we rely on support from individuals, businesses and government organisations to help fund the work that we do.  

“The owners have forgotten these are sentient animals.”

At Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary we recognise the intelligence and welfare needs of the animals in our care. Our programs emphasise mental and physical enrichment, and regularly assessed to maintain the highest standards of care.  

We use a science and evidence-based animal welfare assessment model used by all ZAA-Accredited zoos and aquariums.  Animal welfare assessment using the Five Domains Model recognises that animals can experience a range of feelings from negative to positive.  At Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, we actively promote positive experiences for the animals in our care, and monitor, measure and assess the welfare outcomes on a daily basis.   

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (CCWS) takes a proactive stance to animal husbandry and welfare to ensure that we provide the highest standard of care for animals at the Sanctuary, and to prevent potential issues arising: 

  1. Adherence to Best Practices: CCWS follows strict guidelines set by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), ensuring adherence to some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. These guidelines cover all aspects of animal care, housing, and enrichment to minimise stress and promote overall health. 
  2. Regular Audits and Assessments: The Sanctuary undergoes routine audits and external assessments by experts to evaluate and maintain the quality of care provided to its marine animals. 
  3. Comprehensive Behavioral Programs: Dolphins and sea lions participate in a wide range of behavioral programs designed to promote enrichment and wellbeing. Program activities such as play, environmental enrichment, and mock foraging encourage natural behaviours and keep the animals mentally and physically engaged. 
  4. Health and Welfare Monitoring: The animals voluntarily participate in their own health care routines, allowing for regular monitoring of their physical condition. This proactive approach helps to detect, and prevent issues like suppressed immune systems, digestive problems, and skin irritation early. 
  5. Social Interactions: Social enrichment with humans and other species is prioritised, ensuring that animals experience positive and stimulating interactions. This reduces stress and fosters emotional well-being. 
  6. Expert Veterinary Care: Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary works with specialised marine veterinarians to provide expert care tailored to the unique needs of dolphins and sea lions , ensuring any health concerns are promptly and effectively addressed. 

By combining strict regulatory compliance, enrichment programs, and advanced veterinary care, CCWS ensures the highest possible welfare for the dolphins and sea lions in its care. 

You can learn more about our enrichment programs here: https://coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au/news/managing-the-welfare-of-the-animals-in-our-care-a-commitment-to-excellence/   

“There are no rescued dolphins”

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary took over the facility in 2023. Zippy, Bella and Jet were born here under previous ownership, originating from rescued dolphins. We have inherited these animals and do not breed.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is focusing on providing a comfortable and enriched life while aiding in education for their species. We conduct volunteer marine rescue workshops where volunteers are taught how to handle marine animals in strandings events and rescues.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary attends hundreds of calls for wildlife rescues and has been successful in the rehabilitation of wildlife including dolphins.  

These three resident dolphins; Zippy, Bella and Jet have indirectly saved many wild animals lives through training of marine wildlife rescuers along the Mid North Coast.  

Learn more here about our animal rescues: Rescue – Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary 

Read more about why these three dolphins are in our care: https://coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au/news/setting-the-story-straight-about-sea-pen-feasibility/  

“Dolphins and seals perform circus-style tricks for tourists.”

Our animal enrichment activities and training involves positive reinforcement and mental stimulation. Activities include cooperative care demonstrations (e.g., health checks) and natural behaviors like echolocation exercises. These practices enhance their physical and cognitive well-being. Some non-natural behaviours that are trained can be mentally or physically stimulating to the animals and are included as part of their enrichment program.  

 Is training zoo animals enriching? – ScienceDirect 

These training processes are also extremely important for promoting animal welfare during health checks.  Many facilities with animals are transitioning into animal training rather than traditional methods of restraint or sedation for routine veterinary procedures as it is often less stressful on the animal. 

“Animals are forced to perform unnatural acts”

No animal at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is forced to do anything. We use positive reinforcement to train a variety of behaviours designed to engage their cognitive functions and provide enrichment. See above answers about the welfare benefits of our enrichment programs. 

You might also be interested to read:  Frontiers | Dolphins’ Willingness to Participate (WtP) in Positive Reinforcement Training as a Potential Welfare Indicator, Where WtP Predicts Early Changes in Health Status 

“Noisy events cause stress for captive marine life.”

We closely monitor animal behavior and welfare during all events. Evening functions are carefully regulated, and our experienced team ensures compliance with all guidelines, including noise levels.  

See here for Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary management of care: Managing the welfare of the animals in our care: a commitment to excellence – Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary 

“The water is chlorinated.”

The Truth: Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary marine mammal habitats comply with strict DPI standards, which state animal swimming water must have a disinfection agent to preserve water quality.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary does use chlorine and it is tested 3 times a day to ensure it meets this requirement. The amount of chlorine present is actually less than Coffs Harbour Drinking water of less than 0.5 ppm.  

This agent is very important to maintain the health of the animals by helping break down faecal matter and bacteria. We also use High-quality filtration systems and we regularly pump fresh sea water from the ocean for the animals.  

The presents of the chlorine does not cause ill effects on the dolphins at the levels maintained. 

“The water looks dirty - is there algae?”

The presence of algae is a good sign of water quality. Too much chlorine and the habitats would be stark and blue. The algae allow a thin coating of green which is more natural for the animals. 

“The pool is smaller than legal standards.”

The original Discovery habitat was built in the 1970s, prior to when standards for exhibited animals existed.  

However, the facility, which now includes an adjoining second habitat, which Zippy, Bella and Jet can move between at their discretion, was built to these new standards set by the Department of Primary Industries.  

The Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary facilities are suitable to house up to five dolphins, however we have three in our care.   

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to going beyond animal welfare, ethical and regulatory standards, codes, policies, and procedures as well as improving those standards and conducting a science-based approach to understand animal needs and welfare to create best practices within the zoology sector. Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to the growth of animal welfare. 

Why don’t we feed live fish?

The feeding of live vertebrates is illegal in Australia, and it is the same reason you don’t see zebras being fed to lions. Live feeding can cause stress, pain, and poor welfare for the prey and sometimes the predator.  

Health concerns around eating live prey can also include disease risk and health concerns. All of the animals at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary are fed the highest standard of human-quality food and have strict guidelines on how often and what they eat.  

The animals are fed a large range of species with different nutritional contents. We provide enrichment programs to encourage foraging behavior such as puzzle feeders to replicate natural behaviours of program solving 

Each animal has a tailored diet, made just for them. Each one monitored daily for optimal health. 

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary uses a system to make sure the animals are regularly checked for daily kilojoules and weight ranges for their life stages. 

“Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary supports the capture of wild dolphins from Taji”

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary does not support the capture of wild dolphins to facilities, and we urge visitors to do their research when visiting overseas facilities. Australia has very high standards of welfare for both facilities and wild dolphin swims.  

“Could you keep a dolphin that was permanently injured?”

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has the capability to support injured marine animals, and its aim is to rehabilitate and release them back to the wild.  

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is licensed to house dolphins at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary under DPIE and adheres to all the relevant standards and legislation, confirmed by regular auditing.   

If an animal is unfit to be released back to the wild, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is licensed for it to stay onsite. There are strict guidelines to be followed and be authorization from Government Authorities, and it is not a Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary decision. 

As a non-profit sanctuary, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary prioritizes the welfare of its animals above all else. The dolphins in our care will remain at the sanctuary for the foreseeable future, supported by comprehensive enrichment programs, expert veterinary care, and adherence to strict welfare standards set by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA). 

We are committed to transparency and ethical care. Thank you for supporting Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary and helping to spread the truth about our sanctuary. We encourage you to come and experience our animal welfare first-hand. Visit us, and see for yourself how our experienced, learned and dedicated team are caring for and enriching the animals in our care each day. 

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