*****
Summary of Transcript:
The video showcases Spencer, a ring seal, who is one of the smallest ice-dependent seal species in the world. The video details how Spencer’s flippers are adapted for hauling out and digging through ice to build layers. The trainer showcases various behaviors of Spencer, such as the “down” behavior, which allows for a full body examination, and conditioning Spencer to accept tactile touch. The video also emphasizes the importance of being able to examine the entire body of the seal to ensure their health and well-being. The facility is one of only three in North America that holds these species, and they come through their wildlife response program, deemed non-releasable, allowing the facility to study and learn more about these cryptic species found in the arctic.
*****
Summary of Description:
A Mammalogist named Shelby in ASLC is training a ringed seal named Spencer. This was captured on video.
*****
Ringed Seals: the Adorable Arctic Seals
Have you ever seen a seal that looks like it is wearing a white crown on top of its head? That is none other than the charming ringed seal! These seals are native to the Arctic and subarctic regions and are the smallest of all seal species.
Meet Spencer and Mammalogist Shelby
Recently, a video surfaced on YouTube featuring a ringed seal named Spencer and Mammalogist Shelby from the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). In the video, Spencer is partaking in a training session under the guidance of Shelby, who is a seal expert at ASLC.
Training with Spencer
As the video unfolds, you can see Spencer eagerly swimming towards the target that Shelby is holding, eventually clamping down its teeth on the target. Shelby rewards Spencer with a tasty fish and, after a bit of playtime, starts the training session again.
Adorable Ringed Seals
The video showcases the adorable nature of ringed seals, with their wide-eyed expressions and playful demeanor. And even though they might look like they have white crowns on top of their heads, it’s actually their spots on their dark fur that form a ring-like pattern that gives them their name.
Protecting the Arctic Habitat
Ringed seals are integral to the Arctic food chain and play a critical role in the ecosystem. However, their habitat and way of life are under significant threat due to climate change and the melting of sea ice. This is where ASLC plays a crucial role in researching and rehabilitating these adorable creatures.
Conclusion
Watching Spencer and Shelby interact in the video is not only heartwarming but is also a glimpse into the incredible work ASCL does in protecting creatures like ringed seals. It’s a reminder that we all need to do our part in preserving our environment and preventing the loss of such unique and adorable species.
*****
See Original Source
Source Description
Let’s talk about ringed seals with an ASLC Mammalogist!
Spencer the ringed seal is participating in a training session with Mammalogist Shelby, who is one of our resident seal experts at the ASLC.
Music code: 9PVNFZEK4WFWTIVF
animals,cute animals,animal training,zookeeper traning,seals,ringed seals,ice seals,training seals,animal behavior
