Species

• Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)

• Elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris)

Behavioral Goal

The Kelp Jug simulates foraging habitats in the water column (bottom or benthic) feeding. It promotes species-typical foraging skills, cognitive skills (learning how to get the fish), and encourages breath-holding.

Common behaviors include vibrissae contact with float and manipulate different aspects of kelp jug with flippers. Will push on jug to manipulate fish out of the jug. May stick snout into holes.

Supplies

• 1 x 5-8lb dive weight

• 2 pieces of 5’ kelp

• 2 8x5” pool floats

• Water jug with 4” holes cut and smoothed

• Paracord