USE OF TELAZOL® TO IMMOBILIZE FEMALE NORTHERN SEA LIONS (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS) IN ALASKA

Abstract

Twenty-nine female northern sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) were immobilized using Telazol in dosages ranging from 1.8 to 8.1 mg/kg. Best results were achieved with Telazol dosages during between 1.8 and 2.5 mg/kg which resulted in smooth induction and recovery. Optimal injection location was in the muscle mass of the lower back and hip. Dosages > 3.5 mg/kg resulted in a tendency, toward hypothermia. Six mortalities occurred which were partially caused by the location of drug injection and perhaps the high dosage.