Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/19/2007 - 18:40
Forums
Ask Ms. Prevenas

Dear Mrs.prevenas

the tour of the boat was cool. Hope our little naughtyInnocent friend is keeping warm& you too. What happen to the bear who is trying to keep our little friend out of trouble? I was also wondering if you gues would be able to take blood samples from animals that you have seen.

Love you always and foreverz,Kiss

Jackie Naeole Blue parrot fishWink

Fri, 04/20/2007 - 08:34

Maggie Prevenas

Hi Jackie! 
Wow. You asked the right question at the right time. I just happen to have three of the seal team right here!
 
Yes they take seal blood samples. They take the sample, put it in a centrifuge and separate the plasma from the red blood cells. They dump the heavy red blood cells and keep the plasma to check for disease.
 
They also breathe out before they dive, empty all the air from their lungs and then drop due to their weight, they sink and save that energy used for swimming.
 
They store oxygen in their muscles! So when they need oxygen it's right there where they need it.
 
Also the ribbon seal has an air bladder that nobody knows what it does. They think it might be used in mating.
 
So there are some fun facts to know about seals! They are also the favorite food of Polar Bears.
 
aloha,
 
Mrs. P