Jiggle-a-Jelly Station & Touching Protocols
We currently have moon jellies Aurelia aurelia in the Jiggle-a-Jelly touch tank.
Watch this video to learn how to set-up the Jiggle-a-Jelly station
This video goes over touching protocols for jellies
What if a guest has a reaction to the Jelly?
In the rare occurrence a guest as an adverse reaction to a jelly in the touch tank the volunteer should do the following:
1. Advise the guest to remove any tentacles by submerging/rinsing the affected area in tank water. Look for an area that does not have jellies to rinse the area.
2. After rinsing the area with tank water the guest should use the hand washing station to wash the area with soap and fresh water.
3. If the guest is still having a reaction the volunteer should radio security (channel 1) for assistance. The security guard can escort the guest to the first aid room where the guest can self-apply vinegar to the area. The security guard will also create an incident report.
4. The volunteer should let the floor supervisor know that a guest had an adverse reaction.
Accessibility Bin Usage SOP
Watch this video to learn how to set-up the Jiggle-a-Jelly station
This video goes over touching protocols for jellies
What if a guest has a reaction to the Jelly?
In the rare occurrence a guest as an adverse reaction to a jelly in the touch tank the volunteer should do the following:
1. Advise the guest to remove any tentacles by submerging/rinsing the affected area in tank water. Look for an area that does not have jellies to rinse the area.
2. After rinsing the area with tank water the guest should use the hand washing station to wash the area with soap and fresh water.
3. If the guest is still having a reaction the volunteer should radio security (channel 1) for assistance. The security guard can escort the guest to the first aid room where the guest can self-apply vinegar to the area. The security guard will also create an incident report.
4. The volunteer should let the floor supervisor know that a guest had an adverse reaction.
Accessibility Bin Usage SOP
The Maritime Aquarium has several touch tanks where visitors can touch and feel animals under the close supervision of a volunteer or educator. Some of these tanks are equipped with accessibility bins that can be used in situations where a guest may not be able to reach or otherwise access the animals in the touch tank. The protocols below should be followed when using one of these accessibility bins.
Procedure
1) Accessibility bins are only to be used for patrons that cannot access the animals in the tank. Excessive bin use may result in additional stress to the touch tank animals.
2) Animals may only be placed in an accessibility bin if they fit in the bin with room to turn around, and if they are fully submerged in the water.
3) Ensure the bin is clean before use. If necessary, bring the bin to a nearby handwashing station and rinse it out before use.
4) Make sure to fill the bin with enough water to completely submerge the animal. Ensure that the animal is completely submerged the whole time it is in the bin, do not lift the animal out of the bin to show it to patrons. If using the bin at Jiggle a Jelly, do not grab the jelly and place it in the bin – Use the bin to scoop the jelly up without touching it. Do not overfill the bin with water or it may be too heavy to carry.
5) Carefully bring the bin to the patron and allow them to touch the animal following the same rules for the touch tank. Do not use the accessibility bin to transport animals to another location in the building. The bins are only to be used in the immediate vicinity of the touch tank.
6) Each bin has a piece of electrical tape across the bottom. One side will be designated for touching the animal, the other will be designated as a refuge area. The staff using the bin can decide which end of the bin will be touch and which will be refuge. Guests are not to touch animals if they move to the refuge side of the bin.
7) Animals and their water must be changed out between use. Animals and their water should not stay in an accessibility bin for more than 5 minutes.
8) While the bin is in use, staff must place a digital thermometer in the bin and monitor the temperature throughout the 5 minutes of use. If the temperature in the bin rises by 1 degree, the animal and their water must immediately be returned to the touch tank. Digital thermometers are available at each touch tank – make sure they have a functional battery before use.
9) When done, gently place the animals and their water back in the touch tank and store the bin in its location. Do not use the bins to store items or trash.
10) If water is spilled while using the bin, please make sure to clean it up afterwards. For large spills, maintenance should be called to the tank.
Animal Husbandry Dept- Accessibility bins at touch tanks
1 point
True or False: You should advise a guest to first use vinegar on an area that is affected by a jelly sting?