Since OPCFHK started cetacean stranding investigations in 2006, 30% of the cases were found with human-caused injuries. While entanglement, boat strikes and infections have been identified as the three major human-related factors threatening survivals of cetaceans in Hong Kong waters, most carcasses found are severely decomposed and only 10% of the causes of death can be determined.

With the opening of the new facility, Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong (OPCFHK) will be able to further investigate stranding cases and process more samples for laboratory analysis to fill the knowledge gaps.

Training

and

Education

The HKMLSEC is a unique medium to consolidate valuable stranding response skills, develop training resources, and facilitate local and regional research. It provides a platform for experts on the regional stranding network to exchange knowledge and skills to ensure high quality animal care and wildlife conservation in Asia.

The HKMLSEC also aims to inspire and train a new generation of scientists and conservationists. Through hands-on experiences and workshops, OPCFHK hopes to give the public an opportunity to learn more about stranding response operations and research, while expanding its conservation education efforts.

• Maximum capacity: 250kg
• Both live and deceased animals can be scanned
• Device can scan and examine if an animal has ingested plastic or foreign objects
• Provide images of any internal injuries such as bone fractures and lesions in internal organs

• Allows immediate inspection for diagnosis
• Device is portable, enabling veterinarians to scan areas that are hard to reach
• Traditional X-ray procedures such as film changing and animal reposition are no longer required
• Digital data facilitates better storage and sharing with external experts

• Temperature: 4°C
• Temporary storage of stranded carcasses

• Temperature: -22°C
• Long term storage of stranding case samples

• An organised workstation for gross examination and section of specimens after postmortem. Tissue samples will be preserved in formalin at the workstation
• Equipped with continuous mechanical ventilation (both backdraft and downdraft exhaust) to protect the operator during sample handling from harmful vapours
• Also equipped with a water supply, sink, formalin container and a waste container to minimise biohazards or chemical risks

• The digital slide scanning system is an essential and state-of-the-art instrument in a model histology laboratory
• Enables the digitisation of histopathology glass slides, which can then be viewed, copied and shared in original quality without risk of damage or loss to the conventional glass slides
• Digital images can be easily shared with overseas research facilities and institutes for further consultation and collaboration, and will be securely stored and categorised on database as part of the laboratory information system

• Used for biohazard risks like working with microbial agents (bacteria and viruses, etc.), and biological agents treated with minute quantities of volatile toxic chemicals and high levels of organic compound to ensure no harmful particles will be released into the environment

• Equipped with digital imaging capture attachments for routine clinical or biological examination of histology and cytology of stranded animal body fluid and tissue samples
• Allows viewing and sharing of microscopic images via Wi-Fi stream for educational purposes