Keeping whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals in captivity raises profound welfare questions. The evidence base on captive marine mammal welfare has grown substantially in recent decades.
Captive cetaceans face irremediable welfare challenges. Space is so limited relative to their natural ranges that physical and psychological needs cannot be met. Orcas that travel hundreds of kilometres daily in wild pods are confined to pools a fraction of a kilometre across. The resulting stereotypies, aggression, and shortened lifespans are evidence of welfare failure that cannot be solved by improved facilities within the bounds of captive settings. Smaller cetaceans face similar constraints to a lesser degree, but still experience profound spatial and social deprivation. Public support for captive cetacean welfare improvements has led to significant industry change.