Keeping dolphins and whales in captivity for entertainment causes severe welfare harms due to their complex intelligence, social needs, and huge natural ranges.
Cetaceans are among the most cognitively complex animals, with large brains, complex social structures, and culture. Tank life prevents natural ranging, social complexity, and sound communication. Echolocation in small tanks causes disorientation. Stress leads to aggression between animals. Captive orcas have shortened lifespans compared to wild populations. Many countries have banned cetacean captivity.