Keeping dolphins, orcas, and other cetaceans in captivity has faced increasing scrutiny. Evidence from welfare science supports major restrictions on marine mammal captivity.
The evidence that large cetaceans cannot have their welfare needs met in captivity is now robust. Orcas travel up to 160km per day in the wild; even the largest aquarium tanks provide a fraction of this space. The social complexity of orca family groups cannot be replicated in captivity. The chronic stress experienced by captive cetaceans is reflected in stereotypic behaviours, shortened lifespans, and collapsed dorsal fins in orcas. The trend in advanced jurisdictions toward banning cetacean captivity reflects a welfare judgment — reinforced by strong scientific evidence — that these animals cannot have adequate lives in aquarium environments regardless of the quality of human care.