Keeping cetaceans and other marine mammals in captivity raises profound welfare concerns that have driven policy changes and public attitudes toward marine theme parks globally.
The welfare case against cetacean captivity has been made comprehensively by behavioural and veterinary scientists over several decades. Orcas and dolphins are cognitively complex, wide-ranging, highly social animals whose basic needs are incompatible with pool environments. The collapsed dorsal fins seen in captive male orcas — the result of reduced activity and different buoyancy conditions — are visible indicators of a system that cannot meet these animals' physical needs. Beyond physical welfare, the social and cognitive deprivation of pool environments imposes substantial psychological welfare costs. The global decline of cetacean captivity reflects a shift in public and regulatory values toward recognition of these animals' complex interests.