Following growing evidence that orca captivity causes severe welfare harms, the industry is exploring alternatives including seaside sanctuaries and educational models that reduce or eliminate the need for captive killer whales.
The scientific consensus on orca captivity has shifted dramatically. Cognitive complexity, social sophistication, and vast natural ranging behaviour make orcas among the least suitable animals for traditional aquarium captivity. The development of seaside sanctuaries — large netted coastal enclosures allowing natural movement, social interaction, and sensory enrichment without the performance demands of theme parks — represents a meaningful welfare improvement for animals that cannot be released to the wild. Supporting sanctuary development and opposing the exhibition of newly captured or bred orcas in traditional tanks is the most evidence-aligned welfare position.