The welfare of orcas and dolphins in captivity is among the most debated topics in animal ethics. Evidence of psychological harm, shortened lifespans, and stereotypic behaviour has driven significant policy and consumer changes.
The evidence that large, cognitively complex, social cetaceans suffer in captivity is substantial. Orcas and dolphins evolved for life in open ocean, travelling tens to hundreds of kilometres daily in complex social groups. Captive environments cannot replicate this spatial or social complexity. Chronic stress is documented through elevated cortisol, aggressive behaviour, and stereotypic movement. The welfare case against new cetacean captivity is strong, while existing animals cannot simply be released — retirement to large ocean sea sanctuaries represents the most welfare-positive option.