The welfare of dolphins and orcas in captivity has been debated intensively. Scientific evidence, documentaries, and legislative action have driven significant changes in the industry since the 2010s.
Captive cetacean welfare is severely compromised by the fundamental mismatch between the ecological requirements of wide-ranging, highly social, acoustically complex animals and the constraints of tank environments. Stereotypic swimming, aggression, tooth wear from chewing concrete, and early mortality are documented welfare indicators. The conservation case for captive cetaceans is weak — aquaria are not managed as conservation populations for wild release. The welfare science supporting the end of captive cetacean entertainment is now comprehensive and has successfully driven legislative and corporate changes.