The welfare of dolphins and whales in captivity has become one of the most debated topics in animal welfare ethics. The evidence strongly suggests captivity cannot meet their needs.
Captive cetacean welfare evidence has become increasingly clear: the spaces available in even the largest marine parks cannot adequately meet the behavioral, social, and cognitive needs of animals evolved for open ocean life. Orcas that travel hundreds of miles daily in multigenerational family pods experience captivity as severe behavioral and social deprivation. The physical evidence of this deprivation — collapsed dorsal fins, skin lesions, abnormal teeth wear from stereotypic bar chewing — is visible to any visitor. The documentary Blackfish brought this evidence to broad public attention and triggered significant shifts in public attitudes and corporate policies. Accredited sanctuaries providing ocean pen retirement for orcas and dolphins represent the most welfare-positive option for individuals already in captivity.