Captive dolphins and whales in marine parks face severe welfare challenges due to their complex social structures and vast natural ranging requirements. Reform and transition to sanctuaries offers better welfare.
The welfare of captive cetaceans is among the most clearly documented and morally unambiguous cases in animal welfare. Orcas in captivity live dramatically shorter lives, develop dental problems from biting on concrete, show collapsed dorsal fins, exhibit stereotypic behaviors, and suffer from social stress when incompatible individuals are housed together. The cognitive and social complexity of cetaceans makes the gulf between their needs and what captivity can provide especially stark. Sea sanctuaries that allow former captive animals to live in natural ocean waters with minimal performance requirements represent the best available welfare option for animals unable to be released to fully wild conditions.