Public aquariums house millions of marine animals, from fish to sharks to octopuses to marine mammals. Welfare standards vary greatly and the educational mission of aquariums is scrutinized for whether it justifies keeping animals in captivity.
Aquarium welfare varies from very poor to genuinely good, depending on institutional commitment and species housed. Large, cognitively complex animals like sharks, rays, and marine mammals present the greatest welfare challenges in captive settings. Best practice aquariums increasingly design exhibits around behavioral needs rather than visitor viewing preferences and provide enrichment and choice within exhibits. The tension between conservation education mission and individual animal welfare is real and requires ongoing negotiation.