Captive dolphins and orcas in marine parks demonstrate behavioral and health indicators of poor welfare compared to wild counterparts, driving legislative restrictions on cetacean captivity globally.
The evidence that cetacean captivity causes profound welfare harm is now extensive and consistent: physiological stress indicators, drastically shortened lifespan, high prevalence of stereotypic behaviors, and the fundamental impossibility of meeting animals' behavioral and social needs in pool environments. The scale of space mismatch - orcas may swim 100 km daily in the wild - cannot be addressed by any conceivable pool design. Policy progress has been meaningful: new captures from the wild are banned across most Western jurisdictions, and breeding programs are being phased out. The remaining challenge is the existing captive population, for whom genuine sanctuary environments are the most welfare-positive option.