The keeping of dolphins, orcas, and other cetaceans in captivity has been the subject of intense scientific and ethical debate, with mounting evidence of welfare harm in many facilities.
The evidence base for welfare harm in captive cetaceans is now substantial. Curved dorsal fins in captive orcas indicate physical and possibly psychological deterioration. Aggressive incidents at marine parks and high mortality rates tell a consistent story. While some facilities have shifted to rescue and rehabilitation without public display, entertainment-focused cetacean facilities cause predictable and preventable suffering to highly sentient animals.