The global movement to reform marine mammal captivity has achieved significant milestones, with increasing numbers of facilities phasing out cetacean shows and exploring sanctuary alternatives.
The moral and scientific case against large cetacean captivity is strong and increasingly reflected in public opinion and regulatory trends. The welfare science shows clearly that orcas and other large cetaceans cannot have their needs adequately met in captive facilities. Progress toward ending captive cetacean breeding and transitioning existing animals to sea sanctuaries represents genuine welfare improvement at scale.