The era of cetacean display in entertainment parks is declining as public opinion shifts and welfare science confirms the inadequacy of captive environments for these wide-ranging animals.
The evidence that tanks and pools are inadequate for wide-ranging, socially complex cetaceans is now overwhelming. The welfare case for sea pen sanctuaries - where animals can experience a more natural environment while remaining under human care - is compelling. The challenge is developing sufficient sanctuary infrastructure before the last captive animals reach end of life.