Marine & Wildlife

Wild Orca Welfare in Captivity

Orca welfare in captivity has been extensively studied and debated, with a scientific consensus that their complex social and spatial needs cannot be met in marine parks.

Key Facts

Wild orca home ranges extend hundreds of kilometres in complex multi-generational family groups
Captive orca develop dental disease from chewing pool walls and have collapsed dorsal fins
Life expectancy is significantly reduced in captivity compared to wild populations
SeaWorld announced an end to orca breeding programmes in 2016 following public pressure
The last captive orca breeding programmes are being phased out as animals die naturally

Welfare Considerations

Scientific consensus is clear that captive orca welfare cannot be adequately provided in any current marine park facility. The phase-out of orca captivity represents a major welfare victory still being completed.

What You Can Do

Never visit marine parks that keep orcas or other large cetaceans in captivity
Support legislation banning cetacean captivity in your country
Donate to organisations working to establish coastal sanctuary facilities for retiring captive orcas