Orca Captivity Research Paper

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Orcas also known as Killer Whales, have remained a fascination to adults and children alike. Many cultures have even incorporated them into their religious beliefs. Anyone who has seen an Orca up close is amazed at the power, strength, and beauty of the mysterious creature. Because of this attraction, Orcas have been hunted, captured, and then put into captivity. They have wowed large crowds at amusement parks around the world, but to what cost. On numerous occasions Orcas have turned on their trainers and attacked and even killed them. We must ask ourselves why. As research shows, that even we enjoy observing Orcas up close it is without doubt that keeping them in captivity is detrimental to their health and happiness.
The captivity of Orca Whales first took place in the 1960s. At that time the whales were captured in their own habitat and then transported to aquariums and amusement parks around the world. Since then many were born and died in captivity. It is estimated that there are around 40 Orcas in captivity currently. Because Orcas are such social …show more content…
Dr. Naomi Rose, an outspoken marine mammal advocate has stated that putting an Orca in a cement tank renders the animal deaf and dumb. Because they use soundwaves to navigate and communicate, being confined in a cement tank is confusing because those soundwaves bounce off the walls of the tank rather than travel through water. Putting an Orca Whale in such a small space is like putting a human in a bathtub. The whales are put into small holding cages with strange whales from other pods. This results in whales attacking and even killing each other. In captivity 60 to 90 percent of Orcas develop dorsal fin collapse. Orcas in the wild typically live to be 30 to 50 years old. In captivity they live around 25 years. Because they are such social animals, more social even then humans, their health and mental state deteriorates
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