Impact On Orcas In

Captivity
By: Harriet Stephens
Orcas
- The orca, also called killer whale, is a toothed
whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of
which it is the largest member. It is the only
extant species in the genus Orcinus and is
recognizable by its black-and-white patterned
body.
- At facilities like SeaWorld, the roughly seven-meter
long, 4,500-kilogram animals are kept in cramped
enclosures, often completely alien to their natural
habitats. Orcas in captivity often display signs of
chronic stress and extreme boredom, such as
listlessness, stomach ulcers, and self-injury.
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Orcas have been caught and taken from their natural habitats
since 1961.
Captured From The
Wild
■ One of the most infamous was the mass capture
in Penn Cove, Washington.
■ On August 8, 1970, a total of seven whales were taken
from L pod (one of the resident orca pods), while 5
died in the process. Among the captures, Lolita is the
last remaining survivor.
Health Concerns
• It is also well-documented that captive marine mammals engage in harmful stereotypic
behaviours such as gnawing on tank walls or gates. At least 160 orcas have died in captivity,
even more if stillbirths are counted. However even among the survivors, health issues are
abound. Most notably are the dorsal fin collapse in male orcas, as well as tooth damage in
captive orcas. It is thought that male dorsal fin collapse is the result of the orcas’ inability to
swim in straight lines and develop musculature that would be common when swimming in the
open ocean.
• Severe dental issues present themselves in almost all captive orcas, who often chew on bars or
walls out of frustration.
• To prevent infection, their teeth are drilled and left unfilled, requiring daily flushing and
sometimes antibiotic treatment. When those orcas become ill, they may be resistant to antibiotics
due to those regular treatments. Resistant strains of pneumonia and other infections have been
the cause of death for numerous captive orcas.
• Female orcas in captivity have been impregnated at ages as young as 8, while in the wild the
average age for reproduction is 15. 
 Breeding
• Females are impregnated repeatedly, not allowing
for a normal period after giving birth to raise their
calf. Calves and mothers are separated, with
calves being transported to other facilities, even
though in the wild they may have remained
together for life.
• orcas suffer from stillbirth or miscarriage. One
orca was mated with her own son, which would
not take place in the wild. Captive mothers have
been documented rejecting or even attacking their
own calf.
 Aggressive
Behaviour
• In captivity there have been four deaths and numerous other
“incidents”. Tilikum, was deemed responsible for three of
those deaths. While it is impossible to say why these acts
take place, the stress of captivity is thought to be the reason. 
• Rake marks are often found on most orcas in captivity, orcas
get aggressive with other orcas and rake their teeth along the
side of them, with nowhere to swim in their cage the orcas
cannot escape being hurt by other whales.