February, 2010

The recent attack by Tilikum on his trainer in SeaWorld highlights the serious risks that keeping wild predators in captivity poses to humans and animals.

The news that a captive SeaWorld orca (killer whale) named Tilikum attacked and killed his trainer has shocked Americans. What is tragic about this incident is that it’s not the first time a captive marine mammal has attacked a human. Tilikum’s repeated aggressive behavior reveals the serious welfare risk to both people and animals for the sake of entertainment.

Keep wild animals in the wild

Despite their portrayal by the captivity industry as happy, friendly and playful animals, orcas and dolphins are predators. In the wild, these animals often express aggression toward other animals and are sometimes violent. Orcas are well known for their predatory behavior and have been recorded killing a wide variety of marine mammals, including seals. There was an incident at SeaWorld San Diego in 1989 when a female orca attacked another orca during a show. Forty-five minutes later, one of the orcas was dead. It should be noted that these two orcas were from completely different pods and would never have been in such close proximity in their natural environment.

There have also been many recorded incidents of injuries among trainers and other marine mammal captive facility workers because of captive animals. A survey by the University of California in 2004 discovered that more than half of marine mammal workers had been injured by the animals. Those in regular contact with animals, such as trainers or staff involved with cleaning and repairing enclosures, were more likely to be injured. However, these incidents are rarely reported to the public.

Read WSPA’s comprehensive report: The Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity >>

Orca in captivity: Dying to entertain us

The maximum lifespan for orcas is currently estimated to be 60 years for males and 80 or 90 years for females. Of the more than 190 orcas held in captivity since 1961, 78 percent are now dead. To date, fewer than 20 orcas are known to have survived more than 20 years in captivity and only two have survived for more than 35 years in captivity. Various analytical approaches have demonstrated that the overall mortality rate of captive orcas is at least 2.5 times as high as that of wild orcas.

Get more statistics on captive orcas from WSPA’s Case Against Marine Mammals in Captivity report >>

Animal welfare and captivity

Marine mammals are some of the most charismatic creatures on the planet and it is certainly understandable that people are drawn to them. However, research has shown that these highly intelligent whales suffer both mentally and physically in captivity.

Even in the largest facilities, captive dolphins have access to a small fraction of their normal habitat size. Humans who design these exhibits are thinking only of the visiting public and not looking out for the welfare of the animals. Captive whales and dolphins are forced to live in chlorinated, cramped and artificial conditions, away from their family and social groups. These highly intelligent animals are condemned to a stressful life in captivity.

To learn more about dolphins in captivity read our FAQs >>

What you can do

People who want to experience these amazing creatures should do so by seeing the animals on their terms in their natural ocean habitats. Many whale watching trips off the Pacific coast of the U.S. include orca sightings. The best action a person concerned for the welfare of these animals can take is to not buy a ticket to a marine park or zoo that holds whales or dolphins.

Get more whale-friendly tips >>