Sea World tragedy re-sparks debate
The awful death of a SeaWorld trainer at the hands of a killer whale on Wednesday has many wildlife conservationists saying, “I told you so!”
Since the first orca was captured decades ago, there’s been an ongoing debate about whether the majestic creatures should be kept in captivity.
SeaWorld has argued that their shows have helped people, especially children, learn to appreciate the animals and foster a desire to protect the oceans. Conservationists argue that keeping them in captivity comes down to the idea that human amusement is more important than the lives of animals.
What are the facts?
- The first recorded instance of a killer whale being taken from the wild and placed in an amusement park was 1964 in Vancouver, Canada. Since then more than 100 whales were taken from the Pacific Ocean for similar purposes.
- Orcas are not usually considered a threat to humans, however, there are about 24 cases of attacks; mostly perpetrated by captive animals.
- This is not the first time the orca in question, Tilikum, has been in trouble.
- Tilikum was one of three orcas blamed for killing a trainer in 1991 after the woman lost her balance and fell in the pool at a park in British Columbia.
- Tilikum was also involved in a 1999 death, when the body of a man who had sneaked by SeaWorld security was found draped over him.
- Because of his size and the previous deaths, trainers were not supposed to get into the water with Tilikum, and only about a dozen of the park's 29 trainers worked with him.
Orcas in captivity
The effects of captivity on a killer whale can be debilitating:
- In the wild, females on average live around 50 years (up to 80 in some cases) and males live for 30 years. Of the almost 200 whales taken into captivity since the 1960s, 75% have lived no more than 10 years, and fewer than 20 survived longer than 15 to 20 years. Only two have survived anything close to their normal life span.
- Killer whales are naturally highly social, traveling in groups in the wild. Uniquely among mammals, the orcas never leave their mother’s side, and some family groups comprise four generations. In captivity, they’re unable to act on these natural instincts, a likely a source of frustration.
- Size is an issue: At 26 feet long and weighing roughly six tons (that’s 12,000 pounds), living in a tank can put stress on the animal.
- An estimated 60-90% of killer whales in captivity suffer from dorsal fin collapse, which is when the main fin on their backs no longer stands upright and instead curves part in part or all of the way to the side. This is because they can no longer swim strong for long distances causing the fins to weaken as a result.
The orca captivity debate is important. While it is true that what we’ve learned about the animals in captivity may be helpful to wild populations in the future, we cannot dismiss the ethical issues involved. So, we’re asking you. What do you think? Is it okay to hold orcas in captivity? Why or why not?
Comments
I think keeping orcas in captivity is alight. As long as they are being treated properly, I see no problem for them. Orcas that are not in captivity are hunted, killed and stripped of their flesh to make products for humans. When in captivity, they are safe. Of corse though, there's a danger for human also.
I do not think it is right to keep any wild animal in captivity unless they are ill/injuried and are being helped.
It is just so horrible to keep these loving brilliant strong creatures so cooped up! They would be swimming thousands of miles a year if not kept in these tanks ans prisoners. Several years ago, a group of about 10 dolphins (close relatives of orcas) came and played with me when I was swimming in Venice Beach, CA. They jumped above and below me, and sang in 1000-layer harmonies, the most beautiful singing I had ever heard! Then, after about a minute, they got bored and took off! I really am against all animals being caged in zoos unless the animal is injured or endangered, as they are like prisons for animals. But keeping dolphins and orcas captives is the worst crime, as they are the closest animals to humans, biologically (mammals), brain size, intelligence, family relations, artistically and spiritually. We must free these amazing animals from their horrid lives. Tilikum was obviously unhappy. We cannot let his "trainer" Dawn Brancheau die in vain. We must free these, and all, animals now so that no more suffer like they are, and no more humans die like Dawn did. We can start with boycotting and protesting at Sea Worlds, really just glorified prisons for orcas and dolphins!
I think that the orcas should be free. They should be given the oppurtunity to live and explore the ocean.
I dont think they should be kept in capativity unless they are sick or something. Other than that I think they should be set free. Thats my opinion. :)
although people love opportunity to be able to go to a zoo or places like seaworld to see majestic animals of he see, we cannot dismiss the fact that by heart and nature, these are still wild animals and will act on frustration and instincts. when incidents happen, such as the one in orlando, we must realize that certain species of animals, although they may look peaceful, can potentially pose a threat. so no... orcas shouldnt be kept in captivity unless we can make sure that both the orcas and workers are safe :)
I THINK ITS OKAY I GUESS AS LONG AS THE ANIMAL IS BEING TEATED CORRECTLY AND IT IS RESPECTED ALSO THE ANIMAL IS KIND OF LUCKY THAT IT WONT BE HUNTED BUT I ALSO THINK ITS NOT OKAY BECAUSE THE ANIMAL DOESNT HAVE ENOUGH ROOM TO MOVE AND BE FREE I HONESTLY THINK THAT ORCAS ARE FRIENDLY AND IF THEY ARENT PUT UNDER LOTS OF STRESS THEY WOULDNT BE HARMING PEOPLE.
keep them in captivity! if they go to the wild they will not stand a chance! we are the one who caused this to happen! we should be the one to pick up the mess!