Orca in Captivity
Orca have been captured from the wild for display in captive facilities since the 1960's. The first orca to be captured in 1961 was given the name Wanda and she was found off the coast of California. Many of the 159 known orca who have died in captivity since the very first capture, are not remembered. We wanted to give you the opportunity to learn about some of The Forgotten Orca who did not survive the show.
When the first captures occurred, orca were believed to be mindless killers living up to their name 'killer whale' (in fact, 'killer whale' was an incorrect translation from the name of 'whale killers' given by Spanish fishermen who witnessed the apex ocean predators feeding on large whales). As people began to watch and study orca in captivity, they soon realised that their perception of the species Orcinus orca had been misguided. Researchers soon learnt that orca are highly evolved, social and sentient beings and many came to the conclusion that orca are not suited to a life in captivity.
Studies on wild orca began in the early 1970's and insights into free-ranging populations were gained. Among many other discoveries, scientists found that orca shared a similar lifespan to humans, were self-aware, capable of learning and that different populations possessed unique cultures, dialects and even genetics. The more that was and is still being learnt about free-ranging benchmark populations, the more it is apparent to many orca biologists, conservationists and members of the public that orca in captivity have sub-optimal welfare.
Orca are one of the only mammal species kept in captive enclosures that do not resemble their habitat in any way. They are also one of the only animals still performing tricks for human entertainment. In 2012 Orca Aware investigated whether education and science really justify the keeping of orca in captivity in the 21st century, which you can read at 'Captive orca: Behind the scenes or behind bars?'
To find out more about the organisations and individuals that are working to end orca captivity, visit Orca Freedom Advocates, where we also recommend resources that you can use to learn more about orca captivity. You can also visit Blackfish Movie to find out about the documentary that is taking the world by storm.
When the first captures occurred, orca were believed to be mindless killers living up to their name 'killer whale' (in fact, 'killer whale' was an incorrect translation from the name of 'whale killers' given by Spanish fishermen who witnessed the apex ocean predators feeding on large whales). As people began to watch and study orca in captivity, they soon realised that their perception of the species Orcinus orca had been misguided. Researchers soon learnt that orca are highly evolved, social and sentient beings and many came to the conclusion that orca are not suited to a life in captivity.
Studies on wild orca began in the early 1970's and insights into free-ranging populations were gained. Among many other discoveries, scientists found that orca shared a similar lifespan to humans, were self-aware, capable of learning and that different populations possessed unique cultures, dialects and even genetics. The more that was and is still being learnt about free-ranging benchmark populations, the more it is apparent to many orca biologists, conservationists and members of the public that orca in captivity have sub-optimal welfare.
Orca are one of the only mammal species kept in captive enclosures that do not resemble their habitat in any way. They are also one of the only animals still performing tricks for human entertainment. In 2012 Orca Aware investigated whether education and science really justify the keeping of orca in captivity in the 21st century, which you can read at 'Captive orca: Behind the scenes or behind bars?'
To find out more about the organisations and individuals that are working to end orca captivity, visit Orca Freedom Advocates, where we also recommend resources that you can use to learn more about orca captivity. You can also visit Blackfish Movie to find out about the documentary that is taking the world by storm.
