Why Breeding Hybrid Orcas In Captivity Goes Against Nature

This article by journalist Elizabeth Batt explores SeaWorld's rejection of science in its breeding of hybrid orcas in captivity, as well as the ethical and welfare implications this may have for hybrid orca and the captive population they are a part of:

"To understand how unethical the marine park’s breeding program is, requires a basic knowledge of orca populations and their habits and habitats — something Orca Aware Founder — Sam Lipman, provided in her article, “Orca of the World.”"

Read more, with comment from Orca Aware's Sam Lipman, Animal Welfare Institute's Dr. Naomi Rose & Orca Network's Howard Garrett: http://elizabethbatt.com/2015/01/seaworld-rejects-science-by-breeding-20-hybrid-orcas/?fb_action_ids=10203295816138102&fb_action_types=news.publishes&fb_ref=pub-standard&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B775280429225065%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22news.publishes%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%22pub-standard%22%5D

It isn't just SeaWorld parks that keep and breed hybrid orcas. Loro Parque in Tenerife holds six orcas, four of whom were transferred from SeaWorld parks in the USA. 

Of these four, Tekoa is 75% Icelandic and 25% transient, while both Keto and Skyla are 75% Icelandic and 25% Southern resident. The fourth, Kohana, is 100% Icelandic. Kohana's calf Adán is a result of inbreeding between Kohana and Keto, (Kohana's mother & Keto share the same father), which means Adán also has mixed heritage. 

Also held at Loro Parque is wild-caught Norwegian orca Morgan, who the entertainment facility have been trying to breed with Keto. 

The Loro Parque orcas are known to be the most dysfunctional group of orcas in captivity.

Photo (c) Orca Aware