On the Behavior and Welfare of Killer Whales in Captivity

Abstract

The killer whale (Orcinus orca) has proven to be among the most difficult of all species to hold adequately in zoological facilities. The killer whale is a particularly large-brained and long-lived species who evidences a high degree of social complexity in the wild. In an effort to assess the present state in captivity, the behavior and welfare of killer whales was measured against 6 standards originally articulated by Marion Stamp Dawkins. Although much has been learned about effective husbandry for this species in recent decades, room for improvement can be recognized on all 6 measures. This analysis leads to a recommended framework for future orca facilities. It is suggested that they be much larger in size and that they incorporate many more elements of the natural environment than do present-day facilities. It is also important that they be designed in ways that allow for the complex social structures that are characteristic for this species in the wild. In the long view, movement toward shoreside facilities is envisioned in which interactions with semicaptive orcas can take place in ways that will better serve the welfare of these nonhuman animals while continuing to promote the education and conservation missions of modern zoological institutions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). (journal abstract)