Some scientists say that male Orcas live to be about 30 years old, and females live to be about 50 years old in the wilds, while others believe that the males live to be about 50 and the females live to be about 90 years old. However, all scientists agree that both male and female Orcas held in captivity don’t live much more than twenty years.
The fact that Orcas do not reach their natural life expectancy in captivity has become a source of many heated debates between those that hold the dolphins captive, and those who want to protect them. Animal activist feel that Orcas are only taken into captivity for entertainment and profit, and not for scientific study. Furthermore, they feel that any scientific study of Orcas would be best done in the killer whale’s natural habitat – not in aquariums. Another concern for Orcas that are born in the wilds, then taken into captivity, is the fact that Orcas live in pods – or families – and their families operate much like our human families do – with strong attachments and emotions. The psychological effect of tearing these majestic creatures away from their family members is a great source of concern.
Before the Internet, when information traveled slowly – if it traveled at all – the general public knew very little of the plight of the Orcas held in captivity. They simply enjoyed the entertainment that these larger than life creatures provided at marine parks, such as Sea World. However, now that information flows freely throughout the world, a greater awareness of the unnatural conditions these Orcas are forced to live in has come to light. Several incidents have been reported over the past several years that make many people question the continued captivity of Orcas. These incidents include accidents, illnesses, failed pregnancies, premature deaths, and even attacks on trainers and other human beings.
Aggression towards Orca’s trainers, and their fellow captives has been increasing rapidly over the past few years. Many feel that this is due to the compromised mental and physical health of Orcas held in unnatural habitats. When compared to Orcas that live free, the Orcas held in captivity have very different behaviors. The size of the tanks, and the lack of anything resembling their natural habitat is blamed for the variations in both health and behavior. Natural movement and speed are decreased, and the tanks have flat, plain blue walls. Many scientists believe this lack of diversity in the tanks leads to limited activities, which also affects the behavior of the Orcas.
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