A Voice For The Voiceless: The Captivity of Marine Mammals For Human Entertainment
“Not one marine mammal is adapted to thrive in the world we’ve made for them in a concrete box,” says Naomi Rose, a marine mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute (Daly). This is the harsh reality for over 3,000 marine mammals currently living in theme parks. Wild marine mammals travel 64–160 kilometers a day, reach speeds of 48 kilometers per hour, and dive hundreds of feet down into the depths of oceans. Even in massive facilities, they have less than one millionth, about 0.0001% of their natural habitat range (World Animal Protection). From their traumatic transport ripping them from their natural habitat to being bred in disgusting conditions, 3,000+ marine mammals are currently suffering in theme parks. Subjected to a life of suffering, these creatures endure the detrimental consequences of captivity — stress, boredom, discomfort, and physical harm — inflicted upon them in the name of human entertainment.
According to the Animal Welfare Institute, the tradition of housing marine mammals in captivity began in 1860 when circus mogul P.T. Barnum captured two beluga whales off of the Labrador coast and brought them to New York. These belugas were put into Barnum’s American Museum. The capture of belugas and dolphins became a trend for human entertainment and profit in aquariums in Europe and the U.S. In July of 1865, Barnum wrote in the New York Herald: “NOW IS THE TIME to see these wonders as THEIR LIVES ARE UNCERTAIN,” because seven of the same species died while being at the M. Walker Museum. At Marine Studios, Florida, in 1938, Cecil M. Walker discovered that dolphins are trainable. This revelation not only increased the popularity of capturing dolphins for entertainment purposes but also provided a rationale for continued captivity by suggesting a level of adaptability to training. The 1960s further witnessed a surge in demand for dolphins with the release of the TV and movie series “Flipper,” amplifying the capture of thousands of dolphins. This phenomenon not only contributed to the commercialization of marine mammal captivity but also fueled a narrative that portrayed these animals as amenable to a life of entertainment, perpetuating the practice and influencing public perception (Animal Welfare Institute).
A significant turning point in public perception and awareness emerged with the release of the documentary Blackfish in 2013. This documentary, focusing on the tragic story of the orca Tikilum and the psychological toll of captivity, not only shed light on the dark side of marine mammal entertainment but also triggered a massive public outrage. The inclusion of testimonials from former SeaWorld trainers and cetacean experts argued that Tikilum’s aggression was a result of the stress induced by captivity, challenging the conventional notion of blaming the animal for its actions. Multiple former trainers such as Samantha Berg, John Hargrove, and John Jett spoke about the challenging living conditions for orcas in captivity, emphasizing the impact of confinement, separation from natural environments, and the performance demands placed on these animals they observed firsthand.“All whales in captivity have a bad life. They’re all emotionally destroyed. They’re all psychologically traumatized. So they’re ticking time bombs,” stated Gabriela Cowperthwaite, the producer of Blackfish (Cowperthwaite, Blackfish).
Court records revealing over 100 documented instances of orcas being aggressive toward trainers between 1988 and 2009 further fueled public uproar. In response, hundreds of thousands of viewers rallied, signing petitions advocating for SeaWorld to retire their captive mammals or even shut down altogether. The subsequent decisions by major corporations to cancel their partnership, such as The Miami Dolphins and Southwest Airlines, further emphasize the effect the film created (Daly). The financial repercussions for SeaWorld were substantial, facing an 84% drop in net second-quarter income, from 37.4 million dollars in 2014 to 5.8 million dollars in 2015. Revenue fell from 405.1 million to 391.6 million (Rhodan). In 2016, SeaWorld announced they would stop their orca breeding program, putting the 22 orcas in captivity at the time of the last generation (World Animal Protection). Influencing both public sentiment and corporate practices within the entertainment industry, Blackfish shaped a new narrative on the ethical treatment of marine mammals and their suffering in captivity.
Many people believe that mammals raised in captivity fare better than those forcibly taken from their natural habitats. However, this perspective is challenged by marine mammal scientist Naomi Rose of the Animal Welfare Institute, who asserts that: “If you have evolved to move great distances to look for food and mates then you are adapted to that type of movement, whether you’re a polar bear or an elephant or an orca,” says Rose. “You put [orcas] in a box that is 150 feet long by 90 feet wide by 30 feet deep and you’re turning them into a couch potato.” A captive-born orca that has never lived in the wild still has innate drives (Daly). The term “innate drives,” refers to the natural, instinctive behaviors that are inherent in an organism’s biology and are crucial for its survival and well-being. In the context of marine mammals, innate drives encompass the instinctual behaviors and activities that are essential to their functioning in the wild (Brigandt). This includes activities such as hunting, foraging, swimming long distances, socializing, and communication. Keeping these highly intelligent and socially complex animals in environments that do not align with their instincts and behaviors is simply unjust.
In the restrictive environment of captivity, the lives of marine mammals distinctly deviate from the richness of their natural existence in the ocean. Tanks, characterized by their shallowness and limited spatial dimensions, impose a disruption on the natural tendencies of these animals. Unlike the expansive and dynamic oceanic habitats they typically are adapted to, where marine mammals can navigate vast distances, dive to significant depths, and engage in intricate social behaviors, captivity reverses their natural tendencies. Oftentimes, marine mammals spend more than half their time at the surface in tanks. This adjustment is not only unnatural but also restricts their ability to express natural behaviors that are essential for their physical and mental well-being (The Humane Society).
Boredom is a critical psychological issue for marine mammals in confined environments, depriving them of the natural activities such as hunting and foraging that are essential for their well-being (Animal Welfare Institute). The highly developed brains of orcas, second only to humans in size, further exacerbate the impact of captivity. Without mental stimulation, these intelligent creatures often manifest signs of depression and frustration, conditions that can lead to aggression (The Whale Sanctuary Project). With boredom and frustration often comes aggression in marine mammals. This aggression has resulted in serious consequences for the animal and the public. According to an article by the Whale Sanctuary Project, on February 24th, tourists enjoying Dine with Shamu at SeaWorld were confronted with the grim reality of marine mammal captivity when Tilikum, a captive orca, killed a trainer. This was the third time Tikilum attacked. He attacked a two-year-old calf and a young part-time trainer who slipped in the pool, murdering her. The aftermath of his attacks resulted in severe social isolation in a tiny pool that was no longer than half his body length. Tikillum eventually died in 2017 from what SeaWorld claimed to be a “persistent bacterial lung infection,” stating that he was treated with therapies and medications to avoid his death. This incident –one of over 30 around the world resulting in human injury or death– challenged SeaWorld’s attempt to downplay the scene as an accident. Journalist Tim Zimmerman notes; “A frustrated killer whale — whether it’s struggling with captivity, social structure, sexual tension, poor health, or training failures — is a potentially dangerous killer whale” (What Sanctuary Project). Blaming the whales for attacks on trainers neglects the industry’s responsibility in subjecting these animals to a lifetime of stress and boredom, as highlighted by the Whale Sanctuary Project.
The most clear indicator of the effect of captivity on orcas is their most vital body part: their teeth. In confined tanks, separated orcas frequently resort to biting on metal barricades as a manifestation of aggression toward one another, a behavior prompted by an under-stimulating environment. Orcas’ teeth play a crucial role in their daily lives, particularly for attacking prey and chewing their food. Unlike in the wild, where orca teeth are designed to last a lifetime without replacement, a peer-reviewed 2017 study published in the Archives of Oral Biology revealed that a quarter of all captive orcas in the U.S. exhibit extremely damaged teeth. According to the study, captive orcas persistently grind their teeth on tank walls, often grinding down their teeth until the nerve is exposed (Jett, et al.). The ground-down spots become open cavities, prone to infection even if caretakers attempt to flush them out with water. These repetitive behaviors of self-mutilation called stereotypies are extremely common in captive animals that experience little to no enrichment in small tanks (Daly). The distressing impact of captivity on orcas exposes the ethical implications of their confinement and the need for more humane and enriching conditions for these intelligent marine beings.
Collapsed fins are experienced by all captive male orcas and most captive female orcas, a stark contrast to the mere 8% occurrence observed in orcas in the wild (Kennedy). In their natural habitat, orcas’ dorsal fins can reach impressive heights of up to six feet, facilitated by the continuous movement of water generated by their motion and travel, which helps keep the fin upright. However, the constraints of confined spaces, such as tiny tanks, limit the orcas to only a few strokes in any direction before they encounter a barrier, inevitably resulting in the collapse of their dorsal fins (World Animal Protection).
The physical toll on dolphins in theme park performances unveils a distressing reality where entertainers often stand on their noses, the most sensitive part of their body, and use their backs as surfboards. These shows are performed so often that the animals begin to develop open sores on their body (In Defense of Animals). This exploitative behavior reflects a fundamental disregard for the welfare of these marine mammals, as their bodies endure persistent physical stress and trauma in the pursuit of entertainment.
Beyond the observable physical effects, captivity takes a toll on marine mammals’ mental well-being, leading to stress-related psychological conditions. The loss of control over daily activities, a common consequence of captivity, manifests in learned helplessness, resulting in a range of issues such as depression, reduced movement, compromised immunity, and anorexia (Whale Sanctuary Project). In response to signs of stress, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, or depression in captive animals, marine parks frequently resort to drugging them to manage these depressive behaviors. Psychoactive medications like Xanax and Valium are employed not only to address these symptoms but also to soothe the mammals during transportation between facilities or for medical procedures. Furthermore, medication is administered to stimulate the appetite of depressed or sick animals. Particularly concerning is the use of Valium, which has been found to diminish the responsiveness of the respiratory system — an alarming aspect given that dolphins are voluntary breathers, reducing wakefulness for proper breathing (Lott).
Delving further into the dynamics between humans and captive marine mammals, former SeaWorld trainer Samantha Berg quotes; “The relationship that we have with these animals is much less a friendship relationship, it’s more like the relationship between a prison guard and a prisoner” (Blue Freedom). Marine mammals in theme parks are forced to compete and work to be fed by trainers. The “positive reinforcement” methods of training marine mammals in captivity include trainers starving the animals and rewarding them with food when they cooperate during shows or training sessions. Essentially, they experience food deprivation their entire lives in the tank. They perform knowing that this is the only way they will be able to get food. Because marine mammals are extremely intelligent, they associate feed times with work. In the wild, these mammals eat hundreds of different types of fish and other mollusks. Dolphins often work in groups to hunt down prey and use strategies to capture fish. Surrounded by concrete walls, dolphins are deprived of the opportunity to hunt and socialize. Most cetaceans in captivity’s diets consist of frozen dead fish. This diet does not meet the mammal’s dietary needs, so they are given essential vitamins and nutrients in pill form (Batt).
Jett Ventre, a former SeaWorld trainer says: “Reduce an animal’s caloric intake over a few days and the animal becomes increasingly food-motivated, and this motivation increases the likelihood that the animal will cooperate. The strategy was often used when the park would have VIPs visiting. For example, the strategy was always used when August Busch (then owner of SW Parks) would visit. We would usually know at least a week in advance of Mr. Busch’s visit and we were instructed to reduce all animals’ bases during the few days leading up to his visit. The approach is extremely effective” (Batt).
Amidst the controversial practices employed in marine mammal captivity, it is crucial to recognize the significant financial stakes tied to captive mammals. A single dolphin can generate between 400,000 and 2 million USD per year per venue. This means that all dolphins in captivity in this industry typically generate between 1.1 and 5.5 billion USD. Add on the income of food, merchandise, and accommodation, and you have a multi-billion dollar industry that is held up by these abused aquatic creatures (World Animal Protection).
While many institutions primarily focus on entertainment and profit, many emphasize research, education, and rehabilitation. These institutions in the United States prioritize animal welfare, such as The Marine Mammal Center in California, Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Dolphin Research Center in Florida, and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation in Washington, D.C. All of these incorporations share the same objective; to conduct research, education, and advocacy for marine mammals. Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit in northeast Scotland is an organization that focuses on the conservation of whales and dolphins through scientific research, environmental education, and the provision of a veterinary rescue service for suffering marine wildlife (CRRU). They work towards marine mammal conservation, rather than captivity. Although many corporations abuse their power, there are many places around the world with positive intentions for the marine mammals of the world.
Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely that marine mammals in captivity will experience the justice they deserve any time soon. To end captivity, these animals need to be relocated. However, you can’t take an animal that was bred in captivity and release them into the ocean, they may need human care forever. Captive-bred animals often lack the necessary instincts for hunting, foraging, and avoiding predators, making their transition to the wild difficult. The dependence on human care during their upbringing can result in an inability to fend for themselves in natural environments. Moreover, the health risks associated with introducing captive-bred individuals to the wild, along with potential disruptions to the local ecosystem, further complicate their release. Behavioral issues, stemming from a lack of exposure to natural behaviors, may impede their ability to navigate their daily lives. Therefore, in some cases, ongoing human care may be deemed necessary to ensure the well-being and survival of animals bred in captivity.
While the challenges of releasing captive-bred marine mammals into the wild are considerable, it is crucial to explore alternative solutions that prioritize their well-being. One alternative is the development and enhancement of sanctuaries designed to replicate natural environments as closely as possible. These sanctuaries can serve as transition spaces where captive-bred animals receive the necessary care, rehabilitation, and behavioral training to adapt to more natural conditions. Initiatives like the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia are already working towards establishing seaside sanctuaries for retired orcas, providing them with more space and a semblance of their natural habitat.
By fostering a greater understanding of these intelligent creatures and promoting ethical alternatives, society can move towards a future where marine mammals are respected, protected, and free from the confines of concrete confinement. It’s time to reevaluate our relationship with marine life and to become a voice for the voiceless.
Works Cited
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