Although wild and captive orcas are the same species, ultimately, major differences emerge between the two. Orcas, more commonly known as killer whales, are associated with the name Shamu, used by the corporation SeaWorld. SeaWorld is an amusement park that houses many sea creatures including orcas. There’s much debate in the air over how humane it is to keep the massive sea creatures in captivity. Many people advocate for SeaWorld, speaking very highly of the company. The ambience of SeaWorld is lively, with shows performing everyday but are they really as lively as they seem? However, there is nothing but debate in the air, it’s up to facts and opinions to decide. Orcas in the wild are kept in close net pods of 5-30 individuals, yet in some
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Orcas in captivity, however, are instead orcas from different groups or are mixes of different family groups. Orcas are bred with other orcas from different families in captivity, then separated from their mothers and moved …show more content…
Wild orcas do not have many health concerns other than the natural diseases. Captive orcas, however, are associated with dorsal collapse. Some captive orcas get sunburns from the negative effect of being so close to the surface. Trainers at SeaWorld are rumored to put black sunscreen on orcas to hide their sunburns. Does SeaWorld think the public are that easy to fool? Along with physical health negativity, mental health is worse. Captive orcas have been known to bob at the surface lethargically, like a rubber ball. Along with bobbing, orcas have been seen biting, pulling, and slamming their heads into bars. The orcas try to contort the bars with their teeth, perhaps seeking freedom. Unfortunately, captive orcas have extremely low health rates. Going along with health is exercise. Wild orcas swim hundreds of miles a day in the open ocean. Captive orcas swim in circles, or just float, in small round tanks all day, every day. Finally, the diets of both captive and wild orcas are extremely different. Wild orcas hunt, with help, for their prey. Orcas are the top dogs of the ocean, which leads people to believe that orcas should not be kept in captivity as John Hargrove said in Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish: “Nothing in the ocean hunts killer whales as prey” (Hargrove). The diet consists of seals, fish, other mammals they can catch in the wild.
Orcas in captivity, however, are instead orcas from different groups or are mixes of different family groups. Orcas are bred with other orcas from different families in captivity, then separated from their mothers and moved …show more content…
Wild orcas do not have many health concerns other than the natural diseases. Captive orcas, however, are associated with dorsal collapse. Some captive orcas get sunburns from the negative effect of being so close to the surface. Trainers at SeaWorld are rumored to put black sunscreen on orcas to hide their sunburns. Does SeaWorld think the public are that easy to fool? Along with physical health negativity, mental health is worse. Captive orcas have been known to bob at the surface lethargically, like a rubber ball. Along with bobbing, orcas have been seen biting, pulling, and slamming their heads into bars. The orcas try to contort the bars with their teeth, perhaps seeking freedom. Unfortunately, captive orcas have extremely low health rates. Going along with health is exercise. Wild orcas swim hundreds of miles a day in the open ocean. Captive orcas swim in circles, or just float, in small round tanks all day, every day. Finally, the diets of both captive and wild orcas are extremely different. Wild orcas hunt, with help, for their prey. Orcas are the top dogs of the ocean, which leads people to believe that orcas should not be kept in captivity as John Hargrove said in Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish: “Nothing in the ocean hunts killer whales as prey” (Hargrove). The diet consists of seals, fish, other mammals they can catch in the wild.