Comments on: Do Killer Whales Belong in Captivity?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:28:29 +0000

I believe that only animals being rescued, that they should be held in captivity, but only if they are being rescued. They should not be used as show animals or anything like that. So I do not think that they should be held in captivity.

By: Mrs. Louise Leonard

Mrs. Louise Leonard — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:25:30 +0000

In my not so humble opinion , I think only animals that are in need of rehabilitation or have been injured should be kept in these parks. The goal should be preparing these animals to be released back into the wild.

I recently took my daughter to Sea World for the first time, and she loved it. But I would have preferred that she see the orcas and dolphins without all of the loud music, video screens, and hokey stories. I wouldn’t think the animals enjoy all of that, or being asked to perform on demand.

These whales are not livestock; they are wild marine mammals who should be free to live their lives in their natural environment, NOT in a theme park.

By: Beth

Beth — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:51:10 +0000

Mendel,
You raise an interesting point, what to do with whales (or any other large animal) that has been raised dependent on humans? Are we responsible for its life and care? If we are responsible, as I believe, is it acceptable to breed animals already in captivity, using as an excuse that they can not survive in the wild?

Many of you also brought up another valid argument, the difference between protecting endangered animals and turning wild animals into show animals. Wild animals are not circus performers, yet animal shows at places like Sea World are essentially that, circus performances, where spectators pay to be entertained. This is why I believe that if we are to keep animals in captivity, whether it is to protect an individual animal or an endangered species, they should be kept in environments that imitate their natural habitat as much as possible.

By: ian Pratt

ian Pratt — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:44:18 +0000

having been lucky enough to spend a week in the company of orcas in the wild i can honestly say that they should not be kept in captivity. To see them at close quaters in the wild proved to me they belong free,They travel many thousands of miles in their lives as a pod or family group. they should not be kept in a tiny pool. we need to ensure their safety and survival but not in captivity.

By: Matt Montagne

Matt Montagne — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:57:55 +0000

As someone who has recently just watched the stunning film documentary about the annual slaughter of dolphins in a cove in Taiji, Japan, I am unabashedly against holding cetaceans of any kind in captivity (for more on The Cove, visit: http://www.thecovemovie.com/ – I believe it is up for an academy award for best documentary). Many of the dolphins that are captured in the Taiji Cove in Japan are sold into the captive dolphin industry-this means that many of these wild dolphins will end up in theme parks and in “Swim with the Dolphin” resorts. These are incredibly intelligent beings who have no place being held in indefinite captivity for ANY purpose.

So how can we put a stop to this?? First off, we can vote with our wallets by NEVER visiting theme parks that use captive cetaceans for human entertainment. Secondly, we can help by NEVER supporting “Swim with the Dolphin” businesses and operations.

It is time to put an end to the captive breeding of all cetaceans so that this issue can become a part of our history.

~Matt Montagne
Palo Alto, California USA

By: Hannah

Hannah — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:28:36 +0000

I believe that we shouldn’t keep these animals in captivity unless they can’t survive without depending on humans. Sarit summed it all up. I agree. These animals are called Killer whales for a reason. In the wild they have to kill for survival, it’s an instinct. Don’t blame the whales. It isn’t their fault! They are just being whales. Those huge tanks are so small, compared to these massive animals. They need space! Leave them where G-d made them to be! They weren’t created to perform, so they shouldn’t have to. You also shouldn’t punish whales for attacking people. Somethings can set them off; they are just protecting themselves from potential danger. It’s instinct, not anger issues.

By: sarita.w

sarita.w — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:16:41 +0000

I agree that whales should not be held in captivity and they should be freed into the environment in which they belong. Whales and other animals are meant to stay in the wild and not be used for show. I don’t think circuses that involve animals should be allowed.

By: Mendel

Mendel — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:33:19 +0000

I agree with you that killer whales should generally not be kept in captivity. However, what about injured or infant whales and other large animals found in the wild? Also, what about animals raised with people…how will they adapt, now that they need to provide for themselves?

By: Orly

Orly — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:41:27 +0000

@Jacob: I disagree with you because with you because animals should be out in the wild. The whale trainers could somehow train them to be in the wild. I know it will take lots of time , but it shows how trainers really take their job seriously and really care for animals.
@ Jacob’s comment for me: ” Whales with other whales” means that they should communicate with other animals in the wild.

@ Sarit: I agree because this is exactly how I feel – whales are supposed to be in the wild. And the Shamu Show point was an awesome ending.

By: Leslie S.

Leslie S. — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:37:59 +0000

@Shira, I think that you have some GREAT points about killer whales in captivity. I love how you list some of the flaws with keeping these huge animals in captivity, and your concern is immense. I also love your thoughts about what might happen to the specific whale that killed the lady trainer at Sea World. I also agree with those thoughts that state, “If they were to train the whale to live on its own, then that will involve more trainers, and people will not want another person killed on accident again.” I am pretty sure you mean that, if they continue to train this animal, or even interact with it at all, it could kill yet ANOTHER human being.