Killer Whales In Captivity: A Documentary Analysis
The Phenomenon of Killer Whales in Captivity
To what extent has placing orcas in captivity influenced their aggressive behavior in comparison to those in the wild?
Session: May 2014
Session Number: 0006
Word Count: 3,749
Subject: Environmental Systems and Societies
Since the release of Gabriella Cowperthwaite’s documentary Blackfish, there has been much controversy about the issue of placing killer whales in captivity. Through examining the life of SeaWorld’s largest captive orca, Tilikum in comparison to orcas in the wild was a heartbreaking tragedy, which ultimately led me to the question, To what extent has placing orcas in captivity influenced their behavior …show more content…
The documentary has caused much controversy in regard to holding whales and dolphins in tanks at marine parks. This powerful expose focuses on SeaWorld’s possession of orca whales in an attempt to illustrate the capability of the aggressive nature of these mammals while in captivity. Whales have not only attacked other whales while in captivity, but lashed out in aggression on humans as well, thus, while looking at aggressive behaviors in the wild versus those in captivity, there will ultimately be a decision if this kind of behavior should be dealt with in public parks, or should strictly be left in the depths of the ocean.
Killer whales, or orcinus orca, are part of a larger classification of cetaceans, toothed whales (“Cetaceans…”). There are over 73 species of toothed whales (or odontocetes); they are characterized by one blowhole, and they range from 60ft to 5ft in size (“Cetaceans…”).
To what extent has placing orcas in captivity influenced their aggressive behavior in comparison to those in the wild?
Session: May 2014
Session Number: 0006
Word Count: 3,749
Subject: Environmental Systems and Societies
Since the release of Gabriella Cowperthwaite’s documentary Blackfish, there has been much controversy about the issue of placing killer whales in captivity. Through examining the life of SeaWorld’s largest captive orca, Tilikum in comparison to orcas in the wild was a heartbreaking tragedy, which ultimately led me to the question, To what extent has placing orcas in captivity influenced their behavior …show more content…
The documentary has caused much controversy in regard to holding whales and dolphins in tanks at marine parks. This powerful expose focuses on SeaWorld’s possession of orca whales in an attempt to illustrate the capability of the aggressive nature of these mammals while in captivity. Whales have not only attacked other whales while in captivity, but lashed out in aggression on humans as well, thus, while looking at aggressive behaviors in the wild versus those in captivity, there will ultimately be a decision if this kind of behavior should be dealt with in public parks, or should strictly be left in the depths of the ocean.
Killer whales, or orcinus orca, are part of a larger classification of cetaceans, toothed whales (“Cetaceans…”). There are over 73 species of toothed whales (or odontocetes); they are characterized by one blowhole, and they range from 60ft to 5ft in size (“Cetaceans…”).