Orcas In Captivity Essay

Having orcas in captivity is very bad for their health. It can cause them to get mental health issues, and they become very sick. Some experience high stress and anxiety due to the conditions. They also can get sick, or they can get injured because they are kept in dirty cramped tanks. But, wild orcas are happy, and they have a longer life span. They also are free to do whatever they want and live a happy life. Captive orcas can develop depression or separation anxiety. When an orca calf is ripped away from their mother, and taken to an aquarium, they experience high stress. Orcas are very emotional and social animals that will usually live in packs. If possible they will live with their mother until she dies. Taking an orca from their family, and their natural habitat breaks them, and they become emotionally torn. However, wild orcas are happy and get to live with their mother and family forever.
This can make them sick or it can make them very stressed. Since the living conditions are bad, the orca’s dorsal fin will start to sag. This is a sign of distress or anxiety. Some orcas will even start swimming upside down because they are so emotionally stressed. But, free orcas have the whole ocean to live and do the natural things they are supposed to do. Also, captive orcas have a shorter lifespan than wild orcas due to stress and injuries. When being trained for shows, some orcas get injured, and then they are blamed for not being able to perform. Several aquariums don’t care about their health. They only care about making money and increasing their profits. Once they are injured, they don’t receive proper health care for it. Injuries are caused by living in unhealthy conditions or being treated unfairly. However, wild orcas are able to choose what they want to do, and they are not forced to learn