Last week, Her Campus at Brenau posted an article written by a Sea World fan supporting the entertainment company’s endeavors. As someone who loves animals of all shapes, sizes, and colors, this argument bothered me greatly. Scientists and animal rights organizations alike have decried Sea World’s practices, saying that animals as big as marine mammals being held in confines as small as Sea World’s tanks is cruel and inherently unhealthy for the animals. And these aren’t just opinions or unfounded claims, but correct, ethical statements supported by facts.
Research finds that orcas become very restless in captivity and take out their frustration on other animals.
Claim: “Having marine creatures, like killer whales, in captivity helps to protect the species.”
Truth: The health and well-being of captive animals is the most common argument in favor of captivity. But if people were really concerned about the well-being of the animals, they would know that captivity, especially for such large animals, does a great deal of harm and comes with few, if any, benefits. Numerous studies show that marine mammals in captivity suffer from more health ailments and die at a younger age than their wild cohorts. A South Florida Sun- Sentinel study found that “of nearly 3,000 whose ages could be determined, a quarter died before they reached 1, half by the age of 7.” Out of the approximately 2,400 deaths where specific cause was mentioned, about 20% died from a “uniquely human hazards or seemingly avoidable causes,” such as shock and stress of transportation and captivity and poisoning. Thirty-five were found to have died due to ingesting things like pennies, gravel, and plastic toy balls. Captivity exposes orcas, dolphins, and beluga whales to a great deal of stress that is just about unheard of in the wild. According to the Humane Society of the United States, stress can lead captive animals to engage in antisocial behavior and self-harm. The stress can also cause stomach ulcers and a weakened immune system, which can in turn lead to fatal illnesses.
Interactions with wild animals can also be dangerous for the caregivers and spectators. A 2004 report from the Marine Mammal Commission found that humans who interact with marine animals are more likely to suffer from serious illnesses. According to the report, 23% of respondents reported a dermal rash, and 20% reported a serious respiratory infection, including tuberculosis. The report states: Diseases contracted from marine mammals are difficult to treat and diagnose, as they may be overlooked or even ignored by physicians who are not aware of the risks—or range—of potential infectious diseases. The National Marine Fisheries Service reported approximately a dozen physical injuries sustained during swim sessions with the animals. Petting tanks, which Sea World ended due to safety concerns, also present a set of potential health risks. People can pass pathogens to the animals and vice versa. Intentionally antagonizing animals and/or touching sensitive parts of the animal can lead to biting. The aforementioned antagonizing and touching can also lead to injuries to the animal.
Sea World eliminated dolphin touch pools, citing safety concerns, inluding one incident when a dolphin bit an eight-year old girl.
In addition, such parks do not contribute to animal conservation or population growth. By breeding a select few with the intent of keeping the offspring in captivity, they are merely extending a particular lineage while doing nothing for the well-being of the species. The oceans may be polluted, but concrete and chlorine are not comparable to waves, tides, and ice floes that form the animals’ natural habitats.
Orcas in the wild can dive hundreds of meters below the surface. Sea World’s tanks are about 36 feet deep.
Claim: “Aquariums and marine rescue facilities contribute a great deal of information to marine research that would impossible bee to obtain without them.”
Truth: Many marine scientist bemoaned Sea World’s promise to eliminate captive breeding, citing concerns that it would take away opportunities to study orcas. What these scientists are failing to understand is that they are studying these animals in a painfully artificial environment. Their natural instincts are just about nonexistent, so understanding the species is truly difficult. Social and familial hierarchy is critically important for orcas. Young calves stay by their mothers’ sides and other female orcas will help with childcare. Research has found that each pod of orcas has unique way of audible communications. The artificial environment found in facilities like Sea World prevent marine mammals from maintain those social ties. Scientists examining a hodge podge mix of animals together are not going to find out anything about how the animals communicate or interact with one another. Research conducted on the echolocation is moot due to the fact that echolocation clicks are quite different and less effective in a concrete pool. The captive diets also prevent scientists from conducting researching on the animals hunting and diet habits. Facts about marine mammals’ lifespans, breeding habits, or mental capabilities cannot be accurately studied in captivity.
Social and familial bonds are vitally important for marine mammals in the wild.
Claim: “Marine parks and aquariums are important to have because they inspire people.”
Truth: Admittedly, standing next a massive, strong animal can be an inspiring and sobering moment. But what is so inspiring about seeing a catatonic apex predator through fingerprint-smudged glass? Furthermore, the promise of educating the public is another promise that Sea World fails to follow through on. With the passage of the U.S. Marina Mammal Protection Act in 1988, the government mandated that any establishment holding such animals would be required to use the animals in an educational or conservation program. However, a peer reviewed article by L.D. Dierking et al, found that little research has been conducted by the facilities to analyze the impact of educational endeavors, a claim corroborated by other studies. However, a 2007 study from the Maryland Association of Zoos and Aquarium concluded that “that very few (10 percent) zoo visitors increased their conservation-related knowledge base, while only about half were prompted to increase their conservation-related behavior.”
A small ledge pales in comparison to a natural beach.
Establishments like Sea World are for entertainment purposes first and foremost. Any endeavors regarding conservation or educating the public take a backseat. “We cannot protect what we don’t understand.” True, but what are we learning by taking animals that are meant to swim hundreds of miles in the deep blue sea and dumping them in concrete pools? Sea World is the capstone of the animal entertainment industry. Such drastic moves, like phasing out the orca shows or eliminating the captive breeding program, should be met with praise by all who care about and understand the health and well-being of the animals. Perhaps these moves will serve as precursors to something bigger, something industry-wide. Making wild animals perform tricks in exchange for food is not analogous to conservation; pool tanks are not comparable to the wild or even an animal sanctuary. I agree that the animals in captivity should stay there, but not because there’s a benefit to keeping them there. These animals truly are incapable of surviving in the wild. Their instincts are compromised beyond repair thanks to Sea World. The best way to support and care for these animals and to ensure their longevity is to keep them in the wild and protect their natural habitat. It may not be an easy task, but it’s so much easier than watching such beautiful creatures be turned into circus shows.