At least 134 Orcas were taken into captivity between 1961 and 1996. One hundred and three of those whales are now dead. This does not include the calves that have died as a result of being born in captivity, to a female who is unable to function as a natural mother.
In the wild, females live an average of 50 years, but can live to the ripe old age of 80. Males live an average of 29 years, but can reach the age of 50. The average survival time in captivity is just over 5 years. Most die in captivity before reaching their early 20's.
SeaWorld tells audiences they are watching Shamu, when in reality, there are many whales, all trained to respond to that name. Shamu is nothing more than a registered trademark, designed to make Anhauser Busch more money.
Calves stay with their mother for life---55% of Sea World calves are separated from their mothers within 2 years.
Orcas do not live in chlorinated tanks, do not slide onto plastic surfboards to present their flukes for shaking and patting, do not ride people around on their backs, and do not give children kisses.
Captivity causes the dorsal fin to curl...a once majestic symbol of freedom and power, becomes a sad testament to the conditions forced upon them.
Instead of the freedom to dive 30 to 60 metres (100-200 feet) deep into the ocean, the average show pool is only 8.4 metres (27.6 feet) deep.
More orcas have died at SeaWorld parks in the last decade, than in the previous 2 decades. 1965-1985: 11 deaths 1986-1996 14 deaths.....these figures do not include stillbirths and infant mortalities not reported.
True education gives accurate information, enabling people to make valid decisions, opinions, and evaluations.
Orcas come from an environment filled with sensory stimulation, something they cannot have in a concrete tank. They are fed dead fish, and live in chemically controlled environments.