Captivity: the condition of being imprisoned or confined. Orca whales in captivity make up 70% of Sea Worlds revenue. While children and families across the country pay to see Shamu, they are actually funding one of the cruelest money corrupt corporations in the world. Between the mistreatment of the whales themselves, and the multiple injuries and deaths of the trainers; keeping Orca Whales in captivity are not worth the risk. The positive aspects of capturing and mistreating whales do not outweigh the dangers. Keeping orca whales in captivity demonstrates animal cruelty and it not only puts the whales at risk but also the people who train them. The devastating effects that come with keeping killer whales in captivity significantly decreases …show more content…
Since the display of captive whales has begun, one hundred and fifty-four people have either been injured or killed by a whale attack (Jacobs). For instance, Dawn Brancheau was killed by the tix ton bull orca whale, Tilikum (”Should Orcas Be Kept in Captivity?”). Tilikum was separated from his mother when he was two years old and had been moved from park to park his entire life. The separation issues from losing his mother and never having a true home had an immense physiological effect on Tilikum that caused him to lash out and kill one of the most experienced trainers at Sea World. Another instance of a deadly killer whale attack happened in Spain. Alexis Martinez was killed by the 14 year old killer whale Keto (Jacobs). Keto was born in Sea World but was later separated from his mother and was sold to a water park in Spain, Loro Parque. Keto suffered with separation issues from his mother and had frequent run ins with his tank mates causing tension, anxiety, and stress to build. On December 24, 2009, Keto pulled Alexis Martinez into the tank where he drowned. Orca whales are not meant to be captured and put on display, they are wild animals who live up to their names, killer