Orca Watch

Orcas are highly intelligent animals, yet we confine them in concrete tanks that shorten their lives and we make them perform tricks for us in the name of ‘education’.

WDCS captivity experts have been tracking this trade in orcas for some time. The results are alarming. 11 different dolphinaria, or public display facilities, in seven countries across the world currently hold orcas in captivity. 42 (May 2011) of these unfortunate animals are made to perform tricks for tourists, often in the name of conservation.

Whether wild-caught or captive-born, these animals suffer significantly reduced life expectancy in captivity. They also suffer from stress, disease, aggression and behavioral problems.

On these pages you can find out more about their lives in captivity, the latest news on Tilikum and Morgan and recent events in the captivity industry. Also find out more about WDCS's funding of wild orca research at the world famous Orcalab and a ground-breaking project in Russia.

And don't forget you can help directly by adopting an orca or making a donation. Keep up-to-date by signing up for our enewsletter.