Should Ocras Be Kept in Captivity or Left in the Wild?

There has been an ongoing debate whether Orcas should be kept in captivity or if they should be let out into the wild. If Orcas were kept in captivity, they wouldn't be separated from their babies. The Orcas would also survive better in captivity rather in the wild. Because of this, Orcas are better off staying in captivity and not let out in the wild.

Ocras won't survive well in the wild, therefore, they should be kept in captivity. According to the article, “ Seaworld responds to Blackfish Documentary, Sea Shepherd Sets the Record Straight,” seaworld believed that their killer whales’ life spans are equivalent with those in the wild. Their whales’ have survived at an annual rate of about 98 percent during the past 10 years and about 97 percent during the past 20 years (Text 2, pg.3). “Seaworld responds to Blackfish Documentary, Sea Shepherd Sets the Record Straight,” states that “ We give our animals restaurant quality fish, exercise, veterinary care, mental stimulation and the company of other members of their species.” The essence of animal training is to continually vary the reinforcement to keep the animal engaged. Ocras adapt to their lifestyle quickly, therefore if they are already in captivity, they should stay where they are at.

Even though many people feel that seaworld separates whale mothers from their calves, park managers claim that almost never happens. “ Seaworld responds to Blackfish Documentary, Sea Shepherd Sets the Record Straight,” seaworld says that they recognize the important bond between mother and calf. Most killer whale calves born at seaworld generally nurse for about a year, but may continue to nurse occasionally for as long as two years (Text 4). A mother killer whale cannot care for the calf herself, so seaworld successfully hand raise and reintroduce the calf (Text 3, pg.3) . Even though they are moved from their mother, the whales are only moved to maintain a healthy social structure