An In-Depth Analysis of the Defense
Argument 1
Orcas should be kept in captivity because it allows scientists to more easily study these creatures and protect them from danger in the wild. Orcas are very mobile in the wild, making the study of orcas a very difficult task. Orcas are easy to train and keep in captivity. In learning how the orcas respond to human teachings and other human influences, scientists can better understand the species. The more human-orca interactions that exist, the more the scientists can learn about them. This would not be a feasible task if the orcas were in the wild under no human supervision. Is it the human population's duty to ensure that orcas are being protected in nature?
While there are only forty-two orcas currently in captivity worldwide, that is forty-two more in captivity than some people can accept. However, the surprising death of orca trainer Dawn Brancheau in 2010 during a SeaWorld show reminded everyone of the dangers that arise from keeping orcas in captivity. However, the news was alarming to most, which is the argument of this writer. These attacks are rare, and most of the performances are completed safely without any altercations. Additionally, it is difficult for scientists to study orcas in the wild. They know very little about them, and keeping a few orcas in captivity allows for easy observation by interested scientists. Allowing scientists to study orcas allows us to better understand the orcas, and better protect them in nature.
Before deciding whether orcas should or should not be kept in captivity, we must investigate the pros and cons in great depth. While holding orcas in captivity is useful for scientists to study the mammal, we must understand why keeping orcas in captivity is so helpful to these scientists. Also, do we know if it is imperative for scientists to learn about the creature and protect it in the wild? As far as the general public knows, an orca is very self-sustainable, and does not require the help of humans to thrive in their habitat.
Argument 2
Orcas should be kept in captivity, but under humane conditions. Keeping orcas in captivity allows us to ensure the health and happiness of orcas. By keeping orcas in captivity, we can learn about these creatures in a contained environment and use that knowledge to better protect these creatures in their natural environment. It is the human species' obligation to ensure the well being of the earth and all of the creatues that inhabit it. In order to do so, capturing, studying, and caretaking the various creatures of the earth is something humans must do.
Keeping orcas and dolphins (cetaceans) in captivity can be of great benefit to society, if the well-being and health of the cetaceans is a top priority. Having these creatures in captivity can be beneficial to both species, since the humans can tend to the creatures and ensure proper health and satisfaction, and the humans can gain knowledge about these creatures by having them in a contained environment. Things that are learned about these creatures in captivity can be very helpful when considered for wild populations of the same creature. Removing a few orcas from captivity to study them does not endanger the entire species, and can actually help humans ensure that the species is never threatened to become extinct. There is an idea of “kind-ness” that Hoyt introduces, that argues that all creatures are all linked together. This “kind-ness” allows us to insist that animals are to be spared of any fear or pain that they might experience, since Hoyt claims that humans have the job of “managing” the earth. One such method in preventing the harm of a creature is to keep them in captivity and ensure no harm is imposed upon them.
If the orcas are improperly treated in captivity, then keeping that orca in captivity is not a good thing. If it is concluded that orcas are too intelligent to be subjected to captivity, then the orcas should be released to their natural environment.
Claiming that it is the human species’
obligation to ensure the well being and survival of the creatures of this earth
is a very bold statement, but some people stress the necessity of keeping creatures in captivity. While I do agree
that ensuring the well being of creatures is a good thing, I do not believe
that it is the human species’ “duty” to do so. For orcas in particular, they
are very independent and self-sufficient in the wild, requiring very little
outside help from other species in order to survive. To say that orcas require
the help of humans to be given the best life is a judgment call that depends on
what truly makes the orca most happy and healthy. The lack of long-distance
swimming partially limits the physical health of the orcas, and there is not a
definitive definition of what makes an orca happy.
Argument 3
"Not only are SeaWorld's orca shows safe for human trainers, they also help ensure the highly intelligent killer whales are happy" (Jeremy White). The whales are happy because they want to interact with humans. The shows are safe for human trainers because safety is a top priority of SeaWorld Parks. The orcas are healthy because SeaWorld has many beterinarians that work closely with the orcas to ensure proper care. Allowing orcas to perform and interact with humans makes them happy. The veterinarians work closely with animal care staff to provide their "comprehensive health and wellness programs" for the orcas.
Recently in California, activists have been trying to pass a bill that would prohibit orca performances. The activists are claiming that the orcas would be happier not performing, while SeaWorld representatives claim that it is exactly what the orcas want to do. They would rather be performing than not performing, since it actually gives them something to do. The orcas truly do want to interact with humans, and the shows benefit both orcas and humans. The shows have an underlying purpose to inspire all who view to find out more about the species. The shows serve as a purpose to link the viewer to the creature, so that the viewer may “extend to their stewardship to the ocean”. SeaWorld claims safety is a top priority in everything they do, but every now and then accidents do occur.
SeaWorld has been shown to separate a mother orca from her calf, which induced a depression in the mother orca. The mother was clearly not happy about this, which refutes the statement that SeaWorld cares about the happiness of the orcas. They have a system of separating mothers from their youth, so the separation will exist as long as the parks exist. People must decide if the pain from the separation truly affects the orca’s overall happiness.
From various documentaries and readings I’ve seen about orcas, it appears that orcas do in fact enjoy the presence of humans. However, whether or not they enjoy the presence of other orcas over the presence of humans is not known. I like how SeaWorld acknowledges that safety is a top priority of theirs, but the attacks on humans are too unpredictable. The attacks are going to continue to happen, unless orcas and humans are completely separated. Humans are always at risk when in the general vicinity of the orcas, so the bigger question is if it is worth it to put your life in danger in order to interact with this species.
From various documentaries and readings I’ve seen about orcas, it appears that orcas do in fact enjoy the presence of humans. However, whether or not they enjoy the presence of other orcas over the presence of humans is not known. I like how SeaWorld acknowledges that safety is a top priority of theirs, but the attacks on humans are too unpredictable. The attacks are going to continue to happen, unless orcas and humans are completely separated. Humans are always at risk when in the general vicinity of the orcas, so the bigger question is if it is worth it to put your life in danger in order to interact with this species.