Macie Zhong
Hastings Middle School, Columbus, Ohio 43220, United States
*Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 2020-2-29 / Accepted: 2020-4-11 / Published: 2020-4-15
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37906/isteamc.2020.1
Abstract Orcinus orca, also known as killer whales, are one of the most endangered and captured marine species. They have been kept in captivity at marine parks and aquariums such as SeaWorld and Marineland for decades just because of entertainment purposes. How can people find a way to make the living conditions of these whales better? Dr. Ingrid Visser found in her study at Marineland of Antibes, France, that orcas get many physical problems through their living conditions. Their teeth are worn down and they mostly stay in one place. Signs of aggression are also visible, the whales rake each other with their teeth which can cause bleeding and sometimes infections. Aggression is not only between whales, there have also been many trainer accidents that include the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheu. Many solutions have been suggested to solve the problems while working in cooperation with entertainment companies, none of them have made any progress. What can people do to finish properly what we started?
Research Areas: Oceans, Animals
Keywords: orcas, captivity, marine parks
