The term “whale” encompasses all large marine mammals within the order Cetacea, which also includes dolphins and porpoises. Smaller, toothed species of this group are found in aquariums. These captive animals belong to the suborder of cetaceans that possess teeth, allowing them to be successfully managed in artificial habitats. This biological context is important for understanding which whales can be housed and why others cannot be confined to pools.
The Distinction Between Whale Types in Captivity
Cetaceans are divided into two suborders: Mysticetes (baleen whales) and Odontocetes (toothed whales). Baleen whales, such as the Blue Whale and Humpback Whale, are filter feeders that use large keratin plates to strain krill from vast volumes of ocean water. These species are too immense for any aquarium setting, often reaching lengths over 80 feet, and their specialized feeding method is impossible to replicate in a tank. Toothed whales are the only type found in captivity because they are generally much smaller and are active predators. Odontocetes possess a single blowhole and use echolocation, a sophisticated biological sonar system, for navigation and hunting.
Orcas and Belugas: The Most Common Captive Whales
The two species most frequently associated with whale exhibits are the Orca and the Beluga whale. Orcas, technically the largest members of the oceanic dolphin family, are often called Killer Whales, and their immense size makes them headline animals. They are selected for display due to their high intelligence, which allows for complex training and theatrical performances. Beluga whales are also chosen for display because of their relatively small size, distinctive white color, and flexible neck. These Arctic cetaceans rely heavily on sound to navigate their dark, icy environments, making them sensitive to the acoustics of concrete tanks. Both species possess highly complex social structures, living in tight-knit family units called pods in the wild.
The Declining Practice and Ethical Concerns
The practice of keeping these social and intelligent animals in confinement is declining due to ethical and scientific concerns. Orcas travel up to 100 miles per day and dive to depths of several hundred feet in the wild, which contrasts sharply with the limited space of even the largest tanks. This spatial restriction is a factor in the development of physical pathologies, most visibly the collapsed dorsal fin observed in nearly all adult male captive Orcas. Scientific research shows that the stress of confinement leads to abnormal behaviors and health issues, including dental damage from gnawing on tank walls and stress-related conditions. Public and legislative pressure has resulted in shifts in corporate policy and law, such as Canada passing legislation that bans the breeding and keeping of new cetaceans in captivity.
Marine Sanctuaries as Alternatives to Aquariums
As the public and legislative stance against cetacean captivity grows, marine sanctuaries are emerging as a specialized alternative to traditional aquariums and marine parks. These facilities are designed as large, netted-off coastal areas, often referred to as sea pens, which provide a significantly more natural environment. Unlike concrete tanks, sanctuaries offer natural seawater, greater depth, and more complex acoustic and physical environments. The operational model of a marine sanctuary is focused entirely on the welfare, rehabilitation, and permanent retirement of captive whales and dolphins. They prioritize the animals’ well-being over visitor entertainment, meaning they do not feature performances, breeding programs, or direct human interaction. This shift offers a respectful, naturalistic habitat for cetaceans who cannot be released into the wild due to their dependence on human care.