WDCS North America

Orcas are simply amazing!
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. 41 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.

Learn more about the fate of these animals in captivity here:

One year on from the tragic death of two orca trainers - what has changed?
What happened to Tilikum, the male orca at Sea World?
No similar tragic incidents involving humans have ever been documented with orcas in the wild. Captivity is dangerous.
Find out where the orcas are held in captivity.
Dont take our word for it - two former Sea World trainers reveal the shocking truth

Learn more about WDCSs field work to better understand the life of orcas and how to protect them:

Long-term project studying orcas in Far East Russian waters
Long-term project studying orcas off British Columbia

YOU can help us stop the cruel capture and trade in orcas
Sign up to our E-Campaign-Newsletter now!

Find out how you can contribute to our global efforts to protect orcas in the wild.

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