Ethics of animals in aquariums
Aquariums: The documentary ‘Blackfish’ inspired me to base my essay on this topic, as the main bulk of the programme is based on Tilikum and the truth behind how he is 'cared' for by Sea World. In the wild, male Orcas can live for up to 80 years, and females can live for over 100. The average age of death for an orca at Sea World is a mere 7 years old. Early death for all animals is not the case for all animals in captivity -in many zoos animals can live for much longer than they would in the wild, but if the animal is unhappy surely this cannot be a good thing? If an animal is showing signs of zoochosis, the animal is being kept alive purely for the entertainment of humans and as a source of income for the captivity centre In captivity, Orcas grind their teeth down on the bars and sides of the enclosures in the hope of escape – and this often requires painful dental procedures. Orcas are very friendly, social, family-orientated animals who stay with their mother for a ...