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Sea Pens The Future of SeaWorlds Orcas

Molly Gramoll

English 102-030
Professor Kays
April 24, 2016
University of Wisconsin - Stout

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In 2010, the media went into a frenzy and swarmed SeaWorld with negative attention
after hearing that Dawn Brancheau, head trainer at SeaWorld Orlando had been killed by one of
their orcas. Suddenly, SeaWorld was not healthy or safe for the trainers and whales, and the
performances changed by keeping the trainers out of the water without any thought to the cause
of the trainers death. In 2013, the American documentary Blackfish, directed by Gabriela
Cowperthwaite, was released, and it changed peoples views on the beloved company and their
performance killer whales. Now people were questioning Brancheaus death and the guilty party
Tilikum, a 12,000 pound male orca. Why would a whale who has been around people for years
do that? How did no one see the signs leading up to this event? Animal Advocates like PETA and
OSHA, who have been against SeaWorld since the start, finally had listeners to hear their reasons
why. Pent up anger and frustration, swimming in circles in a tank equivalent to a fish bowl for
decades and not having any personal space are all reasons why Tilikum could have acted out and
why these enormous predators do not belong in a concrete tank. With recent SeaWorld
announcements, its the perfect opportunity to allow these whales to be moved to a sea pen until
they are ready to be set free in the open ocean. The killer whale is a strong, intelligent animal that
has entertained audiences for decades, but it cannot survive in SeaWorlds tiny tanks; it is time to
give them a better life in a sea pen where they can be the whale the world knowsnot a circus
performer.
The Orcinus orca is one of the most intelligent animals in the world. David Kirby,
journalist and author of Death at SeaWorld, states that alongside dolphins, killer whales have
very large brains which are the second-heaviest among marine mammals and four times larger
than the human brain (Kirby), and even have certain areas in the limbic system, the emotionprocessing area, that have gotten smaller over time. They also have an extra lobe of tissue that

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sort of sits adjacent to their limbic system and their neocortex. [] The lobe has something to do
with thinking. Its very highly elaborated in most cetaceans and [] not nearly as much in
humans or other mammals, so it suggests that theres something that evolved or adapted in that
brain over time that did not occur in other mammals, including humans (Rutkin). Another
section of the brain that shows human-like capacities is the frontal operculum and insular cortex.
These areas correlate, in humans, with speech and ability to hear/process sound. It is suggested
that part of the operculum in killer whales innervates the nasal respiratory tract, the origin of
killer whale vocalization. As such, it has been speculated that this area serves similar functions as
the speech-related operculum in humans. Indeed, the vocal patterns found within orca pods
demonstrate levels of communication beyond mere sounds (Crawford). Biologists have noticed
unique vocal patterns between different orca pods and refer to these patterns as separate
languages. Killer whales, both in the wild and in captivity, [] exhibit a range of emotions
from joy, fear, frustration, and anger, as well as self-awareness (Crawford). Besides an
impressive brain, orcas have unique traits and incredible abilities when theyre in the wild
interacting with their pods or hunting. For example, orca calves never leave their pods
especially males. Females tend to spend more time with their mates pod and their own calves,
but male orcas never emigrate away from their home territory (Kirby). Male orcas have a very
deep bond with their mothers, so they rarely spend more than a few hoursbut can spend up to a
dayaway from their moms side. Staying close with their mothers and viewing them as leaders
could be a habit picked up from their pods because in orca societies the females, specifically the
oldest living, dominate the group (Kirby). When hunting, orcas work together with members
from their pod and will use echolocation to hunt and use a series of high-pitched clicks to stun
prey and they sometimes force many fish into one area [] or will beach themselves to scare

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[their prey] into the water, where other killer whales are waiting to feed (Defenders of Wildlife).
The Orcinus orca is an incredible mammal with capabilities almost unheard of in other animals.
Their intelligence and natural-born talents are studied by marine biologists and feared by seals
and penguins everywhere, so taking them away from their home waters and tightly-knit families
can eliminate those habits and abilities that make them so astonishing. SeaWorlds conditions are
ill-suitable for the killer whale because they dont allow them to develop certain skills and these
whales have much more potential than a being used as a tool for audiences satisfaction.
A full-grown killer whale is an enormous animal that can reach about 21-23 feet in length
and speeds of 35 miles per hour. Killer whales in their native ocean homes swim up to 100
miles a day (SeaWorld of Hurt). While at SeaWorld, the tanks are equivalent, in orca standards,
to a concrete bathtub. There are so many reasons why SeaWorlds beloved whales and the
homes they live in are dangerous: whale and human injuries and deaths, whales lashing out on
one another due to cramped spaces and from being thrown together from all over the Pacific
Ocean, inbreeding which leads to premature orca deaths and many, if not all, calves are separated
from their mothers. One would think that after all of the injuries caused and loss of whales (and
people) that maybe something isnt working right with this commercialized company. Did you
know that at least 150 orcas have been taken into captivity from the wild since 1961 (Whale
and Dolphin Conservation (WDC))? Today, 127 of these orcas are now dead (WDC). There
have been many attacks on humans from captive whales that resulted in four deaths (Keltie
Byrne, Daniel Dukes, Alexis Martinez and Dawn Brancheau). The whales lash out on their
trainers and each other because of the lack of space. They have nowhere to swim to get away
when theyre frustrated and annoyed with other orcas. In the wild, they could swim off for a
couple hours to cool down, but in SeaWorlds tanks they are forced to be in close quarters 24/7.

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SeaWorld has lost so many whales, especially calves, while breeding their whales. Their only
reason for breeding is for the company to have more whales for monetary benefits and to send
them all over the world to other marine parks who need performance orcas. The main reason
SeaWorld has lost so many whales is through in-breeding and impregnating their whales at an
unhealthy age. They also bred two separate types of orcas, Resident and Transient, together this
would never happen in the wild which causes many stillborn and premature deaths. It was
discovered that the two groups began dividing along evolutionary lines about 2 million years
ago. Their DNA indicated they had not interbred for more than ten thousand years (Kirby).
There are two main ways to tell them apart, Residents:
tended to travel in deliberate, forward-moving patterns. When they traveled together
and surfaced to breathe and disappeared, (one) could predict their dive patterns. [].
Transients didnt follow such predictable patterns. They were far more prone to roam
about in erratic motions that made it hard to know where they would surface next, the
better to sneak up on their intelligent prey. Prey was the other main distinction between
the two groups. Residents wanted fish and Transients craved mammal flesh. Residents
also vocalized intensively as they foraged [] possibly to tell each other where the
salmon were hiding, or perhaps simply to express glee at the challenge of the chase. But
Transients stalked silently otherwise their prey would hear them coming. After a good
stealthy kill, though, they often vocalized up a triumphant storm, accompanied by
exuberant breaches into the air (Kirby).
By breeding these whales, SeaWorld creates hybrids which puts the calves at risk with their
health because the whales traits and DNA is unnatural and unpredictable. These two types also
do not like being around each other and prefer to stay close with their pod or specific type.

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These cramped living conditions are unsuitable for killer whales and the best solution for
psychologically and mentally damaged orcas is a netted off area called a sea pen located off the
coast.
SeaWorld has kept their captive orcas in enclosed glass and concrete tanks since the
1960s and only recently has the cry to release these whales muted SeaWorlds attempts at
reassuring their audience that their tanks were safe. The only problem is that most of these
whales couldnt be released because according to Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist for the
Animal Welfare Institute, they were born in captivity or because they have been in captivity for
a very long time (Martin). The next, and only acceptable, option is to release the orcas into a sea
pen. A sea pen is a netted off area where whales can become independent and learn to live on
their own in a safe area that reintroduces them to their natural environment. These wildlife
refuges in the ocean [] would let these cetaceans either ease back into the wild, or provide a
more natural place for them to live out their lives (Zimmerman). Sea pens are expensive due to
the cost of transportation of whales, employment of caretakers and creation of pens, but if
SeaWorld were to jump on board much of the costs would be covered and more people would be
willing to donate, knowing that SeaWorld supports this option. Sea pens are the perfect inbetween place for these orcas because they can learn how to catch prey and hunt on their own,
explore the depths of the cold, saltwater-filled ocean and stretch their fins after being confined
for so many decades. In these bays or coves, incompatible animals would not be forced to
cohabit the same enclosures and family groups would be preserved (Rose). The best release
story involves a whale named Keiko. Best known for playing Willy in the Free Willy movies,
Keiko was rehabilitated in a sea pen off the coast of Iceland and was finally released after
nineteen years of being on display. He was reintroduced to the open ocean and chased smaller

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fish that entered his pen through the nets. Keiko also began making deeper dives and stronger
breaches (Kirby). When released, Keiko was given a tracking device and biologists discovered
that he joined a pod and traveled with them until passing away. Whales that have been in
captivity since birth or for many years have the option to slowly get used to swimming on their
own and work their way towards being set free, or can swim out their days in a sea pen. The pens
are safe for damaged whales, and will help them stabilize mentally and psychologically over
time.
Once the whales are living in the sea pens, who will take care of them? There would no
longer be a need for performance trainers, but, instead, expert caretakers would be available for
feedings and veterinary services. They would not get into the water, though, and would always
stay at a safe distance (Rose). The relationship between the whales and their caretakers would
transition from a dependent relationship to an as-close-as-it-can-get independent relationship.
The caretakers would be there a majority of the time in the first six months to a year to help the
whales have an easy, non-stressful transition from a tank the size of a fish bowl to a netted off
area giving them room to stretch their fins. When Keiko was finally released into the ocean, he
had shown he could adjust again to his natural habitat, but he wasnt ready to be independent.
He wanted human companionship and he had it, coming and going as he pleased but always
returning to the project team (Rose). The orcas cannot keep being treated like pets or circus
performers; they are wild animals who are wise, sociable and top predators. They need to relearn
how to be the animal that put them at the top of the food chain, and with the help of expert
caretakers they will be able to transition easily.
The end is near for SeaWorld their fish bowl has been cracked and is quickly leaking.
SeaWorlds drop in park attendance and increase in protestors and advocates has lead up to their

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recent announcements. SeaWorld announced on March 17, 2016 that they were officially ending
their breeding program and stated that the current generation of captive killer whales would be
the last. The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) issued a statement that the decision to end
[SeaWorlds] orca breeding program globally and to commit to ending the collection of exhibit
animals from the wild [] is a monumental and important first step forward in achieving a more
humane business model for the company (Viegas). Conservationists continue to push for sea
pens to house the whales if SeaWorld and other marine parks are forced to close their doors.
Although there are no current sea pens in the world, and they would cost a boatload to build,
SeaWorld has recently partnered with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and
people believe that more changes will be made in the future involving the rescue and
rehabilitation of marine animals in distress (Viegas), specifically ailing captive orcas. Along
with these new announcements, SeaWorld released news on Tilikum, the focus of the popular
documentary Blackfish, and his declining health. SeaWorld wrote, We are saddened to report
that over the past few weeks, Tilikums behavior has become increasingly lethargic. The
SeaWorld veterinary and animal care teams are concerned that his health is beginning to
deteriorate (Viegas). Maybe thats because he sits in the smallest tank located in the back corner
of the Shamu Stadium! Living in isolation for most of the day and barely having enough room to
turn around has taken a toll on his mental and physical health. SeaWorld needs to come to its
senses and let Tilikum go, and not continue allowing him to suffer. There are posters,
merchandise, signs, quotes, drawings, websites, petitions and people all over the internet and
around the world trying to end SeaWorld once and for all. Another whale that deserves to be
released to a sea pen is Lolita. Performing at the Miami Seaquarium for over forty years since
she was taken from her mother in 1970 and living isolation since 1980 when her companion

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died, Lolita is one of the most deserving whales to be retired and released to a sea pen. She is
approximately 21 feet in length and 7,000 pounds. Per the guidelines, the tank for a killer whale
the size of Lolita must be a minimum of 48 feet wide in either direction with a straight line of
travel across the middle. Lolitas tank is only 35 feet wide from the front wall to the slide out
barrier (Save Lolita). The company has been able to escape from these accusations, even if the
Miami marine parks orca tanks are by law too small to hold orcas. She, among others, are
exhausted and emotionally damaged by all of the trauma theyve been through. Living among
unfamiliar whales, performing in front of thousands of screaming people every day with flashing
cameras and being treated like circus animals has scarred these whales. They deserve to be set
free and live like the wild animals theyre meant to be.
The intelligent and strong killer whale cannot entertain SeaWorlds audiences anymore,
and, after decades of performing, it is time to let the world see what an orca is really like. Since
SeaWorld is on its last leg, the company needs to figure out their plan for their killer whales. The
orcas need to be in a safe, healthy environment after spending decades in a concrete bathtub. The
most deserving whales, like Tilikum and Lolita, should be the first to experience retirement,
independence, and life in a sea pen. Seeing the whales in their natural environment, hunting fish
or seals, and swimming freely would bring joy to the people who have been fighting for these
whales freedom for many years. These pens give captive orcas another chance at a life that had
been stolen from them when they were captured. Giving the whales that long and happy life
could spark other marine parks or zoos to think about releasing their animals, and although
SeaWorld would lose their whales, they would be praised for making the right decision regarding
the welfare of the orcas.

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Works Cited
"Basic Facts About Orcas." Defenders of Wildlife. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Crawford, Lars. "Killer Whales Are Non-Human Persons." Grey Matters. 7 Dec. 2013. Web. 4
Apr. 2016.

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Kirby, David. "7 Things About Wild Killer Whales You'll Never Learn at SeaWorld." TakePart.
12 Dec. 2012. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.
Kirby, David. Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity. New
York: St. Martin's, 2012. Print.
Martin, Hugo. "Which Is Better for SeaWorld's Whales: Glass-and-Concrete Enclosures or
Ocean Sea Pens?" SunHerald. 5 Jan. 2016. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Peta and Peta 2. 8 Reasons Orcas Dont Belong in SeaWorld. SeaWorld of Hurt. Peta, Web. 3
Apr. 2016.
Rose, Naomi A. "A Win-win Solution for Captive Orcas and Marine Theme Parks." CNN. 2013
Oct. 28. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
Rose, Naomi A. "How to Free a Killer Whale." CNN. 2 Mar. 2010. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
Rutkin, Aviva Hope. "Inside the Mind of a Killer Whale: A Q+A with the Neuroscientist from
'Blackfish'" The Raptor Lab. 14 Aug. 2013. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
"Save Lolita | Raising Awareness for Lolita the Orca." Save Lolita | Raising Awareness for Lolita
the Orca. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
"The Fate of Captive Orcas." Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.
Viegas, Jennifer. SeaWorld Announcement Sidesteps Call for Orca Sanctuary." Discovery
News. 17 Mar. 2016. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.
Zimmerman, Tim. "The Monumental Plans That Could Set Captive Orcas Free." The Dodo. 22
Mar. 2014. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.