New report highlights why orcas do not belong in captivty

The Humane Society of the United States has released a paper by marine mammal expert Dr Naomi Rose outlining the arguments and scientific evidence against the public display of killer whales, on animal welfare grounds. Dr Rose is well known in the cetacean world for her excellent work on the issues surrounding dolphins and whales in a captive environment.

This new paper highlights why orcas, such as Morgan currently held at Harderwijk dolfinarium in the Netherlands, do not thrive well in a captive environment.

Latest reports on Morgans' state are disturbing, as apparently this young orca is spending a considerable amount of time lying still at the surface of the water and this behaviour can be a reflection of the animals' psychological health - something that wild orcas rarely do unless resting.