We’ve
all seen their stunning, shimmering black and white bodies in the bright
sunlight, whether in reality or on film. We’ve marvelled at their long rows of
sharp, white teeth, and we’ve thrilled at the sight of these creatures
rocketing their huge bodies clear of the water and landing with a terrific,
bone-jarring SLAM!
Truly,
the Killer Whale is one of the most famous and beloved members of the marine
mammal kingdom. Sadly, it is this very love and adoration that has caused this
animal the tremendous problems that plague it today.
It all
began back in the early 1960s with a decision to bring in a killer whale to
model for a planned sculpture for an aquarium. The original goal was to kill
one to make it possible to study it close up, and sure enough, one such whale
quickly took a harpoon to the back. When its injuries failed to kill it (even
after they shot at it), they decided to bring it back to the aquarium and hold
it in a pen in the sea. They dragged it the twenty miles by the rope still
attached to the harpoon lodged in the animal’s back. There had been one other
whale in captivity shortly before this, but only for a day or two before it
smashed its head into the side of its tank and died. This one, known as Moby
Doll, lived for 87 days in captivity. During this time, it became quite a
popular attraction.
And,
with that, the tradition of Killer Whale captivity had begun. It’s a tradition that’s
dramatically increased our knowledge of whales. During the first couple of
months of his captivity, the aquarium staff kept feeding Moby Doll all the
wrong food, nearly starving her, because they knew nothing of the orca diet.
It’s brought delight, cheers and laughter to millions of aquarium visitors and
provided them with an opportunity to see an incredible animal that most of us
will otherwise never have a chance to see. It’s brought an awareness and
changed our view of the giant mammals of the ocean.
It’s
also cost lives, human and whale. It’s caused medical problems and mysterious
conditions that seem to be very rare among the wild populations, it’s decimated
wild herds, and it’s even said to be a possible cause for some hostile behavior
among some captive individuals.
Not
surprisingly, whale captivity’s biggest effect has been controversy and tremendous
debate.
So,
a few days ago, when someone mentioned there was something going on with a
whale at Sea World in San Diego, I decided I’d better check out what the latest
debate was all about.
It
seems some folks aren’t contented to it around a debate. Some are determined to
do something about it. This article describes how a lawyer went so far as to
propose a new anti-whale captivity law. His law would illegalize the capture of
orcas for tricks and entertainment. It would become mandatory to free all the
whales that could be freed. Some whales can’t be set loose however. The orca
known as Shamu, for example (That’s a stage name. Her real name is Corky), was
captured as a calf in the late 60s and has lived in captivity for the last four
decades. She likely wouldn’t know what to do if she were dropped off in the
ocean, now. It’s been way too long since she was there last. More than that, of
the 50 some odd orcas currently living in captivity, more than half are captive
born, often conceived through artificial insemination. They’ve never known the
wild at all. Animals like this, unequipped to be set free, would live their
lives out in sea pens, carefully guarded by trained keepers. The animals would
be free to be whales, never asked to perform tricks again. It would also
illegalize artificial insemination in orcas.
Imagine,
a world with no Killer Whales living in tanks. Never again an orca who has no
idea what the ocean looks like. What would you think of that? Well, it turns
out it may be awhile, at least mid-2015, before we have to find out what we
think of that. The authorities in California have chosen, not to over-rule the
proposed law, but to put it on hold pending further research. At least do it,
so we don’t cause yet more trouble than we already have.
Meanwhile,
another piece of legislation has had a little more success. Orca trainers will
no longer be allowed to swim with the whales during shows. This is for the
trainers’ own safety, as these are huge and powerful creatures. Thankfully they
are, for the most part, calm, friendly and pleasant animals to be around. But
they have demonstrated, in past, that they can do some mighty damage. And some
folks argue that captivity drives them to this kind of hostility.
There
are many viewpoints and opinions flying around out there, but one thing is
definite and immoveable. These are mighty and beautiful creatures and some of
Mother Nature’s finest creations. Whatever else we do, we must always remember
to treat these animals with nothing but tremendous respect.
That
would be a new twist.
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