Michael Noonan, PhD, professor of ABEC and biology, will present “On the Behavior and Welfare of Killer Whales in Captivity” at the next College of Arts & Sciences Colloquium on Thursday, November 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Regis North.
The killer whale (Orcinus orca) has proven to be among the most difficult of all species to hold adequately in zoological facilities. It is a particularly large-brained and long-lived species that evidences a high degree of social complexity in the wild (Baird, 2000). In an effort to assess its present state in captivity, the behavior and welfare of killer whales is measured against six standards originally articulated by Marion Stamp Dawkins (1980). Although much has been learned about effective husbandry for this species in recent decades, room for improvement can be recognized on all six measures.
This analysis leads to a recommended framework for future orca facilities. It is suggested that they be much larger in size and that they incorporate many more elements of the natural environment than do present day facilities. It is also important that they be designed in ways that allow for the complex social structures that are characteristic for this species in the wild. In the long view, movement toward shore-side facilities is envisioned in which interactions with semi-captive orcas can take place in ways that will better serve the welfare of these animals while continuing to promote the education and conservation missions of modern zoological institutions.
All faculty and staff are welcome to attend.
Submitted by: Veronica Serwacki, executive associate to dean, College of Arts and Sciences
