Why orcas fins flop

Dorsal fin collapse can be viewed as a symptom; that is, a sign of the existence of something, especially of an undesirable situation. Captivity has a range of inherent undesirable problems for orcas, including but not limited to aspects that may affect the upright position of the dorsal fin. There are also hypotheses that factors such as age, stress, fitness, reduced swimming due to the relatively small tank size and frequent circling within the tanks , chemicals used in the water, thermoregulation reduced ability to use the dorsal fin for heat-exchange due to excessive exposure above water see Figure 1 , medications, food, and dehydration play a role in collapse.

These are all possible contributors to the fact that LSI typically occurs in captive orca dorsal fins. No captive display facilities, including SeaWorld, have conducted relevant research into this phenomenon. For example, resident orcas generally have dorsal fins that are rounded at the tip and are more falcate curved overall than transient orcas, who generally have dorsal fins that are pointed at the tip and are more triangular in shape see Figure 1.

Figure 1. It is thought this is one of the physical attributes that is passed on genetically. Additionally, Dr. Barrett-Lennard has speculated that this total collapse is due to an injury Barrett-Lennard In the SeaWorld video where Dr. Instead, females and a four-year-old male are shown, who only have partially collapsing dorsal fins see Figure 2. However, Figure 3 shows a captive adult male orca with a typical totally collapsed fin , held at SeaWorld, compared to the straight dorsal fin of a free-ranging adult male orca.

Figure 2. Bottom left - Kayla, female , 26 years old ; middle left — Katina female , approximately 39 years old ; top right — presumed to be Makaio male , 4 years old — dorsal fin not visible and bottom right — presumed to be Nalani female , 8 years old.

The number of wild male killer whales with abnormal dorsal fins appears to vary from population to population. Of these, however, only one male was known to have a fully folded fin. During that same time, the number in B. Currently, of the killer whale populations that use B.

There have been many theories as to why fins collapse in wild killer whales, including injury, age, stress, dehydration and poor health. As Yuculta has survived eight year thus far with a fully flopped fin, it is likely this state is due to an injury as opposed to any major stress or illness. This summer, keep your eye out for Yuculta and his family. Whales in the wild swim in deep, vast oceans, with the water current and pressure on either side there to keep it straight and tight.

Unlike in captivity, they must float around at the top of the surface eventually causing the fin to droop. In the wild, Orcas get their hydration through their fresh prey. The fish they are given have been processed, lacking hydration, causing the fin to fall. Dorsal fins are simply one of many clear examples that prove that being kept in captivity for entertainment and money purposes is detrimental to these animals.

His dorsal fin is believed to be around 2 meters 6. Ulises , an adult male, at SeaWorld San Diego. Photo submitted by orcalover Cetacean Captivity. Post navigation Next post Unnatural Diet.