Environmental enrichment for Killer whales Orcinus orca at zoological institutions: untried and untested
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Law, G
Kitchener, Andrew C
shaw, mark
Date published
January 5, 2017
Abstract
Despite a history in zoological institutions stretching back more than 50 years, with associated improvements in husbandry and breeding, the keeping of Killer whales Orcinus orca in zoos and aquariums has become highly controversial. The recent decision to stop the current breeding programme in the USA does not obviate the need to continue to improve husbandry as the whales in zoological institutions today will survive for decades to come. In this paper we outline several novel ideas for enriching the lives of Killer whales through provision of intergroup communication, and enhancement of feeding methods, health and fitness, and the ambient environment, all of which are aimed at eliciting natural behaviours seen in the wild. The enrichments proposed here may require adaptation for use with Killer whales and many could be modified for use with other cetacean species. We believe that by providing species-appropriate enrichment, both the welfare and educational value of Killer whales and other cetaceans can be greatly enhanced in the future.
Journal title
International Zoo Yearbook
Volume
51
Publisher
The Zoological Society of London
ISSN
0074-9664
Official URL
Additional information
Online version of record published before inclusion in an issue