These hopes have now been dashed by Vigga's death. Since Vigga's death on Monday night, Marine World now holds no captive orcas. Given our knowledge about these supremely social animals, the situation following Yaka's death must have been unbearable for Vigga. 106 of these orcas are now dead, with an average length of survival in captivity of less than six years. Following Vigga's death, there are now 48 orcas held in captivity in 13 marine parks in five countries.
Captivity severely compromises an orca's quality of life.
Knowledge gained from studies of wild orcas has only served to demonstrate to us how unsuitable confinement in a concrete tank is for these animals. In the wild, life expectancy for female orcas is 50.2 years, for males 29.2 years. Members are related by blood and remain together for life. They forage for live prey and socialise, rest and play as a cohesive group. Free will and freedom of movement characterise their existence.