page_title: Captive killer whales
hierarchical_section_title: Captive killer whales
caption_attribution_description: Orca show at Sea World San Diego
context_page_description: Captive killer whales are live killer whales which are held in captivity by humans, often for breeding or performance purposes. The practice of capturing and displaying these whales in exhibitions began in the 1960s, soon becoming popular attractions at public aquariums and aquatic theme parks due to their intelligence, trainability, striking appearance, playfulness, and sheer size. As of August, 2019, there were 60 orcas in captivity worldwide, 33 of which are captive-born. As of January 2019 there were 19 live orcas in the Seaworld parks.
  The practice of keeping killer whales in captivity is controversial, due to the separation of their familial "pod" during capture, and their living conditions and health in captivity. There have been 4 human deaths involving orcas as of 2018, 3 of which involved a whale called Tilikum. Of the reported killer whale attacks in the wild, none have been fatal.
context_section_description: Captive killer whales are live killer whales (Orcinus orca) which are held in captivity by humans, often for breeding or performance purposes. The practice of capturing and displaying these whales in exhibitions began in the 1960s, soon becoming popular attractions at public aquariums and aquatic theme parks due to their intelligence, trainability, striking appearance, playfulness, and sheer size. As of August, 2019, there were 60 orcas in captivity worldwide, 33 of which are captive-born. As of January 2019 there were 19 live orcas in the Seaworld parks.
  The practice of keeping killer whales in captivity is controversial, due to the separation of their familial "pod" during capture, and their living conditions and health in captivity.  There have been 4 human deaths involving orcas as of 2018, 3 of which involved a whale called Tilikum. Of the reported killer whale attacks in the wild, none have been fatal.
caption: Orkid at Sea World San Diego
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