An update on captive cetacean welfare

The welfare of captive cetaceans (i.e., dolphins, whales, and porpoises) has garnered increasing attention over the years as captivity presents significant challenges for these long-lived, highly intelligent, wide-ranging, and socially complex animals. The present paper provides an overview of the current state of captive cetacean welfare, examining captive facilities, recent improvements, persistent problems, and the clinical/behavioral/neural consequences of confinement. We specifically address both quantitative and qualitative aspects of captive space, sociocognitive factors, feeding, and welfare concerns such as stereotypies, physical health, reproduction, and lifespan. The contrast between the restrictive nature of captive environments and the dynamic, multifaceted characteristics of the natural environment highlights the difficulties faced by cetaceans in captivity. Despite efforts by some facilities to improve conditions, serious welfare challenges persist, raising critical ethical concerns about the well-being of captive cetaceans.