Video Shows Stressed Captive Orcas and Other Dolphins Biting Each Other
New images of the orcas and other dolphins held captive at Marineland in Antibes, France, show that the animals have numerous bite and rake marks on their bodies and fins. Rake marks form when cetaceans use their teeth to scrape the skin of other animals, which can be extremely painful. While aggression between animals of these species is uncommon in the wild, it happens much more frequently in captivity, where incompatible individuals are often crammed together into tiny tanks, with no means of escape.
French animal advocacy group Sans Voix Paca released the video, which is the result of its investigations at Marineland in 2015 and 2016:
Veterinarian Dr. Heather Rally, who has helped PETA investigate SeaWorld, says that rake marks result in scarring that usually disappears within six months of the initial injury. That means that aggression between cetaceans at Marineland is commonplace and ongoing.
PETA has just purchased stock in Parques Reunidos, the parent company of Marineland and the Miami Seaquarium, so that we can use our shareholder status to participate in the company’s annual meetings. We plan to organize with other shareholders to urge the company to build coastal sanctuaries for these captive marine mammals and to work to win their freedom.
