Animal Captivity of Orcas Should Be Banned Essay

Animal Captivity of Orcas Should Be Banned - Essay Example The need to maximize profits and minimize costs means that the welfare of the animals is neglected (Clemmit, 2010). Unlike the use of animals for medical research, this practice is merely for the amusement of the public.It serves no greater good besides giving people momentary pleasure. The death of Dawn Brancheau in a deadly encounter with the orca responsible for two other deaths shows the consequences of vested economic interests. It would have been prudent to ensure that such an animal does not encounter another human being. The lives of trainers are endangered (Martinez, 2014). The documentary explores the death of Dawn Brancheau who was killed by a captive orca. The same orca had killed two other trainers. Although there are generally accepted occupational hazards, the death of three people by one animal is unacceptable. The animals are destabilized when they are away from their indigenous habitats making them violent. The practice has a negative effect on the mental health of the animals. The film suggests that Tilikum had been driven to madness by his captivity (Martinez, 2014). Captured animals live in a restrictive environment causing them to undergo pain, distress and in extreme cases death. Many marine biologists believe that orcas are designed to travel millions of miles in a single day. The restricted environment makes them irritated and a danger to people (Martinez, 2014). It is morally wrong to use animals for human amusement. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has equated the practice to slavery (Martinez, 2014). It is morally wrong to inflict pain on one creature for the benefit of another. The animals have the ability to feel and should not be tortured (Clemmit, 2010). Modern science is increasingly showing that animals are more complex creatures than expected (Clemmit, 2010). A good example is chickens which do not even qualify for Animal