May 9, 2025 · While a collapsed dorsal fin does occur in wild killer whales, it is uncommon. Most captive orcas have a bent dorsal fin and the reasons why affect their welfare.

May 4, 2025 · Learn why a killer whale's dorsal fin collapses or flops over when in captivity and whether this happens in whales — or orcas — that live in the wild.

Nov 7, 2025 · The collapsed dorsal fin observed in many captive killer whales is a powerful indicator of compromised health and welfare, directly linked to the unnatural conditions of …

Dec 5, 2024 · Though drooping dorsal fins are occasionally seen in wild orcas, it does seem more common among captive animals – especially the longer-finned males. It’s not entirely clear why.

Although dorsal fin collapse is not unique to captivity, it is far more common in confinement. In the wild, the condition varies from population to population.

At least 160 orcas have died in captivity, even more if stillbirths are counted. However even among the survivors, health issues are abound. Most notably are the dorsal fin collapse in …

Contrary to popular belief, the bending of dorsal fins in orcas has been observed in both wild and captive populations. There’s still a lot of debate as to why this happens, but biologists think …

Aug 27, 2023 · The Whale and Dolphin Conservation says that dorsal fin collapse is largely explained by captive killer whales swimming in small circles due to the inadequate space in …

Dorsal fin collapse – orcas kept in tanks spend most of their time swimming in endless circles, causing their tall dorsal fins to collapse to one side. Dorsal fin collapse happens to 1% of wild …

Nov 2, 2025 · Orca dorsal fin collapse signals serious health issues, especially in captivity. Discover its causes and implications for killer whale health.