How Captivity Alters the Animal Brain
Captivity can profoundly impact the brains of intelligent animals, particularly orcas. In the wild, orcas live in large, tightly bonded family pods, swim vast distances daily, and engage in complex social and hunting behaviors that challenge their brains. In captivity, these animals are confined to small tanks with limited stimulation and social contact. This can cause major changes to brain structure and function.
Research shows that barren and stressful environments alter the brains of many species, including orcas. The cerebral cortex, which takes care of memory, decision-making, and problem-solving, can thin in captivity. Neurons lose their complexity, synaptic connections weaken, and blood flow to the brain decreases, limiting oxygen and nutrient delivery.
Key regions like the hippocampus, responsible for memory, and the amygdala, which processes emotions, are particularly affected by chronic stress. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine become imbalanced, contributing to repetitive, often self-destructive behaviors.
Kiska, a female orca captured off the coast of Iceland in 1978 and held at Marineland Canada, demonstrates these effects. Normally social creatures, orcas live in family pods, but Kiska has been alone in a small tank since 2011. All five of her calves died. She then swam in continuous circles and severely damaged her teeth from gnawing on concrete, behaviors directly linked to brain changes caused by stress and isolation. March 10th, 2023, Marineland Canada announced that the orca Kiska passed away of a bacterial infection.
“Even if the animal is endangered or harmed, animals should not be captivated,” said Joshua, “but rather they should be given the proper care in a calm and dedicated environment with necessary supplies and sheltering from most dangers they might not be able to defend themselves against,” said senior Joshua Krutoff.
Other animals show similar neurological effects in captivity. Elephants, which naturally travel miles daily and live in complex social groups, experience thinning of the cerebral cortex and reduced dendritic branching when confined to small enclosures.
Big cats, rodents, and rabbits also demonstrate less complex neurons and weakened synaptic connections in unstimulating environments. In the wild, physical activity, mental challenges, and social interaction help maintain robust neural networks, but captivity deprives animals of these essential brain-boosting experiences.
“I think that most captivity settings are not favorable for animals, such as zoos, aquariums, and other attractions. Ultimately the animals lose their lust for life. When I went to volunteer at Frost this summer, they fed the sharks in front of me. It was so sad, they used fish steaks with their supplements, but the sharks simply did not want to eat,” said biology and anatomy teacher Ms. Hernandez.
Scientific research indicates that enrichment, social contact, and space resembling natural habitats can help mitigate some neurological damage. Animals in enriched environments show stronger cortical connections, healthier hippocampus and amygdala function, and better neurotransmitter balance. This supports improved learning, memory, and emotional stability. For highly intelligent species like orcas, these factors are critical for maintaining proper brain health.
Public awareness is slowly increasing, fueled by documentaries like Blackfish. Advocates encourage people to avoid marine parks and other facilities that confine animals in small spaces and instead support sanctuaries that prioritize naturalistic environments. Understanding how captivity affects the brains of orcas and other animals highlights the urgent need for better treatment and more humane living conditions for these highly sentient species.
