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 19, 2025 · While an upright dorsal fin is the natural state for a healthy orca, a significant majority of captive adult male orcas display a fin that is severely folded over. This condition immediately draws …

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.

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 captivity.

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.

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.

Aug 22, 2025 · Explore the reasons behind dorsal fin collapse in captive orcas, a key indicator of their health and environmental challenges.

Why do orca fins bend? We analyze the unique anatomy and environmental physics that make fin collapse common in captivity but rare in the wild.

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 male orcas, as well …

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 has been observed in 1% of wild …