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.

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.

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.

Oct 8, 2025 · The drooping dorsal fins of some male orcas, a phenomenon known as fin collapse, is primarily attributed to a combination of factors including captivity, genetics, and overall health.

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.

Learn about orca dorsal fin collapse in captivity vs. the wild—causes, effects, and why it highlights animal welfare concerns in marine parks.

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

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 …

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 …

4 days ago · 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 …