Orcas and trainers put at risk in Japanese Seaworld parks
WDC is calling for the operators of marine park facilities in Japan to stop prioritising commercial interests over the welfare of orcas and staff after increasing numbers of videos circulating on social media have exposed alarming conditions at the Kobe Suma and Kamogawa parks, significant safety risk to trainers, and abnormal behaviour patterns from the orcas.
Granvista Hotels & Resorts is a subsidiary of Fuji Media Holdings (FMH) and operates both marine parks. Together with other conservation groups, we are urging the corporations concerned to take responsibility and implement long-overdue measures.
Orcas Ran and Stella are the main attractions and major crowd-pullers at Kobe Suma Seaworld. Numerous videos on YouTube and Instagram have documented the park’s conditions for months. Among them are recordings showing orca Ran repeatedly beaching herself voluntarily – a behaviour that has already led to critical situations where Ran was unable to return to the water on her own for up to an hour, while park staff stood by helplessly. Beaching is life-threatening for orcas, as their massive body weight puts pressure on vital organs such as the heart and lungs when out of the water, which can be fatal in extreme cases.
Other footage captured by visitors shows accidents and failed stunts during shows and even orca preventing a trainer from exiting the water. These incidents clearly indicate a lack of safety measures for both orcas and trainers. Following several fatalities involving captive orcas, nearly all marine parks worldwide have ceased in-water interactions and tightened safety protocols. Most known cases are the deaths of the experienced trainers Alexis Martinez (2009) and Dawn Brancheau (2010). A serious incident in the Japanese parks appears to be only a matter of time.
A lack of stimulation and space poses major risks for orcas and trainers. At Kobe Suma Seaworld, the tanks are just 6.5 metres deep and less than 40 metres wide – far too small for orcas that are around 5 metres long. Conditions are no better at sister park Kamogawa Seaworld, home to three orcas. The tanks do not allow for adequate physical activity or mental stimulation. The result is chronic psychological and physical under-stimulation, which can manifest as behavioural disorders and even aggression towards other orcas, themselves, or trainers. Worn-down teeth from chewing on safety bars and lethargic behaviour highlight the suffering of orcas in captivity. This creates a dangerous situation for trainers, as orcas are powerful and unpredictable in captivity. The relationship between trainers and orcas is portrayed as ‘affectionate’ in public but a closer look reveals problematic aspects: pulling on sensitive pectoral fins, kicks to the back, or standing on the orcas’ snouts and fins are all part of the daily routine.
In April, together with Japanese NGO Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation (PEACE), we sent a letter to Dalton Investments, one of the principal shareholders of Fuji Media Holdings (FMH), highlighting the issues in the marine parks and urging them to build on their previous positive influence on FMH’s corporate governance and advocate for a safe environment for all employees and especially the animals in the parks.
In June, a second letter was sent to Granvista Hotels & Resorts, calling on the operator to end orca and dolphin shows and significantly improve conditions for the animals and staff safety.
Both letters were co-signed by more than 50 NGOs worldwide.
‘Profit continues to be placed above the well-being of people and orcas’, says Katrin Matthes, who leads our work on Japan.
Please help us today with a donation
If you are able to help, every gift, whether large or small, will help us stop whaling for good.