Three organizations have taken an important step toward a more species-appropriate life for whales and dolphins in captivity: They are developing the world’s first ocean sanctuaries as alternatives to keeping them in concrete tanks.
More than 3,500 whales, dolphins, and porpoises live in captivity worldwide—most of them in concrete tanks at theme parks or aquariums. This form of captivity has been criticized for many years, and the physical and psychological harm it causes is well documented: from symptoms of stress and behavioral disorders to weakened immune systems and shortened lifespans. Animals kept in confined, stimulus-poor environments without the ability to retreat often display abnormal behaviors such as stereotypies or self-harm.
In the meantime, growing criticism and increased awareness of the animals’ needs have led to dolphin and whale shows being scaled back or phased out entirely. But what happens to the animals that, due to impairments acquired in captivity, or because they were born in captivity and wouldn’t survive in the wild, can no longer be released?
At least some of these marine mammals could benefit from a relatively new approach: relocation to secure sanctuaries in their natural habitat—the ocean. Such an ocean sanctuary might be a coastal bay with tides, natural features, significantly more space, greater water depth, and, if possible, visual and acoustic contact with wildlife beyond the protected area
Unlike profit-driven parks where these highly intelligent animals are currently on display, the new sanctuaries are intended to be places of respect, research, and learning. The goal is to provide the animals with an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible—one in which they can truly flourish. To avoid perpetuating captivity, no breeding is allowed in these sanctuaries.
In a unique, international joint project of three organizations that promote the establishment and implementation of such reserves, scientifically sound, professional accreditation guidelines and a foundational document for the definition and implementation of authentic whale and dolphin sanctuaries have now been developed. The results were published in PLOS Biology on May 20.
The aim of the initiative is to create an internationally recognized alternative to traditional captivity. The newly developed standards, adopted by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), provide the foundation for this effort. They set clear minimum requirements: the well-being of the animals must consistently take precedence over human interests—no shows, no visitor interactions.
What these sanctuaries can look like in practice is demonstrated by the three organizations involved in developing the guidelines—with projects in Canada, the United States, and Iceland.
Canada: Whale Sanctuary Project
On Canada’s Atlantic coast, in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, the Whale Sanctuary Project is currently developing a roughly 40-hectare marine area as a future home for orcas and belugas. The sheltered bay, with depths of up to 18 meters, offers ample space to meet the complex needs of large toothed whales. Orcas and belugas will not be housed together but will be kept in clearly separated areas
Since February 2024, the organization has been working to secure the transfer of the two remaining orcas, Wikie and Keijo, from the now-closed Marineland in Antibes, France, to a temporary bay specifically prepared for them—so far with no success.
Orcas (Orcinus orca), also known as killer whales, are the largest members of the dolphin family. In the wild, they travel hundreds of kilometers a day, live in stable family groups, and use complex vocal repertoires to communicate. In captivity, however, many display signs of stress, aggression, or depression. According to the platform cetabase.org, 57 orcas are currently held in captivity worldwide.
Iceland: Beluga Whale Sanctuary
SEA LIFE TRUST has been operating the Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Klettsvík Bay on the island of Heimaey in southern Iceland since 2019. In the summer of 2020, the two beluga whales Little Grey and Little White were brought to Iceland from a Chinese water park—first to a care facility, then to the sanctuary itself, which covers around 32,000 square meters. There, they explore their surroundings, respond to environmental stimuli, and display natural behaviors. The Beluga Whale Sanctuary has the capacity to accommodate up to eight additional animals.
Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) are highly social toothed whales that inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic coastal waters—especially in Canada, Greenland, and Russia. They communicate using a wide range of vocalizations, often live in mother-calf groups, and are considered curious and playful. In captivity, they are kept in tanks that do not meet their complex needs. Currently, 133 belugas are held in captivity worldwide (excluding China).
USA: Dolphin Sanctuary
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is also planning a sanctuary—specifically for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Six dolphins currently housed in a tank in Baltimore are expected to be relocated to the proposed sanctuary. While the exact location has not yet been finalized, it will likely be in Florida or the Caribbean.
Prospects for the future
All three projects represent a new approach to the treatment of marine mammals. Authentic sanctuaries offer—not only veterinary care, safety, and feeding—but also a naturalistic environment with places to retreat, real seawater, and the opportunity to interact with other species such as fish or crabs. The animals are meant to move freely, choose their social contacts, and make daily decisions for themselves—an autonomy that is impossible in concrete tanks.
GFAS-certified facilities enable non-invasive research and veterinary training under conditions that more closely resemble the animals’ natural habitats than any traditional facility. These sanctuaries are still in their early stages—but they could lay the foundation for a more respectful relationship with these highly intelligent and social marine mammals.