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.

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.

Captivity has a range of inherent undesirable problems for orcas, including but not limited to aspects that may affect the upright position of the dorsal fin. This “loss of structural integrity” (LSI) can result in …

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.

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

Aug 18, 2025 · Discover why orcas in captivity often have bent dorsal fins, examining the environmental and well-being factors at play.

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

Nov 27, 2025 · Dorsal fin collapse, known scientifically as flaccid fin syndrome, is a noticeable physical condition almost exclusively associated with orcas living in marine parks and aquariums.