Three Must-Read Books for Orca Enthusiasts

By Rosemary Ellis

Are you in search of your next read? Check out these books that dive into intricate human-orca relationships, while exploring ethical implications of holding them in captivity.

It's helpful to understand the historical context that paved the way for the captive orca industry, something these three books do well. Orcas, now known for their extraordinary social bonds and intelligence, have existed for over 50 million years. Historical records dating as far back as 100 BC indicate a connection between humans and killer whales.

More recently, until the early-to-mid 1960s, orcas were unjustly perceived as threats to human safety and other animal life in the ocean, despite no recorded instances of wild orcas attacking humans.

The orca-human relationship changed forever with the first captive orca, sparking a reaction that led to many orcas being stolen from their native waters and contributing significantly to the decline of the Pacific Northwest population.

The enactment of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 marked significant steps in curbing this detrimental practice in the United States, along with local action by Washington state officials. Orca hunters switched hunting grounds to Canada and Iceland, and eventually to Russia’s far east. However, with orcas still being held captive in tanks in the US and around the world, the ongoing effort to phase out orca captivity is far from over.

From initial fear and misunderstanding to a profound admiration, Jason M. Colby, in Orca: How We Came to Know and Love the Ocean's Greatest Predator, provides a compelling historical journey into humanity's evolving understanding of orcas. The book delves into the intricate relationships between humans and orcas, both in captivity and the wild, raising crucial questions about our responsibilities. Orca challenges preconceptions and offers a nuanced exploration of humanity's relationship with orcas. Notably, Colby brings a unique and personal experience to the book, as his father was involved in capturing orcas for captivity. The book begins with a dedication to his father, who he states is “forever haunted by this story.”

“What we should enjoy, perhaps, is not their performance, but the mere fact of their existence. That, we believe, is wonder enough.”

― David Kirby, Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity

David Kirby covers in detail the issues with orca captivity in Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the Dark Side of Killer Whales in Captivity. Through meticulous research, Kirby unravels the stories of captive orcas, including the events leading up to Tilikum killing Dawn Brancheau in February 2010, and, in doing so, challenges the ethics and practices of marine parks. Kirby holds SeaWorld accountable for treating orcas as commodities and for what they did to put trainers and audience members at risk.

Kirby’s book came out just before the devastating documentary Blackfish, which delved into the dangers captive orcas pose to trainers. Sadly, David passed away last year.

“Killer whales inherently challenge our assumption of species superiority, as well as supremacy.”

― David Neiwert, Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us

David Neiwert's book Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us offers profound insights into the intelligence, social structures, and emotions of orcas. Neiwert questions the morality of confining and breeding them for entertainment. He supports his arguments, against the idea that orcas do well in captivity, with scientific research. The book also covers the cultural significance of orcas across different societies, such as Native American legends that acknowledge and honor orcas’ power, and how our perceptions of them have evolved.

The SWIMS Act in Congress

As we reflect on our ever-changing relationship with orcas, it's clear that the next stage in our connection to them demands action. The SWIMS (Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings) Act, co-sponsored in the House by Rep. Schiff, Huffman, DelVine, and others, and in the Senate by Senators Wyden, Padilla, Warren, Booker, Duckworth, and Markey, is a great place to start as it seeks to amend existing legislation, prohibiting the capture, importation, exportation, and breeding of orcas, beluga whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales for public display. The legislation would allow moving these animals to seaside sanctuaries.

These books are not just sources of knowledge; they can inspire us to create change. We must educate ourselves, raise awareness, and rally behind the SWIMS Act. Together, we can ensure that there will not be future generations of orcas and small whales forced to perform in tanks in the United States. The time to act is now.

Here’s how you can help pass the SWIMS Act!

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Please donate today to help end captivity for orcas, belugas, and other small whales who do not belong in captivity. Whales and dolphins belong in the ocean, not on land stranded in boring concrete tanks. Thank you for your support!