Why do killer whale dorsal fins collapse?

Collapsed Dorsal Fins All captive adult male orcas have collapsed dorsal fins, likely because they have no space in which to swim freely, spend long periods of time floating listlessly at the surface of the water, and are fed an unnatural diet of thawed dead fish.

Why is Free Willy’s fin bent?

Keiko’s dorsal fin drooped over instead of standing straight up. Most scientists believe that this dorsal fin collapse in captivity is due to unidirectional swimming in small shallow circles. Drooping dorsal fins are rare in wild male orcas, yet happens with almost all male orcas in captivity.

Why do killer whales have collapsed fins?

The whales also often swim in a repetitive circular pattern. Other potential causes for fin collapse may be dehydration and overheating of fin tissue due to warmer water and air temperatures, stress due to captivity or changes in diet, and reduced activity that causes low blood pressure, or age .

Why do killer whales have bent fins?

Some people also blame the activities of the killer whales while held in activity. Some say there is too much exposure to the surface because of the shows they are involved in. With too much heat on the killer whales’ dorsal fins, there is the tendency for the cartilage to overheat, and this may be the cause of their bending to one side.

What does a killer whale back fin called?

The killer whale has round pectoral fins on either side of its body, a large dorsal fin on its back, and a tail fin – called a “fluke .” The entire body size, as well as the pectoral and dorsal fins, increases proportionally in male killer whales. Interesting Facts About the Killer Whale

What is dorsal collapse?

Collapsed or collapsing dorsal fins are rare in most wild populations and usually result from a serious injury to the fin, such as from being shot or colliding with a vessel. After exposure to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill , two male resident killer whales experienced dorsal fin collapse, and the animals subsequently died.