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 …

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.

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

Dec 5, 2024 · Though drooping dorsal fins are occasionally seen in wild orcas, it does seem more common among captive animals – especially the longer-finned males. It’s not entirely clear why.

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 …

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.

Dorsal fin collapse – orcas kept in tanks spend most of their time swimming in endless circles, causing their tall dorsal fins to collapse to one side. Dorsal fin collapse happens to 1% of wild …

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.

Why do orca fins bend? We analyze the unique anatomy and environmental physics that make fin collapse common in captivity but rare in the wild.