Here's why:
* Stress: Captivity can be highly stressful for orcas. Limited space, lack of social interaction, and unnatural environments contribute to stress.
* Disease: Living in close proximity with other orcas increases the risk of disease transmission. The lack of natural foraging also weakens their immune systems.
* Diet: Captive orcas often eat a less varied and less nutritious diet compared to their wild counterparts. This can lead to health problems.
* Lack of Exercise: Orcas are highly active animals that travel vast distances in the wild. Captivity restricts their movement and can lead to obesity and other health issues.
While some individual orcas in captivity may live to a relatively old age, the overall lifespan is shorter than in the wild. This is supported by various studies and reports.