Why Are Killer Whales’ Dorsal Fins Floppy In Captivity?

18 July 2017, 14:58

Killer Whale
Killer Whale. Picture: Google Images

This caller wanted to know why killer whales' dorsal fins are floppy in captivity and rigid in the wild. David called in to tell us why.


Why do the dorsal fins of killer whales in captivity flop down, but in the wild, they don’t?

Alison, West Norwood


Name: David, High Wycombe

Qualification: Watched Netflix Documentary ‘Blackfish’ that described the biology behind it.

Answer: The reason the dorsal fins of killer whales are floppy in captivity is because they’re depressed and anxious. Humans stoop and sag when they aren’t happy, and stand upright when they are, so it applies to animals too.