Orca lifespan debate predicated on low statistical significance

I wish I could see the whole discussion in as clear "black and white" as the orcas' coloration. I do not for one second buy the "widespread mistreatment" angle...but I also don't know that we humans always keep in mind the rights of other animals, and our responsibility to the other species that inhabit our planet. The education aspect weighs heavily in my thinking...but not to the exclusion of understanding that captivity is not natural for cetaceans, primates, etc.

Humanity has quite a history of trashing the ocean and its inhabitants. The awareness around the issue can be massively attributed to SeaWorld and aquariums. I'm just an anecdote, but I can say without question that growing up near a SeaWorld in Cleveland vastly influenced my adult perceptions. The fact that we even acknowledge that our scientific understanding of these animals is so poor works in SeaWorld's defense. I don't know what percentage of our knowledge comes from SeaWorld, but I suspect it's huge.

I don't often pull the "well said" card, but way to put words to paper/website to describe exactly what I'm thinking in my head.

I love SeaWorld for all that they do, and I fully believe that if not for them, and aquariums that are accessible to the public, we wouldn't care nearly as much about what's out there in the deep blue sea.

The treatment of sharks in the wild and the lack of passion around defending them gives support to this argument. They are at a far greater risk from man right now.