Captive orcas spend abnormal amounts of time at the surface, lifelessly floating in barren tanks that include the typical features of a shallow depth and crystal clear water which offers no natural protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

In contrast, wild orcas spend most of their time at higher latitudes, in darker water, and at greater depths, and no time lifelessly floating at the surface; meaning that they're greatly protected from the sun's rays. Orcas in marine parks sometimes suffer from sunburn due to their unnatural environments with elevated ultraviolet radiation exposure, because of this trainers or animal care staff will apply sun-block; black zinc oxide; or various other ointments, to the backs of those animals which show signs of burn.

However, sunburn is not the only health issue that captive orcas can suffer from due to unnaturally high exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It is well documented that UV radiation exposure is a factor in the development of cataracts, especially in low latitude environments with elevated sun exposure such as in this captive environment. This affects the health and quality of the life of orcas and can be dangerous for the trainers. At least one serious trainer injury has been linked to a whale’s poor visual acuity, possibly secondary to cataract formation.

In the medical community it is also accepted that UV radiation can act as an immunosuppressant and can cause retinal damage, among other detrimental physiological effects.  Unfortunately, little is known about the long-term effects on captive orcas exposed to the sun to such an unnatural extent.

 

The USDA-APHIS, which is charged with enforcement of Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provisions such as protection from the weather and direct sunlight, has historically been ineffective in ensuring compliance with the numerous regulations designed to provide minimum standards of care for captive marine mammals, meaning that many cetaceans suffer from UV radiation exposure as they don't have access to shaded areas.