Why do fins on whales back curve while in captivity?

Question

Why do fins on whales back curve while in captivity?

Answer 1

Not enough room though some say lack of mating

Answer 2

This has been asked before:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 3

They are purposely broken in order for the wale to fit in the containment areas. Not all places do this but those that do say it to keep the animal from hurting themself or ripping it off when going through the gates into another area.

Answer 4

I have some information on that I would like to cut and paste if I may.

Fin collapse in captivity: Several theories exists as to why the dorsal fin collapse occurs, namely that the cartilage that holds the fin erect is not yet strong enough to support the fin when the Orca is placed in captivity. The hardening of the cartilage occurs in late adolescence in which the Orca spends much time in deep ocean waters, and it is theorized that the pressure the water exerts on the fin allows it to remain supported while the cartilage hardens. In captivity, however, the tank the whales reside in lack the sufficient water pressure to produce this effect, and the fin collapses before the cartilage that would support it in nature has solidified. Another theory exists that states that the whale is almost always in a state of turning in a tank, since it is not large enough to allow swimming in one direction for any normal duration. The constant turning exerts pressure on the dorsal fin, which in turn causes it to collapse.

Answer 5

lack of room