Sea World orcas live as long as killer whales in the wild do, says a study published in the July edition of Journal of Mammalogy.

It is reported in the study that the whales showcased in the marine theme parks have the same life expectancy as those in natural environment. The life expectancy of killer whales in southern community of waters of the Pacific Northwest is 29 years whereas killer whales in the northern community is expected to live for about 42.3 years and the study subject Sea World killer whales has a life expectancy of 41. 6 years, reported the study, according to The Seattle Times.

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Todd Robeck, vice president of theriogenology at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment said, "The results demonstrate unequivocally that killer whales in captivity have similar life expectancies to those in the wild and provide invaluable knowledge concerning normal reproductive patterns of the species," according to The Weather Space. However Jared Goodman, the PETA foundation's director of animal law snapped that "SeaWorld's claims simply don't hold water."

The study by Robeck, Kevin Willis, the vice president of biological programs for the Minnesota Zoo and two other employees were criticized by a number of animal welfare groups. Meanwhile the Sea World officials didn't clarify if the study would be used in their advertisements whereas it is already posted on the company investor relations website, reported The Weather Space.

The average life expectancy of killer whales as per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) study ranges from 30 to 100 years. It is to be noted that a study conducted by PETA published in April edition has reported that the life expectancy of killer whales in the captivity is as low as 11.8 years.

Willis noted on the contradiction in the study results with PETA: "Although emotion will always be a part of the debate as to whether killer whales, or any other species, should be maintained in human care, it is absolutely necessary to have validated facts when an argument for or against is being made on scientific grounds," according to Dispatch Times.

Tags Orca, Sea World, killer whales, PETA, Sea World Orcas