A presentation of poor dentition in captive orcas (Killer Whales)

1. Orca Teeth A presentation of poor dentition of captive orcas

2. Nootka 5 Virtually all teeth worn to the gum line

3. Few people are aware that captive orcas routinely have holes drilled in their teeth

4. Broken and fractured teeth from threat displays known as "jaw popping"

5. Shouka- Six Flags Bottom teeth are virtually non-existent

7. Tilikum Decimated lower jaw

8. Tilikum

9. Chomping on steel gates in an effort to establish dominance contributes to damage

10. Taima Core holes in teeth. 20 year old Taima died in June, 2010 while giving birth. Her calf did not survive.

13. Taima

15. Left: Teeth completely worn to jaw Right: Healthy teeth before damage/wear

17. Katina

18. Tilikum

21. Contributors to the poor dentition include tooth grinding, flattening and drilling

22. Visible cores in teeth- lower jaw

23. Sumar 12 year old Sumar died in September 2010. Note the damage to bottom teeth

24. Corky

25. Sumar

26. The training and education staff at SeaWorld contends that the thrice daily "tooth flushes" are "superior dental care"

28. Lovey (L) and Earth (R) - SeaWorld Kamogawa, Japan

29. Tilikum Completely worn lower jaw

30. Tilikum

31. Kalina

32. Kshamenk (Argentina) Broken / worn front teeth