Yes, they are highly intelligent creatures and we see that everyday at SeaWorld too. I know compared to the Ocean the space that the orca's are in is small but it is still a good size. The main show pool is 40 feet deep. There are 7 pools and the gates are constantly changing patterns to what is opened and closed so they dont get stuck in a routine and have a course to figure out. Over 7 million gallons of water in the pool.
Still if I was any marine animal I would happily choose to live at SeaWorld over the wild. In the wild I got oil spills, pollution, preadtors, boat strikes, hunters, over fishing and the list goes on and on. If I get sick SeaWorld is going to take care of me and get me better. In the ocean? I die.
This is a topic that is close to many people. You have your anti and your pro people. And you will never change eithers mind. You are set in your beleif and I am set in my beleif. I just wish you could see for yourself like I do backstage of what goes on in the park for real. Until you see it you have to rely on other to tell you. I wish you could see the care and concern that goes on.