orca teeth and poor oral health
DESCRIPTION
A presentation of poor dentition in captive orcas (Killer Whales)TRANSCRIPT
Orca Teeth
A presentation of poor dentition of captive orcas
Nootka 5
Virtually all teeth worn to the gum line
Few people are aware that captive orcas routinely have holes drilled in their teeth
Broken and fractured teeth from threat displays known as "jaw popping"
Shouka- Six Flags
Bottom teeth are virtually non-existent
Tilikum
Decimated lower jaw
Tilikum
Chomping on steel gates in an effort to establish dominance contributes to damage
Taima
Core holes in teeth.20 year old Taima died in June, 2010 while giving birth. Her calf did not survive.
Taima
Left: Teeth completely worn to jaw Right: Healthy teeth before damage/wear
Katina
Tilikum
Contributors to the poor dentition include tooth grinding, flattening and drilling
Visible cores in teeth- lower jaw
Sumar
12 year old Sumar died in September 2010. Note the damage to bottom teeth
Corky
Sumar
The training and education staff at SeaWorld contends that
the thrice daily "tooth flushes" are "superior dental care"
Lovey (L) and Earth (R) - SeaWorld Kamogawa, Japan
Tilikum
Completely worn lower jaw
Tilikum
Kalina
Kshamenk (Argentina)
Broken / worn front teeth