Overall I've really enjoyed this thread. Good points, for the most part.
On the one hand it would be great to not see the animals get abused, etc. On the other hand our world is about learning, experience, etc. And when it comes to most of these animals there would be no other way for millions of people to get to know and experience these animals. There is an irony I suppose. The more we get to know these animals the more sympathetic we are to their situation and likely the more useful we are in preserving them.
This is no different than the single greatest supporters of ducks are the duck hunters; of deer, the deer hunters; of elk, the elk hunters.
My final conclusion is that Killer Whales as a species are ultimately much better off with a hundred or so lingering in captivity. That doesn't mean we shouldn't expect ethical behavior. And for anyone who sticks their head in the mouth of a lion...or goes swimming with a killer whale...not me!
boo