Loro Parque’s Ambitious Orca Integration Plan Faces Mixed Reactions

In a significant development, Loro Parque, located in Puerto de la Cruz, is making headlines with its intention to integrate six orcas into its existing pools. This initiative has garnered support from the Canary Islands government, even as it encounters substantial opposition from various scientific authorities and animal welfare advocates.

Iconic Imagery Welcomes Visitors to Loro Parque

Upon arriving at Tenerife North Airport, visitors are immediately struck by a captivating billboard showcasing four orcas. This eye-catching display serves as a prelude to their visit to Loro Parque, one of Europe’s largest and most visited zoos. The park has positioned itself as a must-see destination in the Canary Islands, with orca shows serving as a central attraction. While many nations, including France, have enacted stringent laws to prohibit performances involving cetaceans, Loro Parque continues to flourish, expanding its offerings and drawing in over one million visitors each year.

New Orcas on the Horizon from Marineland

Founded in 1972 and owned by Wolfgang Kiessling, a prominent figure among Spain’s wealthiest individuals, Loro Parque is preparing to welcome two new orcas from Marineland in Antibes, France. The orcas, named Wikie, aged 24, and her 11-year-old son Keijo, are set to make the transition as Marineland prepares to close its doors in January 2025. This closure is a direct consequence of new legislation that prohibits cetacean shows and breeding in captivity, forcing the aquarium to rethink its operations.

The law, enacted on November 30, 2021, mandates that all zoos in France must cease cetacean performances and adapt their practices by the end of 2026. This regulatory shift has resulted in the impending closure of Marineland, which has historically relied on these shows as a significant draw for its visitors.

Support from Authorities Amidst Controversy

Despite the plans to transfer the orcas, Loro Parque has faced challenges along the way. A representative from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Spain issued a report expressing concerns about the park’s suitability to house these cetaceans. In response to this unfavorable assessment, Loro Parque has taken action by filing an administrative contention against the scientific authority and has requested the publication of the scientific-technical report from CITES to clarify the situation.

In a notable show of support, the Government of the Canary Islands has stepped in to advocate for Loro Parque. The government has produced two technical reports from the Directorate General of Livestock and the Directorate General of Natural Spaces and Biodiversity. These reports affirm the park’s commitment to animal welfare and its adherence to both European and national regulations regarding the care of marine mammals.

Loro Parque argues that relocating the orcas from France is a more humane solution compared to euthanasia, which has been suggested as a potential alternative for the animals. The park emphasizes that integrating the orcas into its facilities would not only ensure their welfare but also provide them with a continued life in a supportive environment.

Key points

• Loro Parque seeks to combine six orcas, supported by the Canary Islands government.
• The park is preparing to receive two orcas from Marineland in France.
• Marineland is closing due to new laws banning cetacean shows and breeding.
• CITES issued an unfavorable report on Loro Parque’s suitability to house the orcas.
• The Canary Islands government has provided technical reports supporting Loro Parque’s animal welfare practices.

The ongoing situation surrounding Loro Parque’s plans to integrate the orcas highlights the complex interplay between animal welfare, public opinion, and governmental support. As the park navigates these challenges, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and what implications it may have for the future of marine life in captivity.

With the backdrop of changing regulations and shifting societal attitudes towards animal performances, Loro Parque’s actions will likely continue to spark debate among animal rights activists, scientists, and the general public. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for how similar facilities operate in the future, particularly in regions where laws regarding the treatment of marine mammals are becoming increasingly stringent.