The Loro Parque family has a new addition. A dolphin has been born at the zoo on Tenerife. The bottlenose dolphin was born naturally in the dolphinarium.
The zoo in Puerto de la Cruz has announced that Luna and her calf are to remain together for the time being, whilst being kept separate from the rest of the dolphin group. The statement added that several keepers and vets are monitoring the newborn.
Over the past three months, ten animals have been born at Loro Parque in Tenerife. The zoo describes this as a particularly active breeding period. Here is what the president has to say about the animals‘ welfare:
Loro Parque on Tenerife welcomes new arrivals
„We are seeing new life arrive at our ‚Embajada Animal‘ (Animal Embassy – Ed.), which fills us with joy and underlines the outstanding work of our experts,“ said the president of the Loro Parque Group and founder of the zoo, Wolfgang Kiessling.
Animal rights activists criticise Loro Parque for keeping animals in captivity. There are regular disputes between the parties, particularly regarding the orcas. However, there are also recurring debates about keeping dolphins in captivity, especially when the species in question are not threatened with extinction, which makes it more difficult to use the usual arguments in favour of animal welfare.
Dolphin at Loro Parque does not yet have a name
Javier Almunia, director of the Loro Parque Foundation, says: „Breeding in zoos is an important tool for the conservation of threatened species. Although the bottlenose dolphin is not globally threatened, the scientific insights it provides – regarding reproductive biology, welfare, veterinary care and maternal care – are crucial for the survival of other dolphin species that are already critically endangered.“
The second-largest pool is currently reserved exclusively for the mother and her baby, we are told. This is intended to help the baby get used to its surroundings. The newborn does not yet have a name. At Loro Parque, this often happens a few weeks later – frequently in conjunction with a call for suggestions on social media.
No comments on this article yet.