Scientists are warning against this move. Nevertheless, Loro Parque intends to take in two orcas from France. This would mean that there would be six adult orcas swimming in the pools on Tenerife in future.
Marineland in France was forced to close. A new animal welfare law prohibits, amongst other things, the keeping of orcas in captivity. As a result, the park closed earlier than necessary. Without the previous hype surrounding orcas, the business was at risk of becoming unprofitable.
Two whales have been swimming round and round the pools of the abandoned park ever since. However, their upkeep costs tens of thousands of euros. Consequently, efforts are being made in France to relocate them. And Loro Parque is open to the idea. Scientists, on the other hand, are warning against the move.
Loro Parque wants to bring French orcas to Tenerife
The zoo in Puerto de la Cruz has once again confirmed its interest in relocating the animals from the former „Marineland“ in France to the Canary Islands. This would mean six adult orcas swimming in the pools at Loro Parque, as four orcas already live there.
Wikie is 24 years old and her son Keijo is eleven. Both orcas continue to swim their laps in the pools at the zoo in Antibes, in the south of France. The zoo has been closed since January. This poses a threat to the lives of the two orcas and twelve dolphins. Without the income, they are a financial burden on the former operators. And without a solution, they face the threat of being put down.
Loro Parque claims to be suitable for keeping orcas
There was plenty of time. The law was passed back in late 2021. In fact, all shows of this kind must be phased out by the end of 2026. However, Marineland had long been facing the threat of financial losses due to the growing awareness of animal welfare. And so the zoo was closed whilst it was still making a profit.
The authorities have denied that Loro Parque is suitable for housing the animals. The zoo on Tenerife has responded by bringing legal proceedings. The Canary Islands government is offering its support. An expert report reaffirms the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and its success in breeding endangered species.
„In view of the euthanasia being considered in France, transferring them to Loro Parque’s facilities would be the best solution in the interests of the animals‘ welfare.“ This is according to Loro Parque. It comes as little surprise that the zoo considers itself suitable for this purpose. After all, Marineland’s impending bankruptcy since news broke of the orcas‘ fate in France demonstrates just how profitable successful orca shows can be.
Loro Parque sees itself as the only option for taking in the orcas
Possible alternatives include a park in Japan and a marine sanctuary in Canada. The whales could also be accommodated there. France’s environmental agency favours the option of relocating the two orcas to Nova Scotia in Canada and distributing the dolphins amongst other sanctuaries.
Animal rights activists and researchers criticise the fact that, when the law was passed, no consideration was given to how to deal with animals already living in zoos. „The question of the future of the whales and dolphins from Marineland is a harbinger of a more general problem that will persist in the future,“ they say.
In an expert report, French experts propose the nature reserve, but also mention Loro Parque – though not as the best option. They emphasise, however, that the alternative to Tenerife is still in its infancy and its future remains unclear. This, in turn, prompted the Canary Islands zoo to promote itself once again.
Loro Parque in Tenerife sees good conditions for orcas
Whether Loro Parque will be awarded the contract remains to be seen. It is said that, in principle, the animals could be accommodated there. From an animal welfare perspective, the arrangement would be permitted, though morally questionable. The four interconnected pools are eight and twelve metres deep. There is also a smaller enclosure for medical purposes.
Loro Parque’s argument is that there are no regulations in Spain governing the size of orca pools. However, with a total of 120 metres of space in which the orcas can move about, the park exceeds all the minimum requirements set out in the only two regulations currently in force. These regulations apply in the USA and the UK.
Whilst Wikie and Keljo await their transfer, the French authorities are monitoring their conditions at Marineland. The relevant ministry has stated that it is keeping a close eye on the orcas and inspecting their pools several times a week.
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