The Last Surviving Female Orca At Loro Parque Is Pregnant; The Cycle Of Captivity Continues

The announcement of Morgan’s pregnancy, the last surviving orca at Loro Parque in Spain, serves as a poignant and tragic reminder of the harsh realities faced by orcas in captivity. Throughout her life, Morgan has endured confinement and exploitation, and now, with the expectation of a new calf, it appears that this sorrowful cycle will continue.

Morgan’s journey began in 2010 when she was found stranded, weak, and malnourished off the coast of the Netherlands. Soon after she was rescued, it was revealed that she was deaf and unable to communicate with other orcas. Experts ruled that she could not be released back into the wild, which led to her transfer to Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, Spain, where she has been in captivity ever since.

In September 2018, Morgan gave birth to a daughter named Ula. Sadly, Ula tragically died in August 2021, just shy of her third birthday. Her death serves as a somber reminder of the high mortality rates of orcas born in captivity, where their physical and mental health are compromised by the unnatural conditions they are forced to endure.

The passing of Ula marked a particularly devastating time, following the earlier losses of orcas Skyla and Kohana in 2021 and 2022. Now, Morgan remains the lone female orca at the park. These tragic deaths of young orcas highlight the harsh realities of captivity, where they are denied the chance to flourish as they would in their natural habitat. These untimely deaths underscore the profound physical and psychological impacts of captivity, as orcas face stress, disease, and compromised health in an artificial setting that cannot replicate their natural environment.

Now, Morgan finds herself pregnant once again and her calf will likely face a life of isolation and suffering, confined to the same artificial structures and inadequate conditions her mother has endured.

If Loro Parque sincerely valued Morgan’s welfare, they would not have subjected her to breeding. Morgan’s pregnancy serves as a clear indication that the park prioritizes profit and spectacle over the true well-being of the animals in their care.

In the wild, orcas live complex, social lives within their pods, passing on traditions and maintaining strong family bonds. In captivity, however, they are isolated, deprived of these fundamental experiences, and forced into a life of artificial and confined existence.

To break the cycle of captivity for orcas and other cetaceans, the public can stop supporting parks and attractions that hold these animals captive. By not purchasing tickets or attending shows, individuals can reduce the demand for these unethical practices.

Supporting eco-tourism, such as responsible whale watching tours, is another great way to help. By choosing tours that prioritize the well-being of animals and the environment, you can witness these majestic orcas in their natural habitat while contributing to their protection and conservation.

You can also join the Dolphin Project’s initiative by taking action HERE!