Morgan the orca gives birth: another generation condemned to captivity in Loro Parque
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Morgan gives birth in captivity as Loro Parque refuses to end cruel orca breeding programme despite growing criticism.
A female orca named Morgan has given birth to another calf in captivity at Loro Parque, a marine park in Tenerife.
This latest birth marks yet another generation of orcas a life in confinement, reinforcing concerns about the continued exploitation of these highly intelligent and social animals for entertainment.
Morgan's tragic history in captivity
Morgan was originally rescued off the Dutch coast in 2010 with the intention of rehabilitation and release.
Instead, she was transferred to Loro Parque, where she has spent more than a decade performing in shows.
Her first calf, Ula, was born with deformities and was tragically rejected by Morgan. Ula did not survive beyond her second birthday.
Ula is also one of four orcas who have died at Loro Parque since 2021.
Loro Parque refuses to end breeding programme
Despite mounting global opposition and overwhelming evidence of the suffering caused by captivity, Loro Parque has made it clear that it has no intention of ending its orca breeding programme.
In response to the recent birth, Tricia Croasdell, CEO of World Animal Protection, said:
The birth of a new calf should be joyous, but knowing the fate of this calf born in captivity in Loro Parque is just heartbreaking.
"Loro Parque's decision to continue breeding orcas, despite overwhelming evidence of the suffering it causes, is deeply troubling.
"Mum, Morgan has been forced into a life of captivity and performances, with her newborn calf now condemned to the same.
"The world is moving away from keeping these highly intelligent, social animals in tanks, as seen in legislative bans in Canada, France, and Belgium.
"TUI Group's continued support of Loro Parque, despite their own policy against selling venues that breed whales and dolphins, is unacceptable."
TUI Group's contradiction on animal welfare
TUI Group continues to promote Loro Parque, despite updating its policy in December 2024 to exclude venues that breed marine mammals for commercial purposes.
When questioned about this contradiction, TUI defended its decision by claiming that breeding could be "valuable" to the social group - an argument widely dismissed as greenwashing.
The call to end orca captivity
Orcas are highly intelligent, social animals that form complex family bonds and travel vast distances in the wild.
No captive facility can ever meet their needs.
World Animal Protection will continue to call on TUI to honour its commitment to animal welfare by cutting ties with Loro Parque and other exploitative venues.
The cycle of suffering must end. This must be the last generation of dolphins and whales in captivity.
