Party for the Animals wants the closure of dolphinarium Loro Parque
30 January 2018 – The Dutch Party for the Animals urges the European Commission to shut down the dolphinarium ‘Loro Parque’ in Tenerife, as it is violating European animal welfare regulations for zoos. Party for the Animals MEP Anja Hazekamp: “According to experts, the tanks in Loro Parque are far too small and not at all adapted to the needs of orcas or other cetaceans. On top of that, the animals have injuries, which suggests mutual aggression resulting from an unsuitable living environment.”
The Party for the Animals also points to orca Morgan’s latest court case that took place last week. Morgan, who was found swimming in the Wadden Sea in 2010, is currently staying at Loro Parque under adverse conditions. Hazekamp: “Morgan was moved from the Netherlands to Tenerife under false pretences and there, she is used for orca shows and other commercial purposes, which is in breach of the international CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Dutch, Spanish and European authorities all watched as Loro Parque flouted international regulations.”
However, the problems in the dolphinarium industry go beyond Loro Parque. “Research has shown that it is impossible for orcas and other cetaceans to live a decent life in captivity. These animals belong in the wild; they should not be locked up in small tanks performing tricks their whole lives. Every effort should be made to take stranded animals back to their natural habitat,” according to the Party for the Animals.