Puerto de la Cruz, 30 de abril de 2018.  Once again, the Netherlands administrative and judicial authorities have handed down eight legal rulings, with decisions against the complaints made by the activist organisation Free Morgan Foundation (FMF).  On this last occasion, the Ultrecht Court ruled that the CITES decision (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) granted to Morgan by the Dutch authorities was in accordance with the law and was granted in accordance with both European Community and CITES regulations.  Likewise, the aforementioned rulings, once again, and as all the judicial and administrative authorities have repeatedly stated, highlights anew that Loro Parque has the highest quality facilities, offering the animals in them excellent welfare conditions, including both the orca Morgan and the rest of the pod of orcas in our Parque.

For Loro Parque, it is very important that both the judicial and administrative bodies with competence in this area recognise and highlight the excellent conditions of our Parque, because these affirmations come from bodies and authorities that are absolutely impartial and independent, and this, despite the continuous and denigrating campaigns of these radical groups that constantly strive to defame and discredit us with their lies and falsehoods, distorting the truth, and showing clear contempt for the courts when they do not decide in their favour.

During this process, Loro Parque has made itself available to the CITES authority to provide all the information necessary.  Now, in addition to reaffirming the Parque's position, the ruling acknowledges that Morgan's CITES permit does not exclude breeding and recognises that scientific and conservation activities are carried out with the killer whales in Loro Parque.

In the event that FMF decides to initiate a case in Spain, because they believe that Morgan is in poor form, it would be necessary to provide evidence.  However, all previous reports and campaigns have demonstrated that the orcas in Loro Parque are in good condition, have one of the most modern facilities in the world, are cared for by qualified and experienced staff, and receive the most appropriate care for their species.

Morgan's History

The orca Morgan has been in the care of Loro Parque since 2011.  The decision to transfer her to OrcaOcean's spacious and fully-equipped facilities in Loro Parque was taken in order to provide her with adequate living conditions and, in particular, to meet her needs for social interaction.  It should be borne in mind that this decision was taken at that time by the Dutch authorities (based on the opinions of independent experts) because Morgan's return to nature was an unviable option and the only other option for this animal was euthanasia.

Loro Parque is supported by all the relevant administrative bodies (CITES in the Netherlands and Spain, the Spanish Zoos Inspectorate and the Spanish animal welfare authorities), which reject FMF's demands and interpretations of the CITES permit.  Therefore, FMF is the only entity that supports the position of releasing the animal.