Renewed Trade In Orcas Threatens
Their Survival

Wednesday, December 8, 2004
SPAIN – Plans are underway for the first import of orcas (killer whales) into the European Union for more than ten years. As Loro Parque in Tenerife prepares to import up to four orcas from SeaWorld's parks in the USA, WDCS is calling for the European Union to disallow the trade on the grounds that it would violate current legislation and put wild populations further at risk.

Cathy Williamson, WDCS's Anti Captivity Campaigner said "Should the import go ahead, it would not only lead to the further suffering of these individuals, but may also increase the demand for orcas from other parts of the world, putting added pressure on wild orca populations. In addition, WDCS believes the EU and the Spanish Government would be in violation of EU CITES legislation, which bans trade in cetaceans for primarily commercial purposes."

There are only 46 orcas currently held in captivity in five different countries world-wide, but many people, unaware of the suffering caused by confining these animals, continue to pay see them. With a survival rate of only 41 percent for captive born orcas and an average survival time in captivity of less than six years for wild-caught orcas, demand for these animals remains greater than supply, bumping up the price tag for a wild orca to one million dollars.

Orcas suffer extreme emotional and physical distress in captivity, shown in high rates of infant mortality, shorter life expectancy and aggressive behaviour. This year alone, six orcas, including two very young calves, have died in captivity. Since 1961, at least 135 orcas have been taken from the wild for entertainment or display purposes. Over 80 percent of these animals are now dead.

"We’re deeply disappointed that the Spanish authorities are permitting the construction of a new aquarium to house orcas when these animals are so clearly unsuitable for captivity," continued Cathy Williamson. "Increasing numbers of people are opposing the practice of keeping whales and dolphins in captivity, but to end the suffering and to help secure wild populations, we need to see an end to captures and trade."

WDCS is also very concerned about the impact of the long distance transfer on the orcas to be imported from the USA. Scientific evidence suggests that dolphin species experience difficulties in adapting to new captive situations and that mortality rates are often high following transfer.

Add your voice in protest at this proposed import. To send your campaign e-mail, please click here.

Source: WDCS