The Spanish park claims to be able to accommodate both cetaceans, contradicting scientific expertise – Liberation
New twist in the Marineland file. The Spanish water park Loro Parque, located in Tenerife, an island of the Canaries, ensures it this Friday, April 11: it meets all the conditions to accommodate the two Orcs. In a press release, he certifies respecting « Rigorously all the standards and recommendations for the maintenance of dolphins and orcas under the protection of human care, in accordance with the directives of the European Aquatic Mammals Association », After the announcement of Spain’s refusal to give the green light to the transfer of cetaceans.
Thursday, April 10, the cabinet of the French Minister of Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher had announced that the Marineland orcas and dolphins would finally remain in Antibes in the Alpes-Maritimes, unable to go to Spain, for lack of favorable opinion from the Spanish authorities. According to the entourage of the French Minister, a Spanish scientific authority responsible for assessing the reception infrastructure had refused the transfer from the two orcas to Loro Parque, and twelve dolphins supposed to be welcomed in a Madrid aquarium, believing that « The facilities did not meet the requirements. »
But the Loro Parque Delphinarium contradicts these words: « The dimensions of our installations far exceed the minimums set by the only two regulations available », he says, before adding: « It is a priority to draw attention to the current situation of Wikie and Keijo, which are in a swimming pool in precarious conditions and with structural problems compromising their health and well-being. » For its part, the Marineland park, owned by the Spanish group by Reunidos, again refused to comment immediately.
Installed on the French Riviera since 1970, Marineland, the largest water park in Europe, A Closed its doors on January 5. A decision made following the ban on cetacean shows and the captivity maintenance of orcas and dolphins in France, set up within the framework of the law of 2021 on animal welfare. The park’s management then filed, in February, a request to transfer its two orcas and twelve dolphins to two parks in Spain before mid-April.
One Voice and Sea Shepherd This Friday welcomed Spain’s refusal to welcome the two orcas and offered their services to take care of these animals, pending a solution. The two NGOs campaign to place them in a European sanctuary. “Sea Shepherd France remains more than ever mobilized to help ensure a life worthy of being lived at the 14 cetaceans (orcas and dolphins, editor’s note) captive of the park. This involves the necessary repair of the Orca basin and of course, the maintenance of staff dedicated to their care ”, wrote the association in a press release.
In March, the association founded by Paul Watson had proposed « Finance the salary of the healers and the care of the animals after April 15 », Date on which park staff are supposed to leave the company as part of the social plan launched after its closure.
