Conservation group criticises decision to keep rescued wild orca in captivity

The decision by a Dutch dolphinarium not to release a previously stranded wild orca, but instead to keep the animal in a concrete tank for the rest of its life has been criticised by conservationists as detrimental to the animal’s health. The Free Morgan Group is alarmed by the Harderwijk dolphinarium’s recent conclusion that the young female orca, called Morgan, is not considered as a suitable candidate for release back into the wild after being kept there since being rescued from the Wadden Sea in June. Cathy Williamson from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, a member of the Free Morgan Group, believes that a detailed release plan submitted by the Group to Dolfinarium Harderwijk should have been implemented and that the health and wellbeing of the orca is now at risk. “We believe that the decision not to release this animal is wrong ”, says Williamson. “The Free Morgan Group is comprised of a wide range of experts who have not only extensive experience with wild orcas, but also experience with the release of captive cetaceans. Last month, the Group produced a detailed, multi-stage release plan that includes options for a ‘half-way-house’ scenario as well as full-release feasibility phases. “Orca life expectancy in captivity is much lower than for their wild counterparts. In the wild, female orcas such as Morgan survive an average 50 years and up to 80 or even 90 years and by doing so, contribute to the continuity and survival of their orca community. Wild female orcas, like Morgan, might be expected to raise 1 to 4 offspring during their lifetime. “ The Free Morgan Group acknowledges the concerns of the ‘experts’ who were called upon by the Dolfinarium Harderwijk, and the Netherlands Government to provide their opinions as to the feasibility of the release of Morgan, but fears that they may not have been provided with all the necessary and relevant information, much of which is identified in the Free Morgan Release Plan. The Free Morgan Release Plan was submitted to the Dolfinarium Harderwijk and made available to the public, with the aim of providing legitimate and accurate information as well as balanced and informed Release Plan options. Additionally, it was hoped that such a document would help the Dolfinarium Harderwijk in its decision-making process. Unfortunately, no mention of the plan is made in the report regarding Morgan, prepared by the Dolfinarium Harderwijk, nor is it referred to by any members of their advisory board. The Free Morgan Group considers this to be an important oversight that could be detrimental to Morgan’s future health and welfare. The Free Morgan Group continues to call for Morgan to be released from the concrete tank and be given the chance to undergo rehabilitation with the possibility of a return to the wild. A semi-natural site has been identified at Delta Park Neeltje Jans in the Netherlands, that would offer Morgan a much larger enclosure in a sea-water environment. This site would also provide Morgan with a better chance to recover her health and a return to natural behaviour that would prepare her for a possible return to the wild. Without this opportunity, the Group fears Morgan’s confinement in captivity will be detrimental to her long-term health and survival. If Morgan was conditioned solely for captivity in an enclosed artificial facility, then the door would be shut forever on any chance of a reunion with her family. Ends