loro parque orcas wikie keijo transfer spain

Loro Parque awaits Spanish approval on French orca transfer

Loro Parque thanks France but awaits Madrid’s approval on orca transfer

The Loro Parque Group has expressed its gratitude for the confidence shown by the French government, through the Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, in transferring the orcas Wikie and Keijo to Tenerife — though it insists it will not proceed with the rescue and reception of the animals without prior approval from the Spanish government.

In a statement, the park said it considers it “essential” that, despite its historic commitment to animal welfare, the Spanish state must guarantee the “legal certainty of the process” and formally recognise the “suitability” of Loro Parque to house these two animals, expressly giving its approval for the transfer.

A matter of responsibility, not a simple administrative procedure

Loro Parque reiterates that its position stems from a principle of responsibility. “The possible reception of Wikie and Keijo cannot be approached as a simple administrative operation, nor can it be subject to ambiguous interpretations, contradictory messages or external pressures,” the business group added.

The park explains that this concerns the lives of two animals that require an “immediate and permanent solution,” one that is technically viable and endorsed by the competent authorities of the countries involved.

The president of the Loro Parque Group, Wolfgang Kiessling, has expressed the park’s “willingness” to save the lives of these animals and rescue them from a “fatal fate,” and therefore invites the Spanish government to join “this effort,” providing the technical and legal security necessary for an operation of this magnitude.

Loro Parque trusts that the Spanish government will receive this invitation positively and make this animal rescue operation possible, recognising the value of facilities that “are a world reference” and are revealed as “ideal” to permanently house these cetaceans, guaranteeing their protection and welfare.

Scientific transparency and the French minister’s backing

The suitability of the transfer would be based on an “exercise of transparency and scientific rigour,” since, Loro Parque adds, the French Minister for Ecological Transition himself acknowledged in his statements that no marine sanctuaries exist and that Loro Parque would be the “only viable option” to prevent a “fatal outcome.”

“The narrative of sanctuaries, therefore, must give way to pragmatic and scientifically supported solutions such as those offered by Tenerife. This would not be the first time Loro Parque has collaborated on a rescue operation,” the business group argued, recalling the case of the orca Morgan, which appeared in a very delicate state of health off the coast of the Wadden Sea in the Netherlands and found a home at the Animal Embassy.

The institution took in that specimen following an express request from the Dutch authorities, whose experts determined that transfer to Loro Parque was the only viable option to ensure its welfare.

A history of scrutiny and the need for unequivocal support

The institution recalls that “for years” it has been the subject of administrative and media scrutiny which, in its view, was not supported by scientific evidence. In this context, Loro Parque considers that any transfer must be carried out with “full transparency, with verifiable technical reports and unequivocal backing” from the competent administrations.

“Only in this way can we guarantee that Wikie and Keijo do not become embroiled in a controversy that worsens their current situation. This operation does not under any circumstances respond to economic or commercial interests,” insist the Loro Parque Group, which points out that they do not earn “a single euro more for having six orcas instead of four.”

A decision based on moral, technical and professional responsibility

Thus, the park’s “willingness” to house the orcas would be a decision based on “moral, technical and professional responsibility,” because the institution knows how “to care for these animals” and because it wants to prevent Wikie and Keijo from dying in France “without a real alternative.”

They recall that the park has a multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, biologists, carers, animal behaviour specialists and international experts with extensive experience in the handling of cetaceans. The facilities are designed to provide a safe, stable and enriching environment, with permanent care protocols, specialised veterinary monitoring and welfare programmes based on scientific criteria.

Rigorous inspections and international certifications

Loro Parque also highlights that its facilities have been subjected on numerous occasions to rigorous inspections by various competent authorities and bodies, including SEPRONA (the Civil Guard’s nature protection service), which has repeatedly confirmed the adequate welfare of the animals under the park’s care. Added to this are international certifications and external audits that endorse the institution’s commitment to conservation, education, research and animal welfare.

With more than 50 years of history, Loro Parque also demonstrates its consolidation as “a world reference” in species protection, biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness. The Loro Parque Foundation has saved 18 species from extinction, thanks to work carried out in more than 300 conservation projects around the world, where more than 30 million dollars have been invested.

Cooperation only under a clear institutional framework

The business group reiterates its willingness to cooperate with the French and Spanish authorities, provided that there is a sufficient framework of guarantees and clear institutional recognition of the excellence of its facilities. “The priority must be the welfare of Wikie and Keijo, but this can only be guaranteed in a lasting way if the legal certainty and reputation of those called upon to assume their care are preserved,” they added.

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