Loro Parque have announced that Morgan, the rescued orca who has been living at the zoo in Tenerife since 2012, is pregnant and expecting a calf. The pregnancy, which occurred naturally with one of the male orcas in her pod, is considered a rare event in captivity.
A Rescued Orca with a Unique Story
Morgan’s journey to Loro Parque began in 2010 when she was found stranded and disoriented off the Dutch coast after losing her pod. Following a decision in 2011 that deemed her unfit for release due to survival concerns, she was transferred to Tenerife in 2012, where she has since been under continuous care.
Researchers from the Loro Parque Fundación later discovered that Morgan is completely deaf, making communication with other orcas impossible. In response, the park installed an innovative underwater light communication system tailored specifically for her, allowing her to interact with her trainers.
A Rare Pregnancy Under Close Monitoring
Pregnancy among captive orcas is uncommon, making Morgan’s case particularly significant. Since confirming her pregnancy, Loro Parque’s team of veterinarians and trainers have been closely monitoring her health and the development of the calf. Advanced technology and tailored care protocols have been put in place to ensure both Morgan’s well-being and that of her unborn calf.
The park’s scientific team will continue studying her pregnancy to gain deeper insights into orca reproductive biology. The gestation period is expected to last between 17 and 18 months, with ongoing care to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.
