Loro Parque announces a unique event with the birth of the second orca in its OrcaOcean facility. This is a major milestone for the breeding programme, of which Loro Parque is extremely proud because reproduction is the most important factor confirming the well-being of the animals at the site, which was specially created for these marine mammals.
Kohana, the new mother, is 10 years old and was born in San Antonio in Sea World in the USA. She gave birth last night to her second calf, weighing in at 152 kilos, and after 2 hours of labour. She was attended and assisted constantly by a team of veterinarians, biologists and her trainers. Just moments after the birth, the baby, which measures 2.40 metres, instinctively swam to the surface to take his first breath. ‘It is a very important day for all of us at Loro Parque as this birth is clear evidence of the well-being that all our animals enjoy’ said Miguel Díaz, Orca trainer Chief. “The little calf is strong, swims with energy and we are very happy to have the privilege to see how it grows up” remarked Diaz.
“The experience with assisted-rearing of this species at Loro Parque is very important, proven by the appropriate growth and development of Adan, the first calf born in the park, which is now almost 2 years old” explained Dr. Javier Almunia, Deputy Director of the Loro Parque Foundation. However, the veterinarians and trainers prudently await the progress of the calf, as the first few weeks are crucial for the development of the baby, which begins life with its basic immune system only, and it therefore takes time to strengthen it.
This is the second birth of a killer whale in the OrcaOcean facility which was inaugurated in 2006 and where there are 7 orcas living together including Adan (born at Loro Parque), the female Morgan coming from Holland and four others born in 2nd and 3rd generation in captivity at Sea World in the United States, where already a total of 30 orcas have been born in the breeding programme (including this birth) which is the most successful in the world with more than 40 years of experience. This exceptional case will provide scientific information and knowledge about breeding and the care of the baby, which will benefit future offspring of this and other cetacean species.
