Loro Parque Celebrates First Birthday of Orca Calf Teno
Teno, an orca calf born to the rescued whale Morgan, has celebrated his first birthday at Loro Parque, marking a significant milestone for the facility's conservation and breeding efforts.
The orca calf born at Loro Parque on March 31, 2025, has officially turned one year old, marking a major milestone for the park. The Tenerife-based facility notes that this success highlights the effectiveness of their breeding programs. In the wild, half of all orca calves do not survive their first year due to fragile immune systems; however, the controlled environment at Loro Parque has proven significantly safer for the species.
The calf, named Teno after a public vote honoring the Teno Massif, has been closely monitored by a team of experts. This constant supervision has allowed the team to track his physical growth and social development, both of which are vital for his emotional well-being. To celebrate his first birthday, the staff organized a day of cognitive stimulation and play, a standard practice used to keep the animals engaged and strengthen their bond with caregivers.
Teno’s story is closely linked to his mother, Morgan. Rescued in Dutch waters in 2010, Morgan is deaf and became a subject of great interest in marine science after researchers developed a pioneering communication system using light signals. This method has allowed her to integrate into the group and successfully raise her calf, proving that animals with special needs can thrive in a supportive environment.
Wolfgang Kiessling, president of Loro Parque, views this success as part of a larger conversation about the role of modern zoos. He describes facilities like his as "embassies of biodiversity," arguing that they provide essential support for conservation. As natural habitats continue to decline globally, the park maintains that its research and educational programs are vital for protecting species that might otherwise face an uncertain future.