Abstract

On the 23rd of June, 2010, a juvenile killer whale stranded on the Dutch coast. The animal was severely undernourished and had dermatitis. Treatment and recovery were straightforward and greatly facilitated by her spontaneous and ravenous appetite. The animal adapted quickly to her new surroundings. Training and enrichment were deemed essential for her mental health and helped with ease of veterinary monitoring. The killer whale was highly interested in humans and in social interaction.

A panel of experts was assembled to evaluate the question whether she could be released. They decided unanimously that she could not be released.

This decision led to a frantic media campaign and lobby efforts by persons that did not agree with this decision. They united themselves in two organizations that had links to international animal rights campaigners and a Dutch political party (Party for the Animals). The conflict was extremely appetizing for the media and huge coverage resulted in intense political involvement. The parliament even discussed the fate of this single animal and voted on the release of information by the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk. Two court cases where the CITES permit given by the Dutch authorities was disputed finally resulted in the verdict that the killer whale was authorized to be transported to Loro Parque in Tenerife.

The introduction of the killer whale was smooth and within a couple of weeks she had met with all group members. She again adapted quickly to her new surroundings.

This killer whale which was abandoned and given up by nature now has a bright future. Her charisma has caused an enormous amount of public attention. It is a good example of how one single animal can raise enormous public awareness on the nature that surrounds us. Hopefully she has helped to inspire the public to protect and preserve the harsh wilderness she came from.

Acknowledgements

All persons and institutes which generously offered assistance and support in the entire rehabilitation process of this animal.