Despite overwhelming evidence provided by world renowned orca researchers, scientists and advocates, as members of the Free Morgan Foundation, the best interests of Morgan have not been met. It has been designated that she will be sent to a life of permanent captivity in a barren concrete tank. Realistically this is nothing short of a death sentence for Morgan as orca in captivity only live an average of 8.5 years, compared to more than 50 years in the wild. It is disgraceful that a country such as the Netherlands, known around the world for their humanitarian and animal welfare compassion, should have allowed this to happen. Clearly, ulterior motivations such as money and entertainment have presided over the welfare interests of Morgan.
Unfortunately, because of constrains in the European/National law, the Judge could not decide for Morgan to be rehabilitated and released. Therefore, Morgan will be the poster-child for our continuing fight against this barbaric and antiquated form of entertainment. In the same way that dancing bears have been phased out, so too will be the way of places such as the Dolfinarium Harderwijk. Our long-term goal of establishing laws to ever prevent an animal in need, being turned into an animal used for profit and personal gain, will not stop with Morgan’s incarceration.
“Personally, I am devastated that after all these months of fighting the good fight, to find that reason and science lost over money and ulterior motives. It is sad to see that non-profit organizations are bullied and overridden by corporate greed and unjust laws.”
– Dr Ingrid N. Visser
“I find it unbelievable that we point a finger at countries with barbaric activities such as dancing bears, yet, here in our very own country we allow the equivalent to happen with such a highly intelligent species such as orca.”
– Jan van Twillert
“I believe that justice has taken a hard blow today, I think that all the good premises were there for the Netherlands to do the right thing and to show the world that the way animals are treated should and can change. Once again private interests, insensitivity and political constrains won over good sense and science.”
– Lara Pozzato
“It is unbelievable that it is possible to imprison a wild intelligent animal for profit, under the guise of rescue.”
– Jenny van Twillert
“With this ruling Morgan has been condemned to a short life in the entertainment business, but she is still an excellent candidate for return to her home waters. We could learn so much about orcas by doing so, but there’s money to be made at the circus gate.”
– Howard Garrett
It is heartbreaking that Morgan has been sentenced to a life of stress, forced breeding, poor health and social strife. A life that will be cut short, all for profit and a crude form of entertainment. Thanks goes to the FMF, for fighting the good fight.
- Carol Ray, former killer whale trainer
“Wow. I was hopeful that the Dutch Government would make an evidence-based decision. Poor Morgan is now sentenced to a life with broken teeth in an acoustically dead concrete pond. This reminds me of ‘Planet of the Apes.’ Except this time, we’re the Apes!”
- Jeffrey Ventre MD, former killer whale trainer, SeaWorld of Florida
"I am devastated that even after we could show that wild orcas still exist in northern Norway and that it is possible to find Morgan's relatives and she has a fair chance of being returned to a wild life, she will put to life sentence in captivity to entertain people!"
- Heike Vester
“WDCS is disheartened to learn that a court in Amsterdam has decided that Morgan should be transferred from the Netherlands to remain in captivity at the Loro Parque zoo in the Canary Islands. We now fear for Morgan’s health and welfare as she will be introduced into a new captive environment, to orcas who are strangers to her and to the circus-style shows at Loro Parque. In captivity, orcas suffer a significantly reduced survival rate, low breeding success and stress, which can lead to aggression between themselves and towards trainers, illness and even death.”
- Rob Lott, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, (WDCS).
“I am deeply saddened that the decision makers have denied Morgan the perspective to someday enjoy the rich and fulfilling togetherness with her family, despite the strong evidence and resources in favor of her rehabilitation.”
- Astrid van Ginneken
“What an unreal and dismaying decision! Despite all the evidence and arguments in favour of Morgan being given a chance - from knowledge about her probable origins, to a practical plan worked out in great detail, to the promise of funding, and solid community support in Norway – the Court has ruled against her. In doing so, it has condemned Morgan to a short and dreadful life behind barren walls. How terribly sad.”
Dr. Paul Spong
"It is unfortunate that we continue to be manipulated by the power of economics over clear science and what is best for the welfare of this one individual killer whale. I am saddened to hear of today's verdict. We are cheating ourselves and the next generation too."
Jean-Michel Cousteau
Unfortunately, because of constrains in the European/National law, the Judge could not decide for Morgan to be rehabilitated and released. Therefore, Morgan will be the poster-child for our continuing fight against this barbaric and antiquated form of entertainment. In the same way that dancing bears have been phased out, so too will be the way of places such as the Dolfinarium Harderwijk. Our long-term goal of establishing laws to ever prevent an animal in need, being turned into an animal used for profit and personal gain, will not stop with Morgan’s incarceration.
“Personally, I am devastated that after all these months of fighting the good fight, to find that reason and science lost over money and ulterior motives. It is sad to see that non-profit organizations are bullied and overridden by corporate greed and unjust laws.”
– Dr Ingrid N. Visser
“I find it unbelievable that we point a finger at countries with barbaric activities such as dancing bears, yet, here in our very own country we allow the equivalent to happen with such a highly intelligent species such as orca.”
– Jan van Twillert
“I believe that justice has taken a hard blow today, I think that all the good premises were there for the Netherlands to do the right thing and to show the world that the way animals are treated should and can change. Once again private interests, insensitivity and political constrains won over good sense and science.”
– Lara Pozzato
“It is unbelievable that it is possible to imprison a wild intelligent animal for profit, under the guise of rescue.”
– Jenny van Twillert
“With this ruling Morgan has been condemned to a short life in the entertainment business, but she is still an excellent candidate for return to her home waters. We could learn so much about orcas by doing so, but there’s money to be made at the circus gate.”
– Howard Garrett
It is heartbreaking that Morgan has been sentenced to a life of stress, forced breeding, poor health and social strife. A life that will be cut short, all for profit and a crude form of entertainment. Thanks goes to the FMF, for fighting the good fight.
- Carol Ray, former killer whale trainer
“Wow. I was hopeful that the Dutch Government would make an evidence-based decision. Poor Morgan is now sentenced to a life with broken teeth in an acoustically dead concrete pond. This reminds me of ‘Planet of the Apes.’ Except this time, we’re the Apes!”
- Jeffrey Ventre MD, former killer whale trainer, SeaWorld of Florida
"I am devastated that even after we could show that wild orcas still exist in northern Norway and that it is possible to find Morgan's relatives and she has a fair chance of being returned to a wild life, she will put to life sentence in captivity to entertain people!"
- Heike Vester
“WDCS is disheartened to learn that a court in Amsterdam has decided that Morgan should be transferred from the Netherlands to remain in captivity at the Loro Parque zoo in the Canary Islands. We now fear for Morgan’s health and welfare as she will be introduced into a new captive environment, to orcas who are strangers to her and to the circus-style shows at Loro Parque. In captivity, orcas suffer a significantly reduced survival rate, low breeding success and stress, which can lead to aggression between themselves and towards trainers, illness and even death.”
- Rob Lott, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, (WDCS).
“I am deeply saddened that the decision makers have denied Morgan the perspective to someday enjoy the rich and fulfilling togetherness with her family, despite the strong evidence and resources in favor of her rehabilitation.”
- Astrid van Ginneken
“What an unreal and dismaying decision! Despite all the evidence and arguments in favour of Morgan being given a chance - from knowledge about her probable origins, to a practical plan worked out in great detail, to the promise of funding, and solid community support in Norway – the Court has ruled against her. In doing so, it has condemned Morgan to a short and dreadful life behind barren walls. How terribly sad.”
Dr. Paul Spong
"It is unfortunate that we continue to be manipulated by the power of economics over clear science and what is best for the welfare of this one individual killer whale. I am saddened to hear of today's verdict. We are cheating ourselves and the next generation too."
Jean-Michel Cousteau
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