Over 7,000 internet users have determined the name of the New Orca at Loro Parque, which has a strong connection to Tenerife, the island housing one of the most frequented zoos globally.
This Saturday, April 26, Loro Parque officially unveiled the name of the orca calf born on March 31, Teno. The selection emerged from extensive participation on social media, where more than 7,000 internet users cast their votes among the finalist suggestions.
The initiative unfolded in two phases via the official Instagram account of the Tenerife Zoo, highlighting, as per their statement, “the significant interest and the emotional connection that the birth of this calf has ignited among the public.”
Initial Voting Phase
During the first phase, followers were encouraged to propose names, leading to thousands of suggestions that showcased the participants’ creativity and affection. Following this, an open vote allowed users to choose from several options, with the most popular name emerging as the winner.
The Orca Morgan with her calf at Loro Parque. / Ed
The chosen name pays homage to the iconic Teno Massif, a natural area of significant ecological and scenic importance located in the northwest of Tenerife. “This selection establishes a symbolic link between the orca calf and the natural richness of the Canary Islands,” Loro Parque states.
Wolfgang Kiessling, president of the Loro Parque Group, expressed the “positive impact” of this participatory campaign, stating, “We are extremely grateful for the remarkable response from the public, particularly among the youth. This calf represents a renewed hope for conservation and education regarding cetaceans, now bearing a name that connects its narrative with the identity of its homeland,” he emphasises.
A Captivating Phenomenon
The Morgan calf has become “a phenomenon of attention and affection among the visitors and followers of Loro Parque,” according to the zoo in Puerto de la Cruz. “Since its arrival, it has generated an enthusiasm that reinforces Loro Parque’s status as a leader in marine conservation, animal welfare, and environmental education.”
The Orca Morgan at Loro Parque. / Ed
Since its birth on March 31, the Loro Parque team has maintained “constant monitoring of Teno’s development alongside her mother Morgan, particularly during the initial months of life.” Both remain in designated areas until they are prepared to integrate with the other resident orcas at Loro Parque.
Morgan’s journey serves as “an example,” according to the Tenerife Zoo, “of the role that modern zoos play as rescue and rehabilitation centres for vulnerable animals.”
Her story began nearly 15 years ago, having transitioned from being on the brink of death to becoming a mother and fully integrating with the rest of the orca family at Loro Parque, overcoming numerous challenges, including her deafness.
