Rescued killer whale will not be returned to sea

A young killer whale rescued in Dutch coastal waters will not be returned to the sea, the marine park where she recuperated said.                                           

The female whale had strayed into Dutch coastal waters in June and was rescued in a weakened state. She was taken to the marine park Dolfinarium and named Morgan, becoming a popular attraction for visitors.  

The Dolfinarium said a report drawn up by international academics indicated a successful return to the sea would be impossible after DNA tests and photo and sound identification efforts failed to locate her family with sufficient certainty. 

"Orcas are extremely social animals that usually stay their entire life with their birth group," the marine park said in a statement. "Integration in her birth group is essential for a successful return."

The marine park said it would now examine what was the best solution for Morgan.