Two killer whales from SeaWorld San Antonio and two from SeaWorld Orlando were recently flown to Loro Parque. Dolphins, sharks, and killer whales are moved by using the Shamu Express system. Shamu Express provides safe and comfortable travel for these animals, but it requires a great deal of planning and hard work as the water units alone may weigh over 25,000 lb!
Animals are moved between SeaWorld parks and other zoological institutions to provide the best possible social setting and opportunities for breeding. We are keenly aware of the importance of maintaining compatible social groups for our killer whales and other marine mammals. This is our primary consideration in any transfer of animals.
SeaWorld trainers, zookeepers and veterinarians assist and accompany the animals through the process. On arrival to Loro Parque, the whales will be closely monitored as they become acclimated to their new surroundings by trainers and veterinarians they know well. A SeaWorld trainer will work in this park for the next two or three years; our veterinarians, zoologists, research scientists, trainers and water quality experts will continue to work in partnership with Loro Parque for as long as SeaWorld whales are living there. Loro Parque trainers have lived in the U.S. and worked in our parks alongside our zoological staff for much of the past two years. They are now skilled in SeaWorld's training and techniques, as well as the husbandry requirements for this species.
SeaWorld's process of transporting animals began in 1970 and is called Shamu Express". To prepare an animal for their trip, the water level in a holding area is lowered and the animal is placed in a custom designed nylon stretcher. The stretcher is lowered into a water-tight, padded steel-framed transport unit. The animals are immersed in filtered water during their journey. Once loaded in the transport units, the animals are driven to an airport usually at night to take advantage of cooler temperatures and less traffic in the air and on the ground.
Once at the airport, the animals are loaded into a chartered jet using cranes and specially designed cargo loaders. The trip can take up to 10 hours, and throughout the course of travel animal care specialists, trainers, and veterinarians watch and attend to the animals. Once the animals have arrived at the destination, they are lowered into their pools using a crane and the specially designed stretcher. If they are being released, the animals are placed on boats and driven out to sea.
The water and filtration system alone may weigh 11,340 kg. (25,000 lb.) and the total cargo load can be more than 68,000 kg (150,000 lb.). Dolphins, sharks, sea lions and killer whales are moved by using the "Shamu Express" system. "Shamu Express" provides safe and comfortable travel for the animals, but it requires a great deal of planning and hard work by those that care for these animals.
