Groundbreaking Study: Scientists Record ECG of Pregnant Orca at Loro Parque, Revealing Physiological Adaptations During Late Gestation

A groundbreaking study at Loro Parque, in collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), has successfully recorded the electrocardiogram (ECG) of a pregnant orca in her final weeks of gestation. This unprecedented achievement provides valuable insights into the physiological adaptations of these marine mammals during a critical period. The research, led by CNRS researcher Angelo Torrente, focuses on understanding changes in cardiovascular function in pregnant orcas. Using a non-invasive system, scientists obtained data on the heart health of Morgan, an orca in advanced pregnancy. This data aims to shed light on the metabolic and energetic challenges these animals face during gestation and whether diving adaptations, like voluntary heart rate reduction, are transmitted to the fetus. Javier Almunia, director of Loro Parque Fundación, emphasized the study's significance, highlighting how care in specialized facilities enables scientific advancements impossible in the wild. The research provides unprecedented information on orca metabolism and nutritional needs during pregnancy, crucial for conserving wild populations facing food scarcity. This collaboration underscores the importance of applied science in animal welfare and conservation, offering insights into the biology of threatened marine species and contributing to their protection.