Kshamenk, known as the “world’s loneliest orca,” has spent 32 years in captivity at Mundo Marino, Argentina’s largest aquarium. A heartbreaking 24-hour timelapse video shows Kshamenk staring at the gate of his enclosure, barely moving in the small, shallow pool. Kshamenk was brought to the aquarium in 1992 after being found beached as a young whale, and he has remained in a concrete tank ever since.
The last time Kshamenk interacted with another orca was in 2000, when his tankmate Belen passed away while pregnant. Since then, he has lived alone, leading to widespread calls from animal welfare organizations for his relocation to an open sanctuary where he can interact with other whales. These organizations argue that the conditions in which Kshamenk is kept are cruel and inhumane.
Activists are calling on Mundo Marino aquarium in Argentina to release a 35-year-old orca who has been confined to a small tank since 1992.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 22, 2024
The orca, Kshamenk, stares at the gate of the tank for "24 hours a day."
Kshamenk's tankmate died in 2000 meaning he has been all alone… pic.twitter.com/4lgcLpXBtg
A 2006 study by the Wild Earth Foundation revealed that Kshamenk’s original population is unknown, complicating efforts to reintroduce him into the wild. The study also warned that releasing Kshamenk could put him in danger, as he might revert to behaviors like begging for food or seeking human contact, which could be harmful to his survival.
The video of Kshamenk has sparked renewed outrage, with many people calling for an end to his captivity and expressing their disgust at the continued use of animals for entertainment. Animal rights activists continue to work with Argentinian lawmakers to advocate for Kshamenk’s relocation to a sanctuary, hoping to give him a better quality of life before it’s too late.
