News Archives

August, 2002

Victory for Kshamenk!

WSPA members have cause to celebrate as Argentina announces its decision to deny the export of captive orca, Kshamenk, to Six Flags' Worlds of Adventure Amusement Park in Ohio. The decision, made official by Argentina's CITES authority, Victoria Lichtschein, marks a victory for Kshamenk and his supporters and sets an important precedent regarding the trade of wild animals whose origins are in question. Immediately following the denial of Kshamenk's export, activists submitted a proposal to rehabilitate and release this orca back in to the wild ocean where he swam prior to being taken into captivity.

Kshamenk, a ten-year-old orca rescued under questionable circumstances after being stranded off the Argentinean coast in 1992, has been at the center of an international debate concerning the keeping of killer whales in captivity. Six Flags of Ohio had hoped to acquire Kshamenk as a possible mate for their female orca, Shouka. However, based upon evidence that Kshamenk may have been intentionally stranded, animal advocates waged a fierce battle to keep Argentina from exporting this orca.

Thanks in part to the dedication of WSPA's members, Kshamenk will not have to endure the excruciating journey from Argentina to the United States nor be confined to Six Flag's man-made saltwater pool. Though plans for Kshamenk's release are still tentative, we have high hopes that this captive orca may one day be allowed to find his way home.

If you would like to send a letter to thank Mrs. Victoria Lichtschein and the Argentinean authorities for their decision not to allow the export of Kshamenk, please use the email link below.

Victoria Lichtschein
Argentinean CITES authority:
vlichtsc@medioambiente.gov.ar