Killer whale beaches itself after show at Loro Parque

Heartbreaking footage has shown a young orca beaching herself after a performance at Loro Parque in the Canary Islands.

Morgan the killer whale, who is owned by SeaWorld, beached herself for at least 10 minutes on the side of the pool.

See also: SeaWorld accused of drugging killer whales and painting over injuries

See also: World's oldest orca aged 103 spotted off Canada

Footage of the scene was handed over to the Dolphin Project. They said in a statement: "While we cannot explain the reason for her behavior, the juxtaposition of a previously-wild orca against the stark backdrop of the park's performance area is unsettling, to say the least.

"Some people took selfies with Morgan in the background. Sadly, Morgan was still out of the water by the time the videographers had to leave."

According to the Dodo, Morgan was first spotted swimming off the Dutch coast in 2010, appearing ill and emaciated.

The Harderwijk Dolphinarium captured her on the grounds of rehabilitating her, but she was then shipped off to Loro Parque instead of being re-released.

According to the Metro, Loro Parque said: "The video published by the Dolphin Project on its website is a new attempt at manipulation through exaggeration and dramatisation of a completely normal situation in which there is no problem for the animals."

However, a number of marine biologists and animal welfare experts are calling for her release back into the wild.

Dr. Ingrid Visser co-founded the Free Morgan Foundation, which you can donate to in a bid to help the cause.