Orca Ordeal: A Sanctuary Showdown

The fate of two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, is set to be decided as French officials, animal welfare groups, and Marineland Antibes convene for a critical meeting. The orcas have been housed at Marineland Antibes since its closure in January 2025, exhibiting listless behavior. Concerns over the deteriorating state of their enclosures have spurred urgent calls for their relocation.

While 12 bottlenose dolphins will remain at the park temporarily before moving to Beauval zoo, the orcas' situation is more complex. A proposed transfer to the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, announced in December 2025, faces strong opposition. Critics cite the sanctuary's lack of funding, approximately $15 million needed, and incomplete construction as major hurdles.

Marineland's owner suggests immediate transfer to an existing aquarium as a more viable option, potentially recouping significant maintenance costs. Past proposals, including a temporary move to Tenerife's Loro Parque, were rejected, and an alleged deal with SeaWorld Orlando remains denied by Marineland.

Even some anti-captivity groups consider a move to SeaWorld a lesser evil due to the urgency and lack of a viable sanctuary. Logistically, such transfers involve specialized transport. However, adapting the orcas to ocean conditions would require extensive preparation, which the Canadian sanctuary plans to address by creating an inshore bay pen.

Further complicating matters, Sea Shepherd France questions the environmental safety and water temperature of the Nova Scotia site, advocating for a Mediterranean sanctuary, though none currently exists. Despite these disputes, all parties aim for a resolution, acknowledging that the exploitation by the marine park industry created this predicament.