France’s final two orcas held in captivity are at risk of perishing due to governmental inaction towards their abandoned marine park, activists caution. Wikie and her son Keijo, the last killer whales in France, are left to swim in a deteriorating tank after Marineland Antibes closed earlier this year. The orcas, part of an original group of four, spend their days without stimulation, missing their deceased family members. The park’s closure has led to neglect, with the orcas receiving minimal care in a decaying environment.
Alongside the orcas, 12 bottlenose dolphins are the only remaining residents in the failing park, facing a similar uncertain fate. Advocacy group TideBreakers urges the French government to intervene and rescue the animals before it’s too late. The closure of Marineland followed extensive campaigning by animal protection organizations, including PETA, and celebrity endorsements like Pamela Anderson’s support.
New legislation prohibits entertainment shows involving whales, dolphins, and porpoises, setting a deadline for relocating the animals by December 2026. Despite rejecting relocation proposals to Japan and Canada, the French government is exploring alternative options. Challenges with potential sanctuaries and disagreements with the marine park’s management have delayed the animals’ transfer. Wikie and Keijo’s rescue to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada, is now in progress, aiming to provide them with a more suitable and natural environment.
TideBreakers emphasize the urgency of the situation, fearing for the orcas’ survival in their current conditions. With the government’s commitment to finding a solution and the support of various ministers, efforts are being made to secure a safe future for the captive marine animals.