The last two orcas in captivity in France are facing a grim fate as activists raise concerns about the abandoned state of their marine park. Wikie and her son Keijo are the only killer whales left in France, left to swim in a deteriorating tank at Marineland Antibes since its closure earlier this year. These orcas, the lone survivors of their original group of four, now endure monotonous days in the desolate park, devoid of the once vibrant interactions with their family.
As the park remains closed to the public, the condition of their enclosure worsens, with the water turning murky and green algae spreading. Despite minimal care and interaction from staff, Wikie and Keijo have been forgotten by the crowds they once entertained. Nearby, 12 bottlenose dolphins also reside in the decaying park, facing a similar uncertain future.
Advocacy group TideBreakers has been urging the French government to intervene and rescue the animals before it’s too late. The closure of the park came after years of pressure from organizations like PETA, with various efforts to relocate the animals for their well-being. However, disagreements between officials and the park’s management have stalled progress, leaving the orcas and dolphins in limbo.
New legislation prohibits entertainment shows featuring marine mammals and sets a deadline for relocation by December 2026. Despite rejected proposals to move the orcas to Japan or Canada, a potential European sanctuary is now being considered. The situation remains urgent as time runs out for these captive animals.
The French government is exploring alternative solutions, but time is of the essence, according to campaigners. Wikie and Keijo’s future remains uncertain, with concerns about their well-being in the inadequate conditions of their current environment. Plans to transfer them to a sanctuary in Canada offer hope for a better life, but the final decision rests with Marineland. This potential move signifies a significant step towards providing these intelligent creatures with a more suitable and natural habitat, addressing long-standing welfare concerns.