Two captive killer whales, Wikie and her 11-year-old son Keijo, are in a critical situation at a deteriorating marine park. Born in captivity, they were abandoned when Marineland Antibes in France closed its doors in January 2025. The orcas, lacking mental stimulation, are confined to their enclosure as the park falls into disrepair.
Following years of pressure from animal welfare groups, including PETA, the park shut down. Aerial footage shows the dire conditions the animals face, with green sludge in their pool and poor water quality in other tanks where stranded dolphins reside.
Despite minimal care from a small staff, Wikie and Keijo, the last two captive orcas in France, are in urgent need of relocation for their well-being. The French government has proposed transferring them to a sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada, where they can live in a more natural environment.
However, the planned move is pending Marineland’s approval. The sanctuary project is seen as the best option to provide the orcas with a suitable home, addressing concerns raised by activists about the current hazardous conditions they are living in.
Marketa Schusterova from Tidebreakers highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the risk to the orcas’ health if they are not moved promptly. Efforts to relocate them to other facilities have been rejected due to inadequate conditions, pushing for a solution that prioritizes the animals’ well-being.
The Whale Sanctuary Project is considered the most viable option for Wikie and Keijo, offering a spacious and safe environment for the orcas. While challenges remain in the project’s development, advocates stress the need for immediate action to prevent further harm to the animals.
Reflecting on the past case of Keiko, the orca from the film ‘Free Willy,’ who faced health issues after captivity, there is a sense of urgency to ensure Wikie and Keijo are given a chance for a better life away from their current dire circumstances.