The closure of Marineland on the French Riviera in January 2025 left behind a troubling legacy: two orcas, Wikie and Keijo (a mother and calf), confined to decaying tanks in the abandoned park. This situation has sparked urgent calls from animal welfare organizations for a solution to their plight.
A Dire Situation Unfolds
Recent drone footage released by TideBreakers, an animal welfare organization, reveals the orcas swimming in algae-filled, green-tinged tanks. The organization warns that euthanasia is being considered, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. TideBreakers stresses that leaving the orcas in the deteriorating facility is unacceptable, highlighting a recent incident where a former tankmate died after ingesting metal.
Finding a Suitable Home: A Complex Challenge
Relocating Wikie and Keijo presents significant challenges. Having spent their lives in captivity, they lack the skills to survive in the wild, according to marine biologist and orca expert Hanne Strager. Previous attempts to rehome them have faced roadblocks. The French government rejected a transfer to Japan due to concerns about the journey’s stress and Japan’s animal welfare standards. A proposed move to Loro Parque in the Canary Islands was also denied by the Spanish government.
The Whale Sanctuary Project: A Potential Solution?
The Whale Sanctuary Project, which is working to establish a coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada, believes their planned seaside enclosure offers the best solution. They’ve publicly reiterated their willingness to collaborate with all parties involved to bring Wikie and Keijo to the sanctuary. The organization points to the French Ministry of Ecology’s recommendation of their project as the optimal sanctuary solution.
Challenges and Uncertainties Remain
However, TideBreakers notes that no operational orca sanctuaries currently exist. While suggesting a temporary holding tank as an interim solution, the organization also raises concerns about the Whale Sanctuary Project’s progress, citing a lack of permits, potential pollution at the proposed site, and the absence of construction.
A Future Still Undecided
Beyond the two orcas, Marineland also housed 12 dolphins, adding to the complexity of the situation. The French government’s final decision regarding the fate of these 14 cetaceans remains uncertain. TideBreakers advocates for a clean and safe environment where the animals can live out their remaining years with dignity after their years of captivity.
