The French Government Rejects Proposal To Move Orcas From Marineland Antibes To Seaside Sanctuary

In a discouraging development, the French Ministry of Ecological Diversity has turned down the Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposal to relocate Wikie and Keijo, the two remaining orcas at Marineland Antibes, to their sanctuary in Nova Scotia.

In a letter dated January 16th, 2025, and received by the Whale Sanctuary Project on January 20th, 2025, the Director of Water and Biodiversity at the French Ministry of Ecological Diversity, Mme. Célia de Lavergne, explained that the application had been reviewed by a panel of scientific experts. However, the panel did not reach out to the Whale Sanctuary Project for direct discussions or clarification of concerns.

The Whale Sanctuary Project expressed its disappointment at the lack of communication, questioning why the government, after conducting such a thorough review, chose not to engage in dialogue about potential issues before denying the relocation request.

The Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposal ensured ample time for independent veterinarians to assess Wikie and Keijo’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The plan included completing necessary fundraising and establishing the sanctuary in time for the whales’ arrival, with collaboration from Marineland’s current caregivers. In addition, the Whale Sanctuary Project welcomed the possibility of these caregivers joining the team in Nova Scotia to continue their work with the orcas in a natural environment.

However, the Ministry took nine months to respond to the application, and by the time the decision was made, the opportunity to retire the orcas to the sanctuary had effectively been lost. Upon receiving the rejection letter, the Whale Sanctuary Project immediately requested a call to discuss the specific scientific concerns, Marineland’s requested timeline, and the panel’s review process.

The Ministry responded by email, stating, “After careful review, we regret to inform you that your project could not meet the scheduling requirements of Marineland, which ceased its operations in January 5, 2025. This timeline constraint made it impossible to align with the necessary conditions for the project to proceed.”

Following this communication, the Whale Sanctuary Project learned that the only remaining option for Wikie and Keijo is their transfer to Loro Parque, a zoo in the Canary Islands, Spain. Their move to yet another entertainment attraction lacks an emphasis on the best possible welfare outcomes for Wikie and Keijo. Under current laws, the French government can block the whales from being sent to Japan but cannot prevent their transfer to another EU facility.

In an effort to secure a better outcome for Wikie and Keijo, the Whale Sanctuary Project proposed a meeting with Marineland Antibes and Loro Parque to explore alternative solutions. They also offered to cover the costs of keeping the orcas at Marineland while fundraising and construction for the sanctuary was completed. Unfortunately, their offer was rejected by Marineland. 

The Whale Sanctuary Project has been outspoken about the concerns with Loro Parque, citing the facility’s history of poor animal welfare practices, lack of transparency, and questionable breeding practices. They warn that sending Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque would result in a disservice to their well-being, given the zoo’s track record.

Despite the French government’s current stance, the Whale Sanctuary Project believes there is still time to find a better solution. They are calling on the Ministry to reconsider their decision and facilitate a meeting between all parties involved to ensure the best possible outcome for Wikie and Keijo. The organization remains committed to providing these orcas with the opportunity to live out their lives in a natural, supportive environment at their proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia, where their welfare would be prioritized.

In the interest of the orcas, the Whale Sanctuary Project urges the French government to reconsider its position and work collaboratively to ensure that Wikie and Keijo’s future is secure and humane.

These orcas have suffered in captivity for their entire lives, enduring the physical and psychological toll of being confined to unnatural environments. They deserve the opportunity to retire to a seaside sanctuary, where they can experience the closest thing to freedom and live their remaining years in a more natural, compassionate setting.

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg

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