The Future of Orcas Wikie and Keijo: A Critical Decision Looms

Marineland Antibes, a once-thriving aquarium complex in southeastern France, has faced significant decline since its closure in January 2025 due to a law prohibiting the captivity of cetaceans. The facility now houses only two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, along with twelve bottlenose dolphins. The orcas, born in captivity, have been left in deteriorating pools that threaten their well-being. A crucial meeting is set to take place involving the French government, animal welfare organizations, and Marineland to determine the future of these marine mammals.

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The French government has proposed relocating Wikie and Keijo to the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, which aims to create a habitat that closely resembles their natural environment. Lori Marino, a neuroscientist and founder of the project, emphasizes that the sanctuary will provide the orcas with opportunities for exercise and exploration. However, the sanctuary is not yet built and requires an additional $15 million in funding, raising concerns about its viability.

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Opposition to this plan has emerged from various animal welfare organizations and Marineland’s owners, who argue that the sanctuary is an unproven solution. They advocate for an immediate transfer to an aquarium, citing the financial burden of maintaining the orcas, which costs approximately €500,000 annually for each animal. Marineland has previously sought a temporary move to Loro Parque in Tenerife, but this was rejected by the Spanish government.

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Critics of the Whale Sanctuary Project, including Sea Shepherd France, express skepticism regarding the water quality and temperature at the proposed site, arguing that the colder waters of Nova Scotia may not be suitable for Wikie and Keijo, who are accustomed to the Mediterranean climate. Conversely, Marino argues that the warming Mediterranean waters pose a greater risk to the orcas' health.

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Despite the internal conflicts among animal welfare groups, some organizations, like C’est Assez!, have softened their stance and are open to the idea of transferring the orcas to SeaWorld, highlighting the urgency of finding a solution.

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Marineland has reiterated the need for immediate action, stating, “The pools are in very poor condition, they are at the end of their useful life, and this directly threatens the wellbeing and lives of the orcas.” Meanwhile, Marino has defended the sanctuary's plans, asserting that comprehensive studies have shown the waters to be safe and suitable for the orcas.

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As the meeting approaches, all parties involved hope to reach a consensus on the future of Wikie and Keijo. The outcome will significantly impact the lives of these orcas and the ongoing debate surrounding animal welfare in captivity.

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• “The pools are in very poor condition, they are at the end of their useful life, and this directly threatens the wellbeing and lives of the orcas,” — Marineland Antibes

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• “Given the urgency of the situation and the absence of a viable sanctuary solution, this appears to be the lesser of two evils,” — C’est Assez! organization

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• “That’s 100% on the industry that has exploited them for almost a century.” — Naomi Rose, Whale Sanctuary Project

The Guardian