The desperate plight of Wikie and Keijo, a mother and son orca duo, has reached a critical juncture. Once the stars of a bustling aquarium in France, they now find themselves stranded in a deserted park, their future hanging in the balance. But here's where the story takes a controversial turn: should they be relocated to a sanctuary or sold to another aquarium?
The Marineland Antibes, once a thriving tourist attraction, now lies abandoned, with its pools overgrown and empty stands. Wikie and Keijo, born and raised in captivity, performed for crowds for decades. But since the park's closure in January 2025, they've been left without an audience. A court-ordered report reveals that they spend their days floating at the water's surface, a behavior known as 'logging'.
The French government's 2021 legislation prohibiting cetacean captivity has sparked ongoing debates about the orcas' fate. The government, animal welfare groups, and Marineland are set to make a crucial decision at a meeting on Monday. Meanwhile, 12 bottlenose dolphins will remain at the park in pools deemed suitable for a temporary stay until a new facility is ready at Beauval Zoo.
Marineland acknowledges the urgency of transferring the orcas, citing the deteriorating condition of the pools. However, finding a suitable new home for these massive marine mammals is no easy task. In December 2025, the French government announced that Wikie and Keijo would be sent to the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, calling it the only ethical and legal solution. This 100-acre outdoor site aims to replicate a natural seaside habitat for whales and dolphins.
Lori Marino, a neuroscientist and founder of the Whale Sanctuary Project, envisions a better life for the orcas, with ample space to dive, explore, and engage in conditioning routines. But the sanctuary faces opposition from other animal welfare organizations and Marineland's owner, who argue that the project is not yet ready and lacks funding. They propose transferring the orcas to an aquarium that can take them immediately.
The financial aspect adds another layer of complexity. With the park closed, the orcas generate no income, yet their maintenance costs are substantial. Marineland's owners could recoup some funds by selling them to another aquarium. A temporary move to Loro Parque in Tenerife was approved but later rejected by the Spanish government. Even the anti-captivity organization C'est Assez! now supports a transition to SeaWorld as a viable solution.
Relocating the orcas to another park would be logistically simpler, as it's a common practice for captive marine mammals. However, a move to a sanctuary would require a more intricate preparation process. The orcas, accustomed to pools, would need to build muscle and blubber to adapt to ocean waters. The Whale Sanctuary Project plans to construct a bay pen to house the animals while the larger sanctuary is being built.
Sea Shepherd France advocates for a Mediterranean sanctuary, but no suitable location has been found. They question the water quality and temperature at the Nova Scotia site, despite the sanctuary's published data and expert opinions. The organization believes the waters are too cold for the orcas, who are used to the warmer Mediterranean Sea.
Lori Marino refutes these claims, emphasizing that the orcas are of Icelandic origin and thrive in cold water. She points out that the Mediterranean Sea's rising temperatures pose a greater risk to the orcas' welfare. As the disagreements persist, all parties hope for a resolution at Monday's meeting.
Amidst the controversy, cetacean expert Naomi Rose emphasizes that activists and animal welfare organizations are not to blame for the orcas' situation. She asserts that the captivity industry, which has exploited these creatures for nearly a century, is solely responsible for their plight.
What do you think is the best course of action for Wikie and Keijo? Should they be given a chance at a sanctuary life, or is a quick transition to another aquarium the most practical solution? Share your thoughts and let's continue the conversation.
