The uncertain future of two killer whales continues to precariously hang in the balance despite the closing of their marine zoo home in January. Wikie, aged 23, and her 11-year-old son Keijo are still being housed at Marineland Antibes, in southern France, which was forced to close following a law prohibiting the use of orcas in performances. For months, the zoo’s management has sought to relocate the marine mammals but faced backlash from animal rights advocates who argue for their placement within a sanctuary where they could live free from performance demands and breeding exploitation.
Initial plans to transfer the orcas to a marine zoo in Spain dissolved when the French government denied a request for a sanctuary in Canada just a few weeks prior. In response, Minister of Ecology Agnès Pannier-Runacher announced intentions to consult with officials from Spain, Italy, and Greece about creating a collaborative sanctuary, though details on the proposal remain sparse and it has faced criticism.
Christoph Kiessling, vice-president of Loro Parque in Spain, has expressed that while they would like to care for the orcas, they believe existing sanctuary models lack the capability to meet the complex needs of killer whales. He also mentioned that although potential solutions exist, developing them could take years and prolong their stay in a facility that is closing down.
Despite Marineland's closure, they continue to incur the costs of Wikie and Keijo's upkeep, which they hope will prompt a swift transfer to Loro Parque—despite the controversy surrounding that possibility. Animal welfare advocates like Katheryn Wise from World Animal Protection criticize Loro Parque's commercial interests and the fact that orcas have historically faced health issues there.
In January, the Canadian sanctuary proposal was deemed unviable by French authorities, citing concerns over water temperature and distance. Following Pannier-Runacher’s recent proposal for a European sanctuary, critics argue that these orcas are naturally suited to colder climates and belong far from the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, some groups, including Sea Shepherd, welcomed the idea of a European sanctuary as an improvement over marine zoo life.
While minister Pannier-Runacher remains open to exploring various options for the orcas, she emphasizes that any transfer must prioritize their welfare. The ongoing discussions are taking place under the backdrop of France's "Year of the Sea" initiative, aiming to promote ocean preservation, which may serve as a fitting context for potential breakthroughs regarding orca conservation efforts.
