The future of two killer whales at Marineland Antibes, located near Cannes on the French Riviera, remains unclear following the closure of the marine zoo on Sunday. Campaigners and the zoo’s management are in disagreement over the whales’ relocation, with the French government already blocking one proposed rehoming option.
Marineland, which houses Europe’s largest collection of marine animals, announced it would close permanently on January 5 due to new animal welfare laws. The legislation, passed in 2021, bans the use of dolphins and whales in marine zoo shows, and will come into effect next year. The zoo currently holds two killer whales: Wikie, a 23-year-old female, and her 11-year-old son, Keijo.
The zoo’s management argues that shows featuring these orcas are a major draw for visitors, accounting for 90% of the park’s attendance. Without such shows, they claim, the business would not be viable. However, efforts to find new homes for Wikie and Keijo have sparked debate.
Experts agree that releasing the whales into the wild would not be viable. Both orcas were born in captivity and lack the necessary survival skills to thrive in the ocean. Marine biologist Hanne Strager compares the scenario to “taking your dog out of the house and sending him into the woods to live freely as a wolf.” Strager, who authored The Killer Whale Journals, stresses the deep bonds these orcas have formed with their human caretakers over the years.
A controversial deal to send the orcas to a marine zoo in Japan was blocked by the French government last November. Authorities cited concerns over animal welfare standards in Japan and the potential stress caused by the 13,000 km (8,000-mile) journey.
Another option is Loro Parque in the Canary Islands, which adheres to European animal welfare standards. However, campaigners fear Wikie and Keijo would continue to be forced into performances. Loro Parque has faced scrutiny after several orca deaths in recent years, including the November death of 29-year-old Keto and three others between 2021 and 2022.
Katheryn Wise of World Animal Protection (WAP) expressed concern, stating, “It would be devastating for Wikie and Keijo to end up in another entertainment venue like Loro Parque – from one whale jail to another.” WAP advocates for the orcas’ relocation to a sanctuary, such as the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) in Nova Scotia, Canada. This sanctuary would offer the whales a large, enclosed bay to live out their lives in a more natural environment with human support.
While sanctuary proponents argue this could offer the orcas a better quality of life, Strager raises concerns about how they would adjust to such a drastic change. The proposed sanctuary, she notes, might feel as alien to them as the open ocean.
As Marineland closes its doors and the search for a new home for Wikie and Keijo continues, the debate over the ethics of keeping killer whales in captivity grows ever more pressing.
