The French government has moved to accelerate plans to relocate the remaining marine mammals stuck atMarineland Antibes, the largest marine zoo inEuropewhich closed in January 2025. The two orcas and twelvedolphinskept at Marineland, in the south of France, could be transferred toSpainwithin weeks. During a visit to the site in Antibes on theFrench Rivieraon Friday, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre described the situation as "an absolute emergency" in light of the deteriorating condition of the pools.
He said that leaving the animals where they are is no longer viable. He added: "The status quo would condemn both orcas to certain death. Given the dilapidated state of the pools, we must act quickly and break the deadlock." The orcas Wikie and Keijo, along with twelve dolphins, have remained at the park since it closed to the public more than a year ago. The deaths of several animals at the park and disturbing footage of the animals' living conditions have sparked growing anger and protests in recent years.
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A ban on orca and dolphin shows and their captivity in France led to the theme park's closure on January 5, 2025. Since the closure, several plans to rehome the orcas have been proposed and subsequently blocked or rejected. With no functioning marine sanctuary available, authorities say they have been left with limited options for relocation.
The government is now backing a transfer plan that would take place before the end of June and send the two orcas to Loro Parque inTenerife, while the dolphins would be distributed across several Spanish facilities.
Marineland’s management supports the urgency of the move, warning that rising temperatures in the coming months could complicate transport and increase stress on the animals,Nice Matinreports.
Wolfgang Kiessling, founder and president of the Loro Parque Company, said in a statement tothe Expresson Friday: "Loro Parque has the willingness and firm commitment to collaborate with public authorities, assisting and rescuing Wikie and Keijo and providing all its resources so that these animals do not die and can be hosted permanently in conditions that ensure their protection and welfare; however, this requires the explicit approval of the Spanish Government."
Shortly after the government announced its support for the transfer on Friday Animal welfare groups have voiced strong opposition. Having campaigned for months against moving the orcas Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque in Tenerife, several organisations criticised what they describe as a rushed decision that undermines the intent of France’s law banning cetacean performances.
Sea Shepherd has accused the French state of "yielding" to commercial pressures linked to Marineland’s owners, who are seeking redevelopment of the site, according to Nice Matin. The organisation C’est Assez! is demanding full publication of the CITES permits and legal documents governing the transfers, arguing the move could breach EU rules if the animals are ultimately used in commercial activities.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
