Breaking News: French Government Takes Step to Free Orcas Wikie and Keijo
By Mark J. Palmer
The French government issued a statement on Saturday, Dec. 13th, endorsing the transfer of the two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, currently stranded in a closed marine park, Marineland d’Antibes, to the Whale Sanctuary Project’s Nova Scotia sanctuary.
The French government stated in a press release: “The two orcas at the park are destined to join the Whale Sanctuary Project, a marine sanctuary for cetaceans in Nova Scotia, Canada. It's worth noting that the Spanish scientific authorities have already refused the transfer of the orcas to Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain, and furthermore, it would be unacceptable for these animals to be exploited for entertainment purposes. The sanctuary solution is therefore currently the most credible, the most ethical, and the only one that meets the requirements for animal safety and welfare. The transfer could take place in the summer of 2026.”
According to Mathieu Lefèvre, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity and International Negotiations on Climate and Nature, responsible for Ecological Transition: “The government is acting responsibly and consistently. After examining all the options, we are now making the necessary decisions to guarantee the well-being of the animals... As for the orcas, their place is in the sanctuary in Nova Scotia: this is the only ethical, credible, and legally compliant solution.”
“Our role,” Lefevre added, “is to protect these animals and to lay the foundation for an exemplary model of transition to marine sanctuaries.”
David Phillips, Executive Director of the International Marine Mammal Project, stated:
“We’ve been pressing for more than two years to get Wikie and Keijo out of a concrete tank and into a seaside sanctuary. The French Ministry’s call for the two orcas to go to the sanctuary in Nova Scotia, being developed by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), is a big breakthrough.”
Phillips continued, “The relocation of these orcas is not finalized. It still hangs in the balance. The owners of the orcas at Marineland d’Antibes have opposed relocation of orcas to any seaside sanctuary, and the Ministry must work with Marineland to accept the sanctuary plan. Further, the WSP Nova Scotia sanctuary requires millions of dollars for building out the netted area and all the facilities necessary for caring for the two orcas. There’s lots of work still to be done, but a crucial step has been taken.”
The International Marine Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute commends the French government for pressing ahead to make the relocation of Wikie and Keijo come to fruition. The Whale Sanctuary Project deserves great credit for persevering in developing the working toward first sanctuary that can accommodate orcas.
