On January 5, 2025, Marineland d'Antibes, a marine park in France, closed its doors due to new animal welfare legislation prohibiting the use of dolphins and whales in shows. This decision has raised concerns about the fate of the park's animals, particularly its two Icelandic orcas, 23-year-old Wikie and her 11-year-old son Keijo.
Orcas are known for their high intelligence and complex social structures. In the wild, they form tight-knit family pods and communicate with unique dialects. However, their confinement in marine parks can lead to psychological issues similar to those experienced by humans, including self-harm and aggression.
Wikie and Keijo, both born in captivity, have been trained to perform daily shows. The question now is what will happen to them post-closure. Several options have emerged:
Transfer to Japan: A proposal to send them to a marine park in Japan has been met with backlash due to Japan's poor animal welfare record and history of captive orca deaths.
Move to Loro Parque, Spain: While this park has similar welfare standards to Marineland, concerns persist that the orcas would continue performing.
Sanctuary in Canada: The Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia offers a more hopeful option, providing a natural environment where the orcas can live freely while receiving necessary care.
The Whale Sanctuary Project aims to welcome Wikie and Keijo in mid-2025, allowing them to thrive in a more suitable habitat. As we await further developments, it's essential to support efforts that aim to improve the lives of captive orcas and advocate for their welfare.