**
In the wake of Marineland Antibes’s closure, the fate of orca mother and son duo, Wikie and Keijo, hangs in the balance. With their current pools in declining condition, a crucial meeting is set to take place, where the French government, animal rights groups, and the aquarium’s owners will discuss the next steps for these intelligent marine mammals. The proposed transfer to a sanctuary in Canada has sparked fierce debate, highlighting the complexities of animal welfare and conservation in a rapidly changing environment.
The Plight of Wikie and Keijo
Once a thriving attraction in southeastern France, Marineland Antibes now stands eerily silent, a remnant of a past where it welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The orcas, born in these pools, are now left to languish in algae-ridden water, a far cry from the vibrant life they once knew. Following the park’s closure in January 2025, the orcas have been without an audience, leading to concerning behaviours such as “logging,” where they float listlessly at the surface.
The urgency to relocate them is palpable. Marineland has stated that the orcas’ current environment poses serious risks to their wellbeing, with deteriorating pools threatening their health. “The park cannot wait any longer,” Marineland officials reiterated, emphasizing the dire state of the facilities.
A Proposed Sanctuary and Its Controversies
In December 2025, French ecological transition minister Mathieu Lefèvre announced plans to move Wikie and Keijo to the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, Canada. This project aims to replicate a natural habitat, offering a more suitable environment for the orcas than their current conditions. According to Lori Marino, the sanctuary’s founder, this facility will provide essential depth for diving and a stimulating underwater environment that the orcas need.
However, this plan has faced strong opposition from other animal welfare organisations and even some stakeholders from Marineland. Concerns have been raised about the sanctuary’s readiness, particularly its lack of funding—$15 million (£11 million) still needs to be secured before it can open. Critics argue that moving the orcas to a facility that is not yet operational constitutes a serious risk.
The Call for Immediate Action
Marineland’s representatives suggest that the orcas should be relocated to an aquarium that can accommodate them immediately, citing concerns that the sanctuary’s construction is uncertain. Each orca incurs an annual maintenance cost of approximately €500,000 (£435,000), and with no income generated from ticket sales, the pressure to find a solution is mounting.
Interestingly, even groups traditionally against captivity, such as C’est Assez!, have softened their stance, indicating they would not oppose a move to SeaWorld as a temporary measure given the current circumstances. This marks a significant shift in the conversation surrounding marine mammal captivity, as the urgency of the situation weighs heavily on all involved.
Health and Welfare Concerns
Critics, including Sea Shepherd France, remain vocal, emphasising that Wikie and Keijo’s welfare must not be compromised. They argue that the waters at the proposed sanctuary may be too cold and potentially polluted. “Despite their Icelandic heritage, Wikie and Keijo have only experienced the mild climates of the Mediterranean,” a spokesperson from Sea Shepherd France stated, voicing fears over the pair’s adaptation to a new environment.
Conversely, Marino counters these claims, asserting that orcas thrive in colder waters and that expert veterinary opinions support the feasibility of their transition. The pressing issue of climate change further complicates matters, as the Mediterranean Sea experiences rising temperatures, making cooler waters in Nova Scotia potentially more suitable in the long run.
Why it Matters
The situation surrounding Wikie and Keijo is emblematic of a broader struggle within animal welfare and conservation. As society grapples with the ethical implications of captivity, the decisions made for these orcas could set significant precedents for how captive marine animals are treated worldwide. With the clock ticking, the upcoming meeting will not only determine the future of these two orcas but also reflect society’s commitment to animal welfare and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges. The stakes have never been higher—both for Wikie and Keijo, and for the moral compass of our society.
