The future looks bleak for the last two orcas held in captivity in France, as activists warn of a possible tragic end due to the government’s lack of action towards the abandoned marine park. Wikie and her son Keijo, the remaining killer whales in France, are confined to a deteriorating tank at the now-closed Marineland Antibes. Left without stimulation or companionship, they are the only survivors of their original group of four, yearning for the lost connections with their deceased family members.
As the park remains deserted, the orcas endure neglect, with their tank water turning increasingly filthy and algae spreading. Despite minimal care and interaction from a reduced staff, Wikie and Keijo are forgotten by the crowds they once entertained. Nearby, 12 bottlenose dolphins also reside in the dilapidated park, facing a similar uncertain fate.
Pressure from Cetacean advocacy group TideBreakers has pushed for immediate action to rescue the animals, urging the French government to intervene before it’s too late. The closure of Marineland followed extensive campaigning by animal protection organizations, including PETA, and high-profile figures like Pamela Anderson. However, a dispute between French officials and the park’s management impedes progress, prolonging the animals’ suffering.
New legislation prohibits entertainment shows involving whales, dolphins, and porpoises and sets a deadline for relocating Marineland’s animals by December 2026. Despite rejected relocation proposals, the French government continues to seek alternatives for the orcas and dolphins. TideBreakers emphasize the urgency, warning that Wikie and Keijo may not survive much longer in their current conditions. The government’s recent decision to transfer the orcas to a sanctuary in Canada signifies a significant step towards providing them with a more suitable and natural habitat, potentially by summer 2026.