France approves transfer of Antibes orcas to Spain's Loro Parque zoo

The French government, represented by Minister for Ecological Transition Mathieu Lefèvre, has announced an accelerated plan to relocate the two remaining orcas – 23‑year‑old female Wikie and her 11‑year‑old son Keijo – from the closed Marineland park in Antibes to the Loro Parque zoo on Tenerife, Spain. The move is framed as an “absolute emergency” because the deteriorating pools at the abandoned park threaten the animals' health and could lead to certain death. Officials say all permits are in place and aim to complete the transfer before the end of June, before summer heat makes transport more difficult. The plan also includes relocating twelve dolphins to other Spanish facilities.

Earlier proposals to move the orcas to a sea‑sanctuary project in Nova Scotia, Canada, were rejected by the French authorities, who cited ownership issues and the lack of a finalized lease for the Canadian site. Animal‑rights groups have criticized the decision, arguing that sending the whales to another captive facility perpetuates the system the 2021 French ban on cetacean performances intended to end. Marineland Antibes has been closed since January 2025 following the forthcoming ban on whale and dolphin shows.

The relocation reflects a broader debate in France over ending cetacean captivity, balancing immediate animal welfare concerns with longer‑term goals of establishing sea‑sanctuary options. Spain has indicated its legislation is compatible with French animal‑welfare standards, facilitating the proposed transfer.