The French government has decided to transfer two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, from Marineland Antibes to a park in Spain [1].
This move follows years of pressure from animal rights organizations and a 2021 law that prohibits cetacean shows in France. The relocation represents a critical step in the wind-down of the Antibes facility, which has been closed since January 2025 [3].
The French minister for ecological transition said the transfer should go to a facility in Tenerife [1]. While some reports identify Loro Parque as the specific destination, other sources list it as a general option [1, 5].
Officials set a deadline of late March 2026 for the final decision regarding the transfer [4]. This timeline comes amid conflicting reports regarding the feasibility of moving the animals to Spain, with some earlier assessments suggesting a lack of necessary authorizations [2].
The relocation of the orcas is part of a broader plan to clear the facility. Twelve dolphins also remain at the site [1]. These dolphins are expected to be moved to the Beauval Zoo in 2027 [5].
The transition is driven by the legal requirement to end the captivity of these species for entertainment. Because the park is no longer operational, the government is prioritizing the welfare of the animals through relocation to larger, or more specialized, facilities [3, 4].
“The French government has decided to transfer two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, from Marineland Antibes to a park in Spain.”
The relocation of Wikie and Keijo signals the definitive end of the era of marine mammal performances in France. By moving these animals to Spain, the French government avoids the logistical and ethical impasse of maintaining a closed facility while complying with its 2021 ban on cetacean shows. However, the shift to another captive facility in Spain rather than a sanctuary may continue to draw criticism from animal welfare advocates.
