Marineland Antibes, a renowned marine zoo in France, closed its doors permanently on Sunday. This decision comes in response to French legislation passed in 2021 banning shows featuring cetaceans like dolphins and whales. The new law, which also prohibits direct contact between visitors and these marine mammals, is set to take effect in December 2026. As the park shuts down, the fate of its star attractions—two orcas named Wikie and Keijo—hangs in the balance.
Initially, Marineland planned to relocate the orcas to a marine park in Japan. However, this plan has drawn criticism due to concerns that the orcas would continue living in captivity under less favorable conditions than before. Animal rights advocates, led by Muriel Arnal, president of One Voice, argue that a sanctuary would be the best option for the mother-son pair. Increased public pressure supports relocating the orcas to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada.
A report from the French government highlights two acceptable options for Wikie and Keijo: relocation to the Canadian sanctuary or rehoming at Loro Parque in Tenerife, which has housed orcas since 2006. The report suggests that Loro Parque would offer conditions similar to those at Marineland. In contrast, the Canadian sanctuary would end the orcas' involvement in performance shows.
While Marineland expressed "deep sadness" over its closure, it assured the public of its collaboration with French authorities to find a suitable rehoming solution for the orcas. The park has stressed the importance of making a thoughtful decision regarding their future. The orcas will remain at Marineland until a final decision is reached.
Attracting nearly 90% of its visitors for orca and dolphin shows, Marineland's closure marks a significant shift in public entertainment and animal welfare standards. A plan is already in place to transition the orcas to a sea pen before releasing them into a 44-hectare (109-acre) area of ocean if they move to Canada.
