In brief
As Marineland Antibes shuts its doors due to new animal welfare laws in France, the future of its two killer whales, Wikie and Keijo, remains uncertain. The zoo managers and campaigners have argued over the best course of action for the orcas, after a government proposal to rehome them was previously blocked. Marineland, which has attracted tourists with its orca shows, has been forced to close due to a ban on using dolphins and whales for entertainment purposes. Experts express concerns that releasing these orcas into the wild would be inappropriate, given their life spent in captivity. Meanwhile, proposals for potential relocation to various marine zoos have sparked further debate about their welfare and the risk of ending up in another venue that prioritizes entertainment over care. Advocates urge the French government to consider sending Wikie and Keijo to a sanctuary, while highlighting the need for tailored solutions to address the challenges faced by captive marine mammals.
