The future of two killer whales, Wikie and her son Keijo, remains uncertain despite Marineland Antibes in southern France closing its doors two months ago. The marine zoo ended operations due to a new law that prohibits the use of orcas in entertainment. Since the closure in January, efforts to relocate the whales have not yielded success, leading to frustration among animal rights advocates who demand that the marine mammals be placed in a sanctuary rather than another zoo.
Wikie and Keijo were initially slated to be transferred to a zoo in Spain; however, this plan fell through after the French government denied their movement to a proposed Canadian sanctuary. In response, France's ecology minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, is now in discussions with officials in Spain, Italy, and Greece regarding a potential alternative sanctuary. Critics point out the lack of clear details and potential funding for any new sanctuary.
Christoph Kiessling of Loro Parque in Spain, which hopes to take in the orcas, has described the current sanctuary proposal as ill-suited to meeting the complex needs of the whales. Recent advancements in whale sanctuary designs may allow for a more appropriate living situation, but they require time and substantial planning, possibly leaving the orcas in a facility that is shutting down.
The debate intensifies as concerns arise over potential breeding programs for Wikie, especially following recent pregnancy news regarding another orca at Loro Parque. Animal rights groups argue that Loro Parque’s primary function as an entertainment facility makes it an unsuitable home for Wikie and Keijo.
The proposed Canadian sanctuary, which was rejected due to temperature concerns for the orcas accustomed to a warmer climate, criticized the suggestion of a Mediterranean sanctuary, emphasizing that it strays further from the orcas' natural habitat in Iceland.
Despite these challenges, some activists advocate for the European sanctuary idea, arguing it could offer a better life than remaining in another marine zoo. Minister Pannier-Runacher continues to emphasize her commitment to finding the best possible outcome for Wikie and Keijo, pledging not to approve any transfer to inadequate facilities.
As France embarks on the 'Year of the Sea' initiative to highlight ocean conservation, the creation of a sanctuary for these orcas could stand as a significant step forward, although Pannier-Runacher warns that the outcome is not guaranteed.
