Plans are underway for the relocation of two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, to Loro Parque in Tenerife, pending approval from the Spanish authorities. The pair, a mother and her juvenile son, have spent the past year at Marineland Antibes, a marine park on the French Riviera that closed in January 2025. The proposed move has generated significant discussion regarding the welfare and future of these marine mammals.
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Wikie is 23 years old, while her son Keijo is 11. The French government’s announcement in May to relocate them has stirred various reactions, reflecting divided opinions on the options available for the orcas. Loro Parque, known for its vast array of wildlife and marine displays, asserts that its facilities are capable of providing a “safe, stable, and enriching” environment for the pair.
Wolfgang Kiessling, the president of Loro Parque, emphasised the moral imperative behind this initiative. He stated, “Our aim is to save the lives of these animals and rescue them from a fatal fate.” He has urged the Spanish Government to grant the necessary legal and technical assurances to facilitate the move while underscoring that their decision is not financially motivated.
In a bid to maintain transparency throughout the transfer, Loro Parque has committed to keeping the operation clear of controversy that might further complicate the orcas’ situation. The park boasts a team of experts, including veterinarians and animal behaviour specialists, who have inspected its facilities to ensure that they meet high standards.
Criticism has emerged from The Whale Sanctuary Project, a non-profit organisation that proposed an alternative plan. They suggested that Wikie and Keijo should be relocated to a sea sanctuary currently being developed in Nova Scotia, which aims to provide a more natural habitat for marine mammals previously kept in captivity. The project expressed disappointment that the French government did not consider this sanctuary as a viable option.
Charles Vinick, CEO of The Whale Sanctuary Project, lamented that the decision to send the orcas to Loro Parque contradicts earlier discussions with French Minister of Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre. According to Vinick, this move goes against the spirit of French laws intended to end the use of such creatures for entertainment purposes.
There is a broader context to this decision, as French legislation banning the use of dolphins and whales in marine shows has left Wikie and Keijo with limited options for relocation. With the closure of Marineland Antibes, it became impossible for the orcas to be transferred to another facility within France.
The reality remains that, due to their captive upbringing, neither Wikie nor Keijo can be released back into the wild. The very fact that they were left stranded at a closed park highlights the challenges faced by marine mammals in captivity. As such, the push by advocates for a more humane approach and the development of sanctuaries reflects a growing awareness of the needs and rights of these sentient beings.
While Loro Parque awaits the final nod from the Spanish government, the future of Wikie and Keijo rests in a delicate balance between advancing animal welfare and navigating the complexities of existing laws and regulations. The conversations surrounding their relocation are sure to continue, drawing attention to the broader issues of wildlife conservation and ethical treatment in captivity.
As the situation unfolds, many eyes will be on Loro Parque to see whether it genuinely delivers on its promises for Wikie and Keijo, amidst the growing scrutiny from animal welfare organisations and advocates seeking a more humane resolution for captive marine life.