France Urges Rapid Transfer of Marineland Orcas to Spain Amid Safety Concerns
The French government is pushing for the immediate transfer of two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, from the closed Marineland d’Antibes to a facility in Spain. Mathieu Lefèvre, the Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition, declared the situation an emergency due to the advanced structural degradation of the tanks in Antibes, warning that inaction could lead to their deaths. While all necessary permissions are secured, the final agreement rests between Marineland’s owner, Parques Reunidos, and the receiving Spanish park, Loro Parque in the Canary Islands. The minister aims to complete the transfer within weeks. However, this plan faces strong opposition from animal rights NGOs like Sea Shepherd. They argue that the basins are stable and accuse the government of prioritizing the commercial interests of Parques Reunidos over animal welfare. Activists contend that Loro Parque is unsuitable and advocate for semi-liberty sanctuaries instead. Meanwhile, the transfer of dolphins remaining at the site is delayed until 2027, pending the construction of adapted facilities at Beauval ZooParc in France. Lefèvre is scheduled to meet with Marineland management to expedite the process.
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