We are now in April and the fate of the last Two orche still present at Marineland Park of Antibes, France, Wikie (24 years) and his puppy Keijo (11 years), is still hung on a thread. Both live in the water park which has officially closed the doors to the public in Januaryin view of the entry into force of the French law that will prohibit the detention of cetaceans in captivity starting from 2026.
The situation has become even more dramatic given that, starting tomorrow, i custodians will leave the parkabandoning marine mammals without assistance. Meanwhile, the Tanks show serious signs of degradation structural And the quality of the water is worsening rapidly, seriously putting animal health at risk.
The attempt to transfer Wikie, Keijo and 12 dolphins to Spanish structures was blocked by the Spanish authoritieswhich they deemed inadequate The conditions of the host parks. The orche were intended for Their parque in the Canary Islands, while the dolphins would have found placement in an aquarium of Madrid.
The hypothesis of transferring the orche to marine sanctuaries remains in the field
Although they have declared to fully comply with international regulations on animal welfare regulations, the authorities have expressed concerns about real ability structures to welcome these cetaceans appropriately after the many complaints of mistreatment.
Following the blockade, Marineland was obliged to continue taking care of animals Until a definitive solution is found. Meanwhile, environmental associations, such as Sea Shepherd France, have defined the decision of the Spanish authorities a “great relief“, Underlining the urgency to guarantee animals a dignified life.
The hopes are now concentrated on the possibility of transferring the orcies to marine sanctuariescurrently under development in Greece and Italy. According to activists, this would be the only truly ethical alternative. At the same time, Parques Reunidos’ management of the park is severely criticized, the Spanish company that controls Marineland, accused of having fired the staff too early and to have acted lightlydespite the expiry of the law, it was still over a year away.
