The nightmare of Wikipedia And Keijo it could end soon, at least that’s what we hope: the French government has in fact announced the idea of transferring the two orcas from Marineland to a marine sanctuary in Canada. The solution could really be the turning point, but we need to act quickly.
The sad story of Wikipedia And Keijo
The closing of Marineland
The Marinelandthe largest park in Europe, officially closed its doors on January 5, 2025 as a consequence of the 2021 French law banning cetacean shows, which will come into force from 2026 and which further limits the possibility of keeping orcas and dolphins in captivity. The park, one of the largest in Europe which has attracted millions of visitors since 1970, has always had a significant impact on the region, both economically and culturally.
The structure, among other things, had often been at the center of controversies and under accusation for the living conditions of the animals in captivity, also due to the death of two orcas, Inouk And Moanahad further fueled the public debate.
Wiki and Keijo
But there were two more left, Wiki And Keijoborn inside the park, therefore without ever having experienced the joy of freedom, and who for this reason had become one of the symbols of the battle against the exploitation of animals for the purposes of incomprehensible human entertainment.
They, in particular, were destined for Loro Parque in the Canary Islands, while the dolphins had to find a place in an aquarium in Madrid. But in April the Spanish government banned their transfer, calling the park unsuitable to host them, and the keepers left the French one, leaving the orcas without assistance.
Among other things, the management of the park by has also been harshly criticized Parques Reunidosthe Spanish company he controls Marinelandfor laying off staff too early, given that the law would actually only become operational in 2026, more than a year after the decision.
Meanwhile, in April the tanks were already showing serious signs of structural degradation and the quality of the water was rapidly deteriorating, which was seriously putting the health of the animals at risk.
At the end of April 2025, following the decision of the Spanish government, the Whale Sanctuary Project had proposed to bring Wikipedia And Keijo to the sanctuary in Nova Scotia (Canada), proposing to all interested parties its willingness to collaborate with the French government, with Marineland Antibes and with any other organization interested in the matter.
In all this time – while politicians talk, rethink, make decisions and then go back – the health of orcas continues to worsen. Last October 26th a shocking video released by the activist Seph Lawless showed, in the silence of Marineland in Antibes now closed, two dark shapes move slowly beneath the surface between murky pools and ruined structures.
The images showed the animals still, almost immobile, until the human presence pushed them to move, to make automatic gestures, legacies of years of performances in front of the public.
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The turning point?
The French Minister Delegate for the Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvrehe announced on December 13 in an interview with the local portal Nice Morning the intention to finally accept the offer of Whale Sanctuary Project
(The transfer to the marine sanctuary) seems like the best option – declared the minister – the one that is at the same time ethical, credible and compliant with the law (…) The promoter of the project with whom we are in contact is ready to welcome the orcas already this summer; we have their agreement (…) Work can start as early as January 1st
He rejoices One Voicean animal rights association that has particularly fought for this case.
Today the Ministry made its decision. The right decision. What the scientists have recommended – writes the association on its Facebook page – Today we ask Marineland to work with us, with specialists, to once again avoid the transfer of Wikie and Keijo to another dolphinarium
The structure in Nova Scotia could really bring the two poor orcas back to life: it is in fact a closed marine arm of 40 hectares, 18 meters deep, for which all health tests have been approved.
Thanks to this sanctuary, mother and child will finally be able to swim in a straight line, dive deep, discover and enjoy the richness of marine life every day. Thanks to this sanctuary, the boredom of going around in circles in the pool is over. Thanks to this sanctuary, the orcas will be fed and cared for throughout their lives, with 24-hour surveillance. Thanks to this vast and safe sanctuary, other captive orcas will be able to find a form of freedom
But you really need to hurry, because Wikipedia And Keijo I’m really exhausted.
Sources: Nice-Matin / One Voice/Facebook / Whale Sanctuary Project/Youtube / sephlawless/Instagram
