French officials in Paris met with a U.S.-based group on Monday to discuss the relocation of France’s last two captive whales to a proposed coastal refuge in Nova Scotia. The orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, could potentially be moved to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands, although the Spanish government had previously rejected this proposal.
No immediate decisions were made during the meeting as French authorities are still weighing their options. The final decision regarding the whales’ relocation is expected to be made by the end of March. Minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefevre, emphasized the importance of ensuring animal welfare, legal compliance, and taking into account social and community considerations before any decision is finalized.
The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) presented a proposal for a 40-hectare seaside pen in Nova Scotia during the meeting. The sanctuary, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, would include floating nets around the enclosure’s perimeter. Experts suggest that captive-raised whales cannot survive in the wild due to a lack of essential survival skills.
Despite the WSP’s proposal receiving provincial approval in October last year, the group still needs to secure a transfer license from Canada’s federal Fisheries Department. Additionally, approximately $15 million in funding from private donors is required for the construction of the sanctuary, including refurbishing an old wharf and building the enclosure near Wine Harbour, N.S.
Considering the ethical and legal aspects, the French government’s collaboration with the WSP signifies a shift from their previous decision back in January 2025 when they rejected the proposal. The decision to move Wikie and Keijo to Nova Scotia was declared as the only ethical and compliant solution, although no formal agreement has been reached yet, and the whales’ current owners, Marineland Antibes, oppose the relocation.
The meeting attendees in Paris included scientific experts, government representatives, local officials, and Marineland Antibes operators. The sanctuary proposal gains significance following the closure of Marineland Antibes in compliance with French laws prohibiting captive whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes.
The WSP reiterated its commitment to a responsible transition process, emphasizing the need for health assessments before relocating the whales. The group expressed readiness to collaborate with the French government and Marineland Antibes for the well-being of Wikie and Keijo.
