Uncertain Future for Captive Orcas as Marineland Antibes Closes

With the closing of Marineland Antibes, the future of two captive orcas is in jeopardy, as proposals for their relocation generate controversy. Experts warn that releasing them into the wild is not an option, while campaigners push for a sanctuary to ensure their well-being.

The fate of two killer whales hangs in the balance following the closure of Marineland Antibes, a marine zoo on the French Riviera. This decision, effective January 5, 2023, comes as part of new animal welfare laws that prohibit the use of dolphins and whales in marine shows, enacted to enhance animal rights after years of advocacy.

Marineland, claiming to be the largest of its kind in Europe, has been home to orcas Wikie, 23, and her 11-year-old son, Keijo. Their fate is now contentious, as various proposals for their relocation have sparked disagreement. Experts highlight that simply relocating them to the wild is out of the question, as both orcas were born in captivity, lacking the necessary skills to survive outside. As marine biologist Hanne Strager aptly puts it, “It's like taking your dog and sending him into the woods to live freely as a wolf.”

Though Marineland's management states that their shows involving marine mammals draw the majority of visitors, the closure leaves the whales without a clear destination. Campaigners advocate for their relocation to sanctuaries rather than other marine entertainment facilities, fearing they may suffer worse conditions. Proposals include a sanctuary off Nova Scotia, where the whales would have access to a natural-like environment with support from human caretakers.

While options such as sending them to a compliant zoo in the Canary Islands have been considered, concerns linger over potential exploitation in another entertainment capacity. Remarkably, Loro Parque, a Spanish marine zoo, has faced scrutiny due to the deaths of several orcas in its care, raising alarms about animal welfare standards, as expressed by Katheryn Wise from World Animal Protection.

Calls for the French government to prioritize the orcas' welfare and support their relocation to a sanctuary continue to grow. The Whale Sanctuary Project proposes an area of 40 hectares, aiming to provide Kristy and Keijo with a habitat fulfilling many needs absent from their years in captivity.

Challenges remain, however, as Strager warns that transitioning to a sanctuary might feel just as unfamiliar to the whales as a return to the ocean. The long-term impact on their well-being is uncertain, prompting further dialogue about the implications of captivity for marine mammals.

Marineland's closure marks a significant shift in how society views the captivity of marine life, with calls for a closure echoing in the wake of notable protests and campaigns. The saga of Wikie and Keijo serves as a potent reminder of the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding the future of captive marine animals.