French officials in Paris discussed the potential transfer of France’s last two captive whales, Wikie and her son Keijo, with a U.S.-based group aiming to relocate them to a proposed coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. While no decisions were reached during the meeting, the French government is also considering moving the orcas to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands, an option previously rebuffed by the Spanish government.
Following the meeting, France’s minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefevre, emphasized that a final decision on the whales’ relocation would be made by the end of March. Lefevre highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations before any definitive choices are made.
The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) presented its proposal for a 40-hectare seaside enclosure in Nova Scotia, which experts believe is necessary as captive whales lack the skills to survive in the wild. The WSP, approved provincially in October last year, is required to secure a transfer license from the federal Fisheries Department and raise approximately $15 million from private donors for construction.
The sanctuary, planned near Wine Harbour, N.S., aims to provide a suitable environment for the whales before the onset of winter. France’s decision to collaborate with the WSP signifies a change from its previous rejection in 2025, citing concerns over the readiness of the sanctuary and ocean temperatures.
Marineland Antibes, the current owners of the whales, opposed the move to Nova Scotia, but Lefevre declared it the most ethical and legally compliant solution. The ongoing discussions involve various stakeholders, including scientific experts, state officials, and representatives from Marineland Antibes.
Both France and Canada have implemented laws prohibiting the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes, prompting the need for a suitable relocation solution. The Whale Sanctuary Project expressed its commitment to facilitating a responsible transition process, emphasizing the importance of health assessments for Wikie and Keijo before their potential move.
The outcome of the deliberations will determine the future of the captive whales and their relocation to a sanctuary in Nova Scotia, reflecting the evolving global stance on marine mammal welfare.