French officials in Paris met with a U.S.-based group on Monday to discuss relocating France’s last two captive whales to a proposed coastal refuge in Nova Scotia. The orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, may also be moved to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo in the Canary Islands, a plan previously rejected by the Spanish government. A final decision on the relocation is expected by the end of March, ensuring animal welfare, compliance with laws, and community considerations.
The meeting allowed the French government to review a proposal by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) for a 40-hectare seaside pen in Nova Scotia. The pen, equivalent to 50 football fields, features floating nets to accommodate the whales, known experts say that captive-raised whales lack the skills to survive in the wild.
The WSP’s plan, approved provincially in October last year, requires about $15 million in funding from private donors for construction. The sanctuary, to be located in Wine Harbour, N.S., needs refurbishing of an old wharf and construction of the enclosure before the whales can be introduced. The whales, accustomed to a Mediterranean climate, need time to adapt before winter sets in.
France’s decision to consider the WSP proposal contradicts its previous rejection in January 2025 due to concerns over readiness and ocean temperatures. The French government aims to work with stakeholders to find the best solution for the whales’ well-being. The Whale Sanctuary Project affirmed its commitment to a smooth transition, emphasizing the necessity for health assessments before the whales are moved.
The meeting included scientific experts, government officials, and representatives from Marineland Antibes, the current owners of the whales. Marineland Antibes, closed in January 2025 following a French law banning captive whales and dolphins for entertainment, opposed the relocation. The facility cited poor conditions in the whale pools, evident from algae growth in the water.
The future of Wikie and Keijo remains uncertain as discussions continue among all involved parties.