French officials met with a U.S.-based organization in Paris on Monday to discuss relocating France’s last two captive whales to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The orcas, Wikie and her calf Keijo, may potentially be moved to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands, a plan that was previously rejected by the Spanish government. A decision on their relocation is expected by the end of March, ensuring the welfare of the animals and compliance with legal and social considerations.
The Whale Sanctuary Project presented a plan to establish a 40-hectare seaside enclosure in Nova Scotia, resembling the size of 50 football fields, with floating nets to house the whales. Due to the orcas’ inability to survive in the wild after being raised in captivity, this sanctuary aims to provide a suitable environment for them.
While the proposal was initially announced in 2020 and received provincial approval in 2021, the project is pending construction and requires a transfer license from the federal Fisheries Department. Approximately $15 million must be raised from private donors to fund the refurbishment of an old wharf and the construction of the enclosure, ideally completed before winter to allow the whales time to acclimate to their new surroundings.
The decision to collaborate with the Whale Sanctuary Project marks a shift from the French government’s previous stance, which rejected the proposal in 2025 due to concerns about readiness and environmental factors. Despite opposition from Marineland Antibes, the owners of the whales, the government now sees the Nova Scotia sanctuary as the most ethical and feasible solution.
The meeting in Paris involved scientific experts, government officials, and representatives from Marineland Antibes, who have faced criticism for the inadequate conditions of the whale pools. The Whale Sanctuary Project has expressed commitment to a smooth transition process, emphasizing the importance of health assessments for Wikie and Keijo before their relocation.
The ongoing efforts to secure the whales’ future underscore the importance of ethical and responsible decision-making in conservation initiatives, ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures.