The Whale Sanctuary Project's bid to relocate two captive orcas from Marineland Antibes to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia has been rejected by the French government. Concerns about water temperatures and scheduling conflicts were cited as reasons for the denial.
The Whale Sanctuary Project, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, has been denied permission by the French government to relocate two captive orcas, Wikie and Keijo, from Marineland Antibes to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia . Lori Marino, president of the Whale Sanctuary Project, expressed disappointment in a statement, stating that their proposal was rejected without any prior discussion regarding the concerns raised by French experts.
The French Department of Ecological Diversity cited concerns about water temperatures in Nova Scotia and the potential for the orcas to not acclimatize quickly. Additionally, a department director mentioned that the project's timeline wouldn't align with the requirements of Marineland Antibes, which is currently closed due to a French law prohibiting performances involving killer whales and dolphins. This law mandates that Wikie and Keijo be moved outside of France by the end of 2023.Marino argues that the nine-month delay in the French government's response effectively closed the window of opportunity to relocate the orcas to the sanctuary. She highlighted that during this time, fundraising for the whales' arrival and the logistical arrangements for their caregivers could have been completed. The Whale Sanctuary Project had even offered to cover the costs of the orcas' continued care in Antibes while construction progressed in Nova Scotia. Marino expressed concerns that the likely alternative destination for Wikie and Keijo is Spain's Loro Parque zoo, citing the zoo's controversial past. She urged the French government to reconsider its decision and engage in discussions with the owners of Marineland Antibes and Loro Parque to find a solution that prioritizes the well-being of the orcas.The Whale Sanctuary Project, established in 2016 by Marino and Charles Vinick, aims to create North America's first coastal sanctuary for retired performing whales and dolphins. Located in a bay near Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, the project envisions a 40-hectare enclosure for orcas, belugas, and dolphins. Due to the complex nature of the project, including regulatory approvals, environmental assessments, and fundraising, the estimated completion date has been pushed back from 2022. Despite the challenges, the project remains committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for these intelligent creatures. The world's first whale sanctuary, Sea Life Trust, opened in Iceland in 2019 and currently houses two belugas from China
Whale Sanctuary Orcas Marineland Antibes France Nova Scotia Animal Welfare Conservation
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