Dolphinaria-Free Europe has written to Monsieur Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecology and Madame Sarah El Haïry, Secretary of State for Biodiversity raising our concerns over the proposed move of orcas Inouk, Wikie, and Keijo, from France to Japan. The orcas are required to be moved ahead of the 2026 deadline in France banning the keeping/public display of cetaceans coming into force.
Following earlier reports of the impending move of three orcas from Marineland, Antibes to Japan, we are pleased to have received an update from members One Voice.
Following their lawsuit, the court has forbidden Marineland to move the three orcas until the independent expert assessment, originally ordered by the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal in September 2023, has been undertaken. Failure to comply with these conditions will result in the judicial court imposing a fine on the marine park.
Reports from our member One Voice state that, on 23 December, a dolphin calf was born in Marineland, Antibes and lived for only 2 days.
They also have confirmed that the 3 orcas held at the facility, Inouk, Wikie and Keijo, are expected to be transferred to Japan in early January 2024. We have supported One Voice in their campaign to halt the transfer of these orca. The organisation were due to meet with experts chosen by the court to offer evidence regarding the conditions, however, the Ministry of Ecology prevented this meeting, allowing alternative experts to review the situation and present their findings instead. We will continue to support all efforts to stop the transfer from occurring, however, with the French authorities supporting this, their future is all but decided. It is a very sad situation for these orcas and not the result we had hoped for from this long-fought campaign.
You can help by signing the petition calling on French President Macron to intervene to stop the transfer of Marineland’s three orca to Japan, and instead to try to find suitable sanctuary facilities that can take the animals.
Dolphinaria-Free Europe member Marine Connection, are disappointed to report that it has been confirmed that the UK/Ireland branches of TUI are to continue promoting and selling excursions to their customers to facilities holding captive whales and dolphins, including Loro Parque, Tenerife and SeaWorld, Orlando. More details
Dolphinaria-Free Europe (DFE) has supported the ongoing campaign operated by colleagues in Greece in the case against the continued operation of the dolphinarium at Attica Zoo which was built without the required documentation and authorisation being in place. Although the use of any animal in performances has been banned in Greece since 2012, the park has continued to display the dolphins, flouting the law for many years.
On Friday 27 October, the case against the owner of Attica was heard in court and after hearing all evidence presented, the judge concluded that the owner of Attica Park was guilty of breaking the law and has been sentenced to 8 months in prison, although the sentence is currently suspended. It is expected however that the owner’s legal team will appeal this decision, but we welcome this very positive news for those who have fought long and hard for justice to be served, and that a conviction has been given.
DFE will continue their support for the campaign to close Attica Park dolphinarium and stop laws being flouted in the country.
