On Thursday April 10, two crates were unloaded by crane outside Marineland, Antibes, for what was presumed to be for the removal and relocation of orcas Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque in the Canary Islands. It was therefore surprising to hear that, at the last moment, the Spanish government decided not to allow the transfer of both orcas to proceed, reportedly due to inadequate conditions at Loro Parque. The hold on the planned move also includes the two dolphins which were bound for Loro Parque and the remaining dolphins which were to be moved to Madrid Zoo, therefore for the time being, all will remain at Marineland.
DFE member organisation One Voice, France has offered to fund the care of Wikie and Keijo by competent experts, until such a time that the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia can establish sufficient infrastructure to take the whales. As Marineland, Antibes has until the end of this year to move Wikie & Keijo, there is no reason more time cannot be given to allow them the opportunity of retiring to a sanctuary, rather than another facility where they will be forced to perform in shows.
DFE will continue to support the sanctuary option for these two orcas and report on updates when available.
