A non-profit organization in Nova Scotia has faced a setback in its efforts to relocate two orcas from France to a coastal sanctuary intended for retired marine park whales. The Whale Sanctuary Project confirmed on Friday that the French government has opted to send the killer whales, Wikie and her son Keijo, to Loro Parque zoo in Spain’s Tenerife Island, situated off the coast of Africa.
This decision represents a significant blow to the privately funded group, which had revealed plans over six years ago to establish a 40-hectare enclosure near Wine Harbour, N.S. The sanctuary, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, would feature a perimeter of floating nets extending from the shore. Experts highlight that captive whales and dolphins lack essential survival skills needed for a successful return to the wild.
The animal welfare organization announced that the French government agreed with a request from the former owners of the whales at the now-shuttered Marineland Antibes in southern France to transfer the orcas to the zoo in the Canary Islands.
Marineland Antibes ceased operations in January 2025 to adhere to a 2021 French law banning the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes, similar to Canada’s prohibition enacted in 2019.
In December, the French minister overseeing the transition stated that the proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia was the preferred relocation site for the whales, citing it as the “sole ethical, credible, and legally compliant solution.” However, the minister later clarified that the orcas were deemed private property of Marineland Antibes, and the facility did not desire a transfer to Canada.
Charles Vinick, CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, expressed dismay over the decision, highlighting that the 2021 French law aimed to abolish the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment and breeding purposes. He cautioned against transferring Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque, emphasizing that the zoo’s continued performance-based programming and breeding practices contradict the legislative intent.
Despite these challenges, construction planning persists at the designated site on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. The group remains optimistic about securing the necessary funding and permits to complete the sanctuary, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the long-term care of whales transitioning from captivity and serving as a sanctuary for whales worldwide.
The Whale Sanctuary Project’s ongoing efforts aim to provide a sustainable alternative as more governments and institutions move away from keeping whales in captivity.
