Uncertain Future Awaits Captive Orcas as Marine Zoo Closes

As the well-known Marineland Antibes shuts down permanently due to animal welfare reforms, the future of the resident orcas, Wikie and Keijo, remains unclear. Activists push for sanctuary while concerns grow over possible rehoming to less favorable environments.

When Marineland Antibes closed its doors for good on January 5, following the enforcement of new animal welfare regulations, the fate of two resident orcas, Wikie and Keijo, became a pressing concern. This marine zoo, celebrated as the largest in Europe, has been on the frontline in a heated debate over the specialized needs of such intelligent marine mammals, especially now that public performances featuring killer whales and dolphins are prohibited.

The zoo's management and animal rights campaigners continue to clash over what will happen next to Wikie, 23, and her 11-year-old son, Keijo. Although several relocation options have surfaced, each has faced scrutiny, particularly after the French government blocked a deal that would have sent the orcas to a marine zoo in Japan due to concerns over their welfare and the stress associated with a long-distance move.

Marine biologists emphasize the challenges of releasing the orcas into the wild, noting that there are substantial risks given they have spent their lives in captivity. Hanne Strager, author of *The Killer Whale Journals*, indicates that these animals have developed strong attachments to their human caregivers, making the concept of freedom complex and potentially frightening for them.

Campaigners are advocating for the orcas to be transferred to a sanctuary rather than another entertainment facility. The Whale Sanctuary Project has proposed creating a large, secure habitat off the coast of Nova Scotia, which would allow for humane support while enabling the whales to experience a more natural setting for the remainder of their lives.

However, uncertainties remain about how such a transition would affect Wikie and Keijo, with experts warning that they could find any new environment, even a sanctuary, to be as disorienting as open ocean would be for them. Amid growing public concern for the welfare of captive marine life, the closure of Marineland Antibes symbolizes a larger movement advocating against marine captivity, reminiscent of the public outrage reflected in previous campaigns and documentaries.

The move signifies the culmination of years of activism, underscoring a shift in societal perspectives on the ethics of marine entertainment. Celebrities like Pamela Anderson have actively participated in protests against the facility's practices, contributing to an increasingly vocal public outcry about whale captivity in general. As the debate continues, the ramifications for Wikie and Keijo remain precarious, highlighting not only the challenges of marine animal rehabilitation but also the deep-seated cultural shifts surrounding human-animal relationships.