French government officials held a meeting in Paris on Monday with a U.S.-based organization seeking to relocate France’s remaining two captive whales to a proposed coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The decision on whether to move the orcas, named Wikie and her son Keijo, to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands is still pending, as the Spanish government had previously turned down this proposal.
Following the meeting, France’s minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefevre, stated that a final resolution would be reached by the end of March. He emphasized the government’s responsible and methodical approach, ensuring animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations are thoroughly evaluated before any decision is made.
The Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposal, presented during the meeting, involves establishing a 40-hectare seaside enclosure on Nova Scotia’s eastern coast, roughly the size of 50 football fields. This refuge, equipped with floating nets, aims to provide a suitable habitat for the captive whales, as experts believe these animals, having been raised in captivity, lack the essential survival skills to be reintroduced into the wild.
The WSP initially unveiled its sanctuary plan in 2020 and obtained provincial approval in October of the following year. However, construction has not commenced, and the group is in need of a transfer license from the federal Fisheries Department in Canada. Additionally, they are tasked with raising approximately $15 million from private donors to fund the refurbishment of an old wharf and the construction of the enclosure near Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia.
The urgency to complete the sanctuary before winter is crucial, as Wikie and Keijo, accustomed to a Mediterranean climate, will require time to acclimate to their new environment. This decision by the French government represents a shift from their previous stance in January 2025 when they rejected the WSP’s offer due to concerns about the sanctuary’s readiness and ocean temperatures.
Despite opposition from Marineland Antibes, the owners of the two whales, the French government has acknowledged the proposal as the most ethical and legally compliant solution. The meeting in Paris included scientific experts, government officials, and representatives from Marineland Antibes, which closed in compliance with French legislation banning the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes.
The Whale Sanctuary Project has expressed its commitment to facilitating a responsible transition process for Wikie and Keijo, emphasizing the necessity of health assessments before their relocation. Collaborative efforts between the French government, Marineland Antibes, and the WSP are expected to ensure the well-being of the whales during this transition period.