French government officials convened in Paris on Monday to discuss potential relocation plans for France’s last two captive whales with a U.S.-based organization aiming to transfer them to a proposed coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The fate of the orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, remains undecided as French authorities weigh the option of moving them to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo, a proposal previously rejected by the Spanish government.
Following the meeting, France’s minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefevre, emphasized the importance of a thorough and responsible decision-making process, ensuring animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations are prioritized. The Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposal for a 40-hectare seaside pen in Nova Scotia was thoroughly reviewed during the meeting, highlighting the challenges of reintegrating captive whales into the wild due to their lack of essential survival skills.
The Whale Sanctuary Project introduced its sanctuary plan in 2020 and received provincial approval last year; however, construction has yet to commence, pending a transfer license from the federal Fisheries Department and the acquisition of approximately $15 million in funding from private donors. The refurbishment of an existing wharf and the creation of the enclosure in Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia, must be completed before the whales’ relocation, ensuring they have sufficient time to acclimate to their new environment before winter sets in.
The French government’s decision to explore the Nova Scotia proposal signifies a shift from their previous stance in January 2025 when they dismissed the sanctuary plan due to timing concerns and environmental factors. Despite opposition from the whales’ current owners at Marineland Antibes, the government now views the Nova Scotia sanctuary as the most ethical and viable solution for Wikie and Keijo.
The meeting in Paris included a diverse group of participants, including scientific experts, government representatives, and operators from Marineland Antibes, which ceased whale captivity activities in compliance with French legislation. The collaboration with the Whale Sanctuary Project reflects a collective effort to address the complex issue of relocating the captive whales, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder consensus and animal welfare.
The Whale Sanctuary Project reiterated its commitment to facilitating a responsible transition process for the whales, emphasizing the necessity of health assessments before their transfer. Collaboration among the French government, Marineland Antibes, and the sanctuary project is essential to ensure the well-being of Wikie and Keijo throughout the relocation process.