Two orca whales from a French theme park that was closed down to protect them are destined for a Spanish zoo where they would likely have to perform in shows. Animal welfare groups have expressed “deep concern” over the plans.
Mother and son Wikie and Keijo did tricks for visitors at Marineland in Antibes, France, until it was closed in 2025 following the country’s ban on animals as performers. They are still housed in a tank there, with 12 bottlenose dolphins in other tanks. There has been much debate about where they should be moved to, with euthanasia being discussed before the French government stepped in.
While the government had previously rejected plans to move them to Loro Parque zoo in Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife, it appears to have reversed its stance.
Last week Mathieu Lefèvre, the French Minister for Ecological Transition, announced they would be moved “in the coming weeks, before the end of June”.
Twelve European environmental organisations have written to Spanish authorities expressing their “deep concern” about Wikie and Keijo being moved to Loro Parque.
