French officials in Paris met with a U.S.-based group on Monday to discuss relocating France’s last two captive whales to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The decision on whether to move the orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands is still pending. The French minister for ecological transition stated that a final decision would be reached by the end of March, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations.
The proposal from the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) to establish a seaside pen in Nova Scotia was analyzed during the meeting. The sanctuary, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, aims to provide a suitable environment for the whales, who cannot be released into the wild due to their captivity upbringing.
WSP’s plan, approved provincially in October last year, is awaiting construction commencement and requires a transfer license from Canada’s federal Fisheries Department. Additionally, the project needs around $15 million in funding from private donors for the refurbishment of an old wharf and the enclosure construction in Nova Scotia.
The decision to collaborate with WSP marks a change from France’s earlier rejection of the sanctuary proposal in January 2025. The plan to relocate Wikie and Keijo to Nova Scotia is now being considered the most ethical and lawful solution. Despite opposition from the whales’ current owners and previous concerns about the sanctuary’s readiness, France is exploring this new relocation possibility.
The meeting participants included scientific experts, government officials, and representatives from Marineland Antibes, the former home of the whales. The sanctuary project aims to ensure a smooth transition for the whales, prioritizing their health and well-being during the potential move to Nova Scotia.
As discussions continue, the Whale Sanctuary Project is dedicated to supporting a responsible transition process for Wikie and Keijo, emphasizing the importance of health assessments before any relocation. The collaboration between the French government, WSP, and Marineland Antibes underscores the joint effort to prioritize the welfare of the whales in their future habitat.
