An orca at Marineland, Antibes in France. The stadium is empty. Image credit World Animal Protection, 1022951.

Marineland orcas in limbo as welfare crisis deepens

News

Orcas Wikie and Keijo remain in limbo as Marineland Antibes faces growing animal welfare concerns and staff cuts following venue closure.

The fate of orcas Wikie and Keijo remains uncertain as animal welfare concerns at Marineland Antibes, France's last marine park holding orcas, continue to escalate.

The park, owned by Spanish entertainment group Parques Reunidos, has been closed to the public since January, following France’s 2021 law banning captive whale shows by December 2026.

Yet behind closed doors, troubling questions remain about the ongoing care of the orcas still held in the facility's ageing tanks.

Reports indicate that Marineland has dismissed over 40 staff, including all veterinary personnel and animal caregivers.

Only two trainers are thought to remain. This drastic reduction has raised international concern about the welfare and safety of the animals, particularly the two surviving orcas.

A reflection of a failing industry

Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, head of animal welfare and wildlife research at World Animal Protection, described the situation as a clear sign of wider change in public attitudes.

'The decision was unexpected but rational,' he said. 'It perfectly illustrates the fact that marine parks are an outdated industry with dropping acceptability in society.'

We have long campaigned against the keeping of marine mammals in captivity and continue to advocate for their protection and freedom.

Orcas in particular suffer immensely in artificial environments, where they are unable to express natural behaviours, form social bonds or swim the vast distances they would in the wild.

Call for urgent action

The current crisis at Marineland highlights the urgent need for a long-term, welfare-focused solution.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tricia Croasdell (@chiefanimalprotector)

Rather than keep these intelligent, socially complex animals confined in exploitative venues such as Loro Parque, the next step must be to explore rehoming them in seaside sanctuaries where their welfare would be prioritised.

Wikie and Keijo are the last surviving orcas at Marineland after the deaths of the other orcas that were previously held there.

Without urgent intervention, their future remains at risk.

Sign Up Now

By submitting this form, I agree to receive further communications from World Animal Protection and understand I can opt out at any time. For information on how we use your details, and how we keep your details safe, please read our privacy policy.

Related content

Protecting wildlife in travel & tourism

Wildlife

Would a real responsible traveller have captive wildlife entertainment on their wish list?

Animal Sentience

At World Animal Protection sentience is at the heart of everything we do, click to find out more.

Wildlife Heritage Areas

Heritage Sites

A global programme recognising responsible wildlife-watching destinations that incorporate high standards of animal welfare and biodiversity conservation

More About

Tourism news and blogs