The French government is pushing for the immediate transfer of two orcas to Tenerife. The ‚Marineland‘ aquarium on the Côte d’Azur closed in early 2025. The animals have remained there. Paris wants to send them to Loro Parque on Tenerife.
For a year and a half now, the facilities of what was once France’s largest dolphinarium have been permanently closed, and the animals‘ tanks are in an increasingly critical condition. This is due to a French law banning all performances involving dolphins and orcas. ‚Marineland‘, which belongs to the Spanish group Parques Reunidos, consequently closed its doors ahead of schedule on 5 January 2025. Many of the animals were relocated, but the two orcas have continued to live in the zoo’s cramped pools ever since.
Group management had proposed transferring the marine mammals to Loro Parque. Its founder and chairman, Wolfgang Kiessling, sees his zoo as „the only solution to save the two orcas in France from death“. A statement said the zoo is therefore prepared to „take in Wikie and Keijo“.
Loro Parque on Tenerife plans to take in orcas from France
The French Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, described the situation as „an absolute emergency“. The politician went on to say: „All the necessary permits are in place.“ Now, „Marineland“ and its Spanish partners simply need to agree on the exact procedure. Without swift action, there is a risk of structural collapse of the dilapidated tanks in Antibes, which would pose an immediate threat to the orcas‘ lives.
Several animal welfare organisations are protesting against the transport of the orcas to Tenerife. „Sea Shepherd“ has called for both orcas to be released into a marine reserve with semi-natural conditions.
France had originally also considered transporting the animals to a Canadian marine reserve. According to Lefèvre, however, this option is now off the table: the preparations and obtaining the necessary permits would take too long.
Marineland orcas are to be moved to Tenerife „quickly“
Officials in Paris say that the rapid deterioration of the facilities following the closure means swift action is required. The minister expects the transfer to Tenerife to take place in the coming weeks, as soon as both parks have reached an agreement.
„Marineland“ has closed after more than 50 years of operation. Parques Reunidos plans to put the site to other uses in future. According to Lefèvre, there are „currently no prospects“ for the animal keepers. In the interests of the animals, this cannot be taken into account.
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