Animal welfare organisations held two demonstrations in Madrid on Tuesday. They are seeking to prevent the transfer of two orcas to Loro Parque on Tenerife. The animals in question are the orca mother, Wikie, and her son, Keijo, as well as twelve bottlenose dolphins. The animals are due to be transported from France to Spain.
The marine mammals come from „Marineland“ in Antibes, France, which was once Europe’s largest marine park. The park closed its doors in January 2025 after an animal welfare law passed in France in 2021 banned dolphin shows and captive breeding.
Since then, the animals have been living in the pools without an audience, and the associated costs are no longer offset by any income. The plan is therefore to move Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz, whilst the twelve bottlenose dolphins are to be divided between Oceanogràfic in Valencia and Selwo Marina in Málaga.
Orcas to Tenerife? France decides
The first rally took place outside the National Museum of Natural Sciences (CSIC-CITES) between 10 am and 12 noon. The organisations called for Spain to maintain its opposition. The Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition had issued a negative scientific opinion on the orca transfer, based on technical criteria relating to animal welfare and species conservation. However, the final decision does not rest solely with Spain.
Under European law, France could invoke certain exemptions to circumvent the Spanish prior authorisation procedure. The French counterpart, Minister Mathieu Lefèvre, is pressing for a swift solution: „Every day of inaction increases the risk of a catastrophic scenario that would lead to the euthanasia of the orcas.“
Meanwhile, the relevant Spanish ministry has refuted the claim that the transfer has already been approved. „It cannot be claimed that the transfer has been authorised by Spain,“ the ministry stated. The final decision rests solely with France, in accordance with European and national law.
Dispute over orcas at Loro Parque on Tenerife continues
During the protests, a delegation from the organisations was received at the French Consulate by Olivier Delteil, a senior representative of the French government’s Ministry responsible for the environment and nature. A letter opposing the transfer was handed to him.
Loro Parque is owned by Wolfgang Kiessling, an entrepreneur of German origin. The zoo is already home to four orcas. Park representatives explained that they wish to take in Wikie and Keijo out of a sense of moral responsibility, not for financial gain. Loro Parque is therefore seeking the Spanish government’s approval to ensure legal certainty.
France is considering several options for the orcas from Marineland
A report by the French scientific authority had considered several options for the animals, including their transfer to a sanctuary in Canada. Organisations supporting the protests include Océanos de Vida Libre, Capitán Paul Watson Spain, Imagine Canarias, PRODA and España Animal Save. PETA and the Fundación Franz Weber have also spoken out against the transfer of the two orcas to Loro Parque.
In recent years four orcas have died at Loro Parque on Tenerife. Animal rights activists accuse the park of doing everything it can to keep its orca programme running, whilst other organisations such as Sea World announced years ago that they were moving away from breeding orcas for commercial purposes.
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