France to move orcas from marine park to Spanish theme park - Marineland's closure leaves two orcas stranded as France debates their fate

Marineland Antibes shut down in January 2025 after over 50 years, leaving two orcas and a dozen miami dolphins in limbo. Their future is now under debate as French authorities scramble for a solution, with concerns growing over their living conditions. The park's closure followed a 2021 French law banning animal cruelty in entertainment, which will eventually end all whale shows. While most of Marineland's animals have been relocated, the two orcas—Wikie and Keijo—remain in deteriorating tanks. A leaked report revealed severe structural damage, raising fears of a potential collapse. Paris initially rejected a proposal to send the orcas to a Japanese park. Now, the government is considering Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain, as a possible destination. Environmental groups, however, are pushing for a semi-wild orca sanctuary instead. The dolphins are set to move to Beauval Zoo in western France by spring 2027. A final decision on the orcas' fate is expected by the end of March 2026. The French government must act quickly to resolve the orcas' situation. If approved, their transfer to Loro Parque would mark a significant step in their relocation. The dolphins' move to Beauval Zoo remains on track, but the orcas' future still hangs in the balance.