The attempt by a non-profit organization in Nova Scotia to relocate two orcas from France to a seaside sanctuary for retired marine park whales has been unsuccessful. The Whale Sanctuary Project revealed on Friday that the French government has opted to transfer the killer whales, Wikie and her son Keijo, to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on Tenerife Island, located off the coast of Africa.
This development represents a significant setback for the privately funded group, which had announced plans over six years ago to establish a 40-hectare sanctuary near Wine Harbour, N.S. The sanctuary, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, would feature floating nets surrounding the area. Experts emphasize that captive whales and dolphins lack the necessary survival skills to be reintroduced into the wild.
In compliance with a 2021 French law prohibiting the captivity of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes, Marineland Antibes, where the orcas were held, closed its doors in January 2025. Canada also implemented a similar ban in 2019.
Although initially considered the preferred relocation site for the whales, the Nova Scotia sanctuary faced a setback when the French government approved the transfer of the orcas to Loro Parque. The minister responsible for the move noted that Marineland Antibes claimed ownership of the whales, indicating a preference against transferring them to Canada.
Reacting to the decision, Charles Vinick, CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, expressed disappointment, highlighting the intent of the 2021 French law to end the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment and breeding purposes. Vinick criticized Loro Parque for continuing performance-based programming and breeding practices, which conflict with the law’s objectives.
Despite these challenges, the Whale Sanctuary Project remains committed to constructing the sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. While awaiting the signing of a 20-year Crown lease and federal permits necessary for whale transfers, the group affirms its dedication to completing the sanctuary and providing long-term care for captive whales.
The organization’s latest statement emphasizes its determination to support whales globally and offer a sustainable alternative as more governments and institutions move away from captive marine mammal practices.
