French government officials convened in Paris on Monday to discuss the relocation of France’s last two captive whales to a proposed coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia with a U.S.-based group. The orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, could potentially be moved to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands, although the Spanish government had previously dismissed this option.
No definitive decisions were reached during the meeting as French authorities are still evaluating the relocation possibilities. Mathieu Lefevre, France’s minister for ecological transition, stated that a final verdict would be delivered by the end of March, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations in the decision-making process.
The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) presented a comprehensive plan to establish a 40-hectare seaside enclosure in Nova Scotia, which was thoroughly reviewed during the meeting. The sanctuary, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, would feature a protective ring of floating nets along the rugged eastern shoreline to provide a suitable habitat for the whales.
Although the WSP proposal received provincial approval in October, further steps are required before the whales can be transferred to Canada. The project necessitates approximately $15 million in funding from private donors for construction and refurbishment purposes, including adapting the enclosure to the colder climate of Nova Scotia.
The French government’s collaboration with the WSP marks a significant shift from its previous stance in 2025 when it rejected the sanctuary proposal due to concerns over readiness and environmental factors. Despite opposition from the current owners of the whales, Marineland Antibes, the decision to consider the Nova Scotia sanctuary as a viable and ethical solution reflects a new direction in addressing the captive whales’ welfare.
In response to the ongoing discussions, the WSP reiterated its commitment to facilitating a responsible transition for Wikie and Keijo, emphasizing the importance of health assessments before the relocation process. The group expressed readiness to work closely with the French government and Marineland Antibes to ensure the well-being of the whales during the potential move.