Save Abandoned Captive Orcas Wikie and Keijo From Suffering
472 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: Free The Ocean
Wikie and Keijo deserve a life of freedom and compassion. Join us to ensure their safe relocation and protect these majestic orcas from continued captivity.
Marineland Antibes, a renowned marine park near Cannes, France, has permanently closed its doors as of January 5, 20251. This decision stems from new French animal welfare laws that prohibit the use of dolphins and whales in marine performances1. The closure leaves two orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, without a secure future2.
Orcas Born in Captivity Face Uncertain Fate
Wikie, a 23-year-old female orca, and her 11-year-old son Keijo are the last remaining orcas in captivity in France2. Both were born in captivity, making their release into the wild impossible3. This would be like sending a domesticated dog into the wild5.
Blocked Relocation Plans Raise Concerns
Initial plans to relocate Wikie and Keijo to a marine park in Japan were swiftly blocked by the French government due to Japan’s more lenient animal welfare standards2. Another option considered was Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain4. However, concerns remain that the orcas would continue to perform, similar to their previous environment4. Recent orca deaths at Loro Parque have heightened fears of ongoing exploitation2.
Sanctuary Proposal Offers Hope
In response to these challenges, animal rights organizations advocate for relocating Wikie and Keijo to a sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada3. The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) proposes creating an enclosed bay where the orcas can live in a more natural environment while receiving necessary veterinary care3.
Expert and Activist Support Strengthens the Cause
Animal rights activists and experts overwhelmingly support the sanctuary proposal over other marine park relocations. Sending the orcas to another entertainment venue would perpetuate their captivity and disrupt their social bonds. What is needed is a humane and compassionate solution that prioritizes the orcas' well-being over commercial interests4.
Lessons from Keiko’s Journey Highlight Urgency
The story of Keiko, the orca from the Free Willy movie, serves as a poignant example of the complexities involved in transitioning captive orcas to freedom. After years in captivity, Keiko was rehomed to a sea pen in Iceland before eventually joining a wild pod in Norway3. However, unlike Wikie and Keijo, Keiko was born in the wild and could relearn survival skills, which ultimately led to his death in 2003 due to an infection3.
Take Action Now
The closure of Marineland Antibes marks a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over animal welfare in marine parks. The fate of Wikie and Keijo could set a precedent for future policies regarding the captivity of marine mammals in Europe1. Public support continues to grow, with campaigns urging the French government and Marineland Antibes to prioritize the orcas' well-being by relocating them to a sanctuary3. As the deadline looms, the outcome of this situation will have profound implications for animal rights and welfare standards across the continent.
Wikie and Keijo deserve a compassionate future. Sign the petition to support their relocation to a sanctuary and ensure they live out their lives with the dignity and care they deserve.
- The Global Herald (5 January 2025), "Uncertain Future for Orcas as Marineland Antibes Prepares for Closure."
- The Guardian (5 January 2025), "French marine park closes, leaving fate of two orcas uncertain."
- Kelli Bender, People (6 January 2025), "Whale Expert Who Helped Real-Life Free Willy Is Fighting to Save 2 Orcas at Shutdown Marine Park (Exclusive)."
- Jack Guy, CNN (6 January 2025), "Closure of French marine park sparks outcry over future of its two orcas."
- George Sandeman, BBC News (5 January 2025), "'Humans are all they know' - Fate of whales uncertain as marine zoo shuts."
The Petition:
To the French Minister for the Environment, Inspector General, Executive Leadership of Parques Reunidos, and The Whale Sanctuary Project,
We, the undersigned, urgently call upon you to act with humanity and compassion in securing the future of Wikie and Keijo, the last two captive orcas residing at Marineland Antibes. As Marineland closes its doors due to new animal welfare legislation, the fate of these majestic creatures hangs in the balance.
Wikie and Keijo have spent their entire lives in captivity, forming deep bonds with their human caregivers but lacking the necessary skills to survive in the wild. Releasing them into the ocean is not a viable option, as they were born in captivity and are dependent on human care for their well-being. Their continued existence in a sanctuary environment will provide them with a more natural habitat, essential veterinary care, and the opportunity to live out their lives with dignity and respect.
The proposed enclosed bay sanctuary in Nova Scotia offers a compassionate solution, allowing Wikie and Keijo to experience a semblance of their natural environment while ensuring their health and safety. This move not only prioritizes their welfare but also sets a precedent for how we treat intelligent and social marine mammals in our care.
We implore you to demonstrate our collective humanity by supporting the relocation of Wikie and Keijo to the sanctuary. By doing so, you will not only safeguard their lives but also uphold the values of compassion and responsibility towards all sentient beings. These actions will pave the way for a better future, where the well-being of animals is cherished and protected, ensuring harmony between humans and the magnificent creatures we share our planet with.
Together, let us ensure that Wikie and Keijo receive the compassionate care they deserve and set an example for future animal welfare initiatives.
Sincerely,
