France Moves to Send Its Last Captive Orcas to Sanctuary—Canada Must Follow Suit for Marineland’s Belugas

The French government has taken a commendable and proactive step toward securing a safe future for its last two captive orcas, Wikie and Keijo. The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) announced today that it will be working with France and Marineland Antibes to explore relocating the orcas to the Nova Scotia sanctuary once it opens, potentially as early as 2026. 

This government-led effort to secure a safe future for these cetaceans stands in stark contrast to the Ontario and federal governments’ continued inaction on behalf of the 30 belugas still suffering at Marineland in Niagara Falls. 

Wikie, 23, and her son Keijo, 11, were both born in captivity and have spent their entire lives in concrete tanks. Since Marineland Antibes (not connected to Canada’s Marineland) shuttered in early 2025, drone footage has documented the pair circling their tiny, algae-ridden enclosure. 

France Takes the Lead on Captive Cetacean Welfare

France was one of the first European countries to ban the use of cetaceans in live entertainment and to prohibit captive breeding—legislation that will be fully in effect by December 2026. Marineland Antibes, the last facility in France holding orcas, closed to the public in January 2025. While most of the 4,000 animals once kept there have been relocated, Wikie, Keijo, and several dolphins remain trapped on-site.

Marineland Antibes has tried to transfer Wikie and Keijo to aquariums in both Japan and Spain, but their attempts have been blocked, citing poor welfare standards and unsuitable conditions, respectively.

France is now coordinating directly with WSP and Marineland Antibes to find a solution that prioritizes the orcas’ wellbeing, autonomy, and long-term care.

Sanctuary Placement Still Possible for Marineland’s Belugas

The Whale Sanctuary Project has confirmed that it will still be able to welcome several belugas from Marineland in Niagara Falls, even if Wikie and Keijo arrive first. This relocation, if it moves forward, could lead to increased support and resources for the sanctuary—bringing it closer to opening and offering a lifeline to the whales still stranded at Marineland in ever-deteriorating conditions.

For Canada’s belugas, the only barrier is government action—and Marineland’s ongoing refusal to cooperate in securing a safe future for the whales and dolphins it’s exploited for decades. More than 20 whales and dolphins have died at Marineland since 2019—including Kiska, the last captive orca in Canada. After the park closed, Marineland attempted to export the surviving belugas to a Chinese theme park. When the federal government rejected this, the facility threatened to kill the whales, and has thus far refused to agree to a sanctuary placement.

Freedom at Last for Marineland’s Belugas—Only if Canada Acts

Ontario can legally intervene and take over the belugas’ care at Marineland’s expense, and the federal government can help secure safe placements for all whales. Unfortunately, both levels of government have allowed months to pass while the whales continue to suffer behind closed doors.

The Nova Scotia sanctuary is expected to open as early as summer 2026. To prepare for any whale transfers next year, WSP must complete critical construction phases before the end of the summer. Work is already underway, but additional funding and government cooperation are essential.

France has shown what responsible, welfare-centred leadership looks like. Canada must act with the same urgency to protect the belugas in Niagara Falls and secure their safe relocation to sanctuary as soon as possible.

Tell federal and provincial leaders to follow France’s leadership and act immediately. These whales can’t wait.

Banner image: TideBreakers