French government officials convened in Paris on Monday to discuss a proposal put forth by a U.S.-based organization aiming to relocate France’s final two captive whales to a planned coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The fate of the orcas, known as Wikie and her offspring Keijo, hangs in the balance as French authorities deliberate between the Nova Scotia refuge and an alternative option at Spain’s Loro Parque zoo, which was previously turned down by the Spanish government.
Following the meeting, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefevre, emphasized that a verdict on the whales’ relocation would be reached by the end of March. Lefevre stressed that any decision would prioritize animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations.
The discussions allowed the French officials to scrutinize the proposal presented by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), which envisions establishing a 40-hectare pen along Nova Scotia’s rugged eastern coast. This expansive enclosure, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, features a network of floating nets extending from the shore. Experts argue that captive whales lack the essential skills to survive in the wild, hence necessitating a sanctuary setting.
The WSP’s initiative, announced in 2020 and endorsed by the local government last year, is contingent on securing a transfer permit from Canada’s federal Fisheries Department. Additionally, the non-profit organization must raise approximately $15 million from private donors to fund the refurbishment of a dilapidated wharf and the construction of the enclosure near Wine Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Time is of the essence as the sanctuary needs to be operational before the onset of winter to allow Wikie and Keijo, accustomed to Mediterranean conditions, to acclimate gradually. This decision by the French government marks a significant shift from their stance in 2025 when they initially rebuffed WSP’s offer due to concerns about the sanctuary’s readiness and environmental conditions.
Despite opposition from the whales’ current owners at Marineland Antibes in southern France, Lefevre announced a tentative plan to relocate the orcas to Nova Scotia, deeming it the most ethical and legally compliant resolution. The Paris meeting involved a spectrum of stakeholders, including scientific experts, state representatives, local officials, and Marineland Antibes operators.
The Whale Sanctuary Project reiterated its commitment to facilitating a responsible transition for Wikie and Keijo, emphasizing the necessity of health assessments before the whales are transferred. Cooperation between the French government, Marineland Antibes, and WSP is pivotal for ensuring the well-being of the whales during this transitional phase.
