Organization continues sanctuary construction as global need for retirement solutions intensifies.
PRESS STATEMENT
PORT HILFORD BAY, NS (May 15, 2026) — As construction continues on the Whale Sanctuary Project’s Nova Scotia site, the organization is responding to the Government of France’s decision regarding the future of Wikie and Keijo, the two orcas remaining at Marineland Antibes.
The Whale Sanctuary Project understands from the French Minister of Ecological Transition Mathieu Lefèvre’s statement that he has approved Marineland Antibes’ request to transfer Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque zoo in Spain, contradicting his former statements and the position he outlined in the meeting held in February. This outcome is deeply concerning from both a legal and animal welfare perspective.
“This decision is devastating for Wikie and Keijo,” said Charles Vinick, Chief Executive Officer of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “Allowing them to be transferred to Loro Parque zoo defies the Minister’s position that the Nova Scotia sanctuary is the only ethical, credible solution that is in keeping with the letter and spirit of the French law, which was intended to end the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment and breeding.”
The law explicitly prohibits these practices. However, Loro Parque continues to rely on performance-based programming and breeding, particularly following the deaths of four orcas at the facility since 2019. Transferring Wikie and Keijo into that environment risks perpetuating the very system the law was designed to phase out.
“This decision reflects the ongoing tension between policy commitments and implementation,” said Lori Marino, President of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “Despite clear legal and ethical direction, there remains pressure to maintain outdated models of captivity. This only underscores the importance of building credible, humane alternatives that can support real change.”
The Whale Sanctuary Project continues to align its work with the position previously articulated by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, which identified the sanctuary as the most credible, ethical and welfare-focused option that meets French legal requirements.
Construction planning and early mobilization activities remain underway in Nova Scotia, with initial work focused on core site preparation, including marine and utility infrastructure.
The capital campaign is continuing, with recent donor support contributing to near-term construction priorities. The Whale Sanctuary Project remains confident in its ability to secure the funding required to complete the sanctuary and support the long-term care of whales transitioning out of captivity.
“While this is tragic for Wikie and Keijo, it reinforces the urgency of the work ahead,” added Vinick. “We are continuing to build a sanctuary that can support whales in need around the world and provide a viable path forward as more governments and institutions move away from captivity.”
The Whale Sanctuary Project remains focused on delivering a long-term solution for whales transitioning out of captivity and is closely monitoring broader developments across the sector, including in Canada.
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About the Whale Sanctuary Project
The Whale Sanctuary Project is establishing a coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada, to provide retired captive orcas and beluga whales with a safe, natural environment for lifelong care. The organization is building the infrastructure needed to support humane, legally compliant transitions out of captivity in aquariums and entertainment parks.
Media Contact:
Kari Vierimaa
Vierimaa Consulting Inc.
kari@vierimaaconsulting.com