French officials in Paris met with a U.S.-based group on Monday to discuss relocating France’s last two captive whales to a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, might be moved to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo on the Canary Islands, although the Spanish government had previously rejected this proposal.
France’s minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefevre, stated that a final decision regarding the whales’ relocation would be made by the end of March. Lefevre emphasized the importance of ensuring animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations in the decision-making process.
The meeting allowed the French government to review a proposal from the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) for a 40-hectare seaside enclosure in Nova Scotia. The sanctuary, equivalent to 50 football fields, would provide a suitable environment for the captive whales, considering that they lack the skills to survive in the wild.
The WSP’s plan, approved provincially in October last year, requires around $15 million in funding from private donors for construction and refurbishment of necessary facilities in Nova Scotia. The project aims to provide a suitable habitat for Wikie and Keijo, who are currently held at Marineland Antibes in France.
The decision to collaborate with WSP represents a shift from the French government’s previous stance, where a transfer to the Spanish zoo was rejected due to various concerns. Despite opposition from Marineland Antibes and challenges in reaching a consensus, the French government considers the Nova Scotia sanctuary proposal the most ethical and compliant solution for the whales’ well-being.
The Whale Sanctuary Project expressed its commitment to facilitating a responsible transition process for the whales, emphasizing the importance of health assessments before their relocation. The group looks forward to working with the French government and Marineland Antibes to ensure the welfare of Wikie and Keijo during the transition.