From Tanks to the Sea: Two Orcas Suffering at Marineland d’Antibes May Finally Feel the Ocean

Big news for two orcas who have spent their lives in cramped, concrete tanks. The French government has announced that Wikie and Keijo, currently imprisoned at the now-closed Le Marineland d’Antibes (Marineland France), should be transferred to the Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada.

While the move still depends on Marineland’s approval, this decision marks a major step toward giving these social, complex animals the spacious, natural home they’ve been denied since birth. The French government called the sanctuary “the most credible, the most ethical and the only one that complies with the requirements of animal safety and welfare,” and confirmed that the orcas are “destined” to join it—potentially as soon as summer 2026.

Why This Move Is Making a Huge Splash

Wikie and Keijo have spent their entire lives trapped in tiny concrete tanks at Marineland, where they had little to do but swim in endless circles and drift aimlessly between forced performances. The French government’s decision means they may finally experience freedom from exploitation for the first time—and a chance at a more natural life, where they can feel the ocean currents and dive great depths.

Orcas are intelligent, social, and wide-ranging animals. In their ocean homes, they form strong family bonds, cooperate to forage, and can travel up to 150 miles a day. Marine parks, on the other hand, confine them to tiny tanks, force them to perform pointless tricks for screaming audiences, and sometimes pair them with incompatible tank mates, which can lead to injury and even death. They suffer physically and psychologically and die well before their natural lifespan, which can reach between 60 and 70 years for males and between 80 and 90 years for females.

While Marineland’s harm can’t be undone, Wikie and Keijo may finally experience a glimpse of a natural life in a coastal sanctuary.

PETA’s Campaign to Save the Animals at Marineland d’Antibes

This victory for Wikie and Keijo is another milestone for PETA in our campaign to help the animals languishing at Marineland, which was closed to the public in January 2025. Its closure followed years of campaigning by PETA and other animal protection associations, including protests at the park, petitions, letters, exposés, collaborations with high-profile celebrities like Pamela Anderson, and more.

Abusement Parks Are Tanking—Take Action for Orcas and Others!

This great news for Wikie and Keijo couldn’t have happened without PETA’s tireless work to keep the plight of orcas and other dolphins in the public eye. It also shows that the French government is leading the way in showing empathy for cetaceans: France has banned the breeding or acquisition of cetaceans by marine parks. We’re hopeful that Wikie and Keijo will finally get to experience life in the ocean, where they belong—but the work isn’t over. Every tank must be emptied, everywhere.