Thank you everyone for your concern and voice for those without.. Update March 2026. The whales face possibility of euthanasia. God help empathy in humans. Targeted Future: The French government announced a preference to send the orcas to the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, Canada, with potential transfer by summer 2026, marking it as the most ethical option. However, the sanctuary is not yet built, creating a high-risk limbo for the whales, with some reports in a Reddit thread suggesting they could even face euthanasia. Intense Scrutiny: Activist organizations are monitoring the site with drones, documenting crumbling conditions and arguing, according to a post on Facebook, that the construction work near the tanks is exacerbating their precarious health Update, December 2025: The French government has issued a formal decision that Wikie and Keijo should go to the Whale Sanctuary in Nova Scotia. For the sanctuary to be ready to welcome whales by the end of summer 2026 – so they have time to acclimate to ocean waters and temperatures before winter – we must meet a schedule that depends on having the funds available to meet the $15 million of construction costs over the coming months, starting immediately. https://whalesanctuaryproject.org/whales/a-family-in-distress/ These whales will be in a closed captive tank for 1.5 years minimum. Similarly, Jorge, a 60 year old loggerhead sea turtle, has made a remarkable return to the open ocean after spending more than forty years in human care. He was originally rescued in 1984 when fishermen pulled him from tangled nets off the coast of Argentina. Soon after, he was taken to an aquarium in Mendoza, far from the sea, where he became a familiar attraction and lived for decades in a small tank. The push to change his fate began in 2021, when researchers, attorneys, and more than 60,000 supporters called for his release. Marine biologists then designed an intensive three-year program to rebuild his natural abilities. They slowly reintroduced him to saltwater, live prey, moving currents, and situations that required him to compete for food. In 2025, Jorge finally returned to the Atlantic with a satellite tag attached. Within a few weeks, he had traveled more than 1,700 miles north toward Brazil. He is now swimming off the coast of Santa Catarina, offering proof that even after a lifetime in captivity, a wild animal can regain the instincts it needs to survive. 👉 always remember to follow the 7 principles of LNT when enjoying the outdoors. For more info https://lnt.org #yournationalparks If Jorge can do it! There is no certainty about where Wikie and Keijo will end up, but the options are narrowing. Until a decision is made, they will continue to live at Marineland. Why NOT release to wild for God’s sake!? Humans are the controlling monsters of the planet. We exist in such a gaslighting cruel human world. This is simply another example. Who doesn’t think it is fair to state that those who value all innocent life are furious at the inactions of government officials who do nothing when they damn well can?! The Crisis: Deteriorating Conditions: Reports and footage show the animals' environment is in rapid decline, with tanks becoming neglected and overgrown. Staffing Cuts: Marineland has dismissed a significant number of staff, including all veterinary personnel, leaving only a few trainers. No Solution for Rehoming: Efforts to relocate the animals have failed. Spanish authorities rejected a proposal to move the orcas to Loro Parque, and a transfer to Japan was also denied. To : President Emmanuel Macron, Marineland Management, and French Authorities We, the undersigned, demand immediate action to rescue and release the last captive orcas and dolphins at Marineland Antibes. Since January 5, 2025, mother orca Wikie (24) and her son Keijo (12), along with 12 dolphins, have been abandoned in confinement, deprived of proper care, enrichment, and social interaction. Their survival is at risk, with some experts warning of starvation within months. These intelligent, social, and long-lived animals are suffering in tiny concrete tanks, unable to live the lives they were meant to have in the wild. Background: In 2020, France banned marine mammal captivity, but four orcas remained at Marineland. Two (Moana and Inouk) have already died due to neglect and poor conditions. Transfers to other facilities, such as Kobe Suma Sea World in Japan or Loro Parque in Spain, would have resulted in smaller tanks, family separation, and continued breeding for entertainment. The Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia is currently the only viable sanctuary, but even it is not yet fully operational. Waiting until 2026 is unacceptable — past delays have already cost orca lives. Why This Matters: Orcas can live up to 100 years and swim up to 40 miles a day in the wild. Wikie and Keijo have been robbed of decades of natural life, freedom, and social bonds. Captivity causes extreme physical and psychological suffering. Releasing them to the wild, or a seaside sanctuary, is the most humane and effective action. Immediate action sets a global example for respecting the rights and welfare of intelligent marine species. We Call On: The French Government and President Macron to authorize safe transport and release to a seaside sanctuary or monitored wild pod. Marineland to cooperate fully with relocation and provide all necessary support for a successful transition. Independent oversight to ensure transparency and animal welfare during the relocation process. Time is critical. These animals cannot wait for bureaucratic delays or incomplete sanctuaries. Every day matters to Wikie, Keijo, and the dolphins who are counting on us. Take Action: Sign this petition. Share widely to amplify global pressure. Write directly to President Macron: https://www.elysee.fr/en/contact/ Let’s give Wikie, Keijo, and the other dolphins the freedom, dignity, and life they deserve. The world is watching, and together we can make this right. Thank you for taking action — every signature counts.