Marineland orca update: May 2026

Wikie and Keijo at Marineland 2024 (c) Leo’s Animal Planet

Following months of speculation and negotiation, it has emerged that the French authorities are pushing forward with proposals to move captive orcas Wikie and Keijo from Marineland in France, to Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain.

Born Free is a member of the Dolphinaria-Free Europe coalition, and is a co-signatory of the following statement in response:

The Dolphinaria-Free Europe coalition is deeply concerned by the French government’s decision to transfer Wikie and Keijo from Marineland in France to Loro Parque in Spain. Marineland’s closure followed France’s 2021 legislation intended to end the captivity, breeding, and entertainment use of cetaceans, yet this move risks placing the orcas back into an environment centred on performances and continued exploitation.

Spanish authorities had previously deemed Loro Parque unsuitable due to concerns over tank size and conditions, while the facility has already seen the premature deaths of several orcas in recent years. Reversing that decision for the sake of expediency would do a grave disservice to Wikie and Keijo. While action is needed, tank conditions at Marineland may not be deteriorating rapidly as the French ministry reported and transferring these animals into another entertainment-based facility, simply to resolve this situation quickly, cannot be considered an appropriate welfare solution.

Dolphinaria-Free Europe supports the efforts of its member organisations in France and Spain to prevent the transfer of the orcas to Loro Parque. We urge the French authorities to reconsider this transfer and pursue an outcome that genuinely reflects the spirit of France’s 2021 law and prioritises the welfare and future of these two orcas.

Born Free will continue to keep supporters updated on Wikie and Keijo’s situation as it progresses.