A distressing video shared online captures two orcas swimming in a pool covered with algae in southern France, drawing global attention to the plight of Wikie, 24, and her 11-year-old calf Keijo.
Following the closure of a marine park in Antibes, France, where the orcas were housed, concerns have been raised about their well-being. The park shut down due to a law prohibiting marine mammal shows, leaving Wikie and Keijo in limbo.
Efforts to relocate the two orcas and 12 dolphins to parks in Spain were met with obstacles as Spanish authorities deemed the facilities unsuitable. This has left Wikie and Keijo in a dire situation as they remain in deteriorating conditions.
The urgency of the situation has prompted organizations like TideBreakers to advocate for the orcas’ relocation to a more suitable environment. Leaving them in their current state could lead to health complications or worse.
A recent drone video showing the orcas and dolphins in the algae-infested tanks has sparked outrage and calls for action. Despite assurances from the park management that the algae are harmless and regularly maintained, concerns about the animals’ welfare persist.
‘Alternative solutions’
Former park manager Mike Riddell has defended the park’s practices, citing routine maintenance procedures. However, the public outcry following the release of the video has put pressure on authorities to find a resolution.
While the French government has intervened to prevent the orcas’ transfer to Japan and Spain, alternative solutions are being explored to ensure the animals’ well-being. NGOs like One Voice and Sea Shepherd have offered to send specialists to assess the situation at Marineland.
The long-term goal is to establish a marine sanctuary where Wikie, Keijo, and other marine animals can thrive in a semi-wild environment. This initiative would require significant financial investment but is deemed necessary for the orcas’ long-term survival.
As discussions continue on the best course of action for Wikie and Keijo, it is evident that their future hinges on finding a suitable and sustainable solution that prioritizes their well-being.
© Agence France-Presse
