French officials in Paris met with a U.S.-based group on Monday to discuss the potential relocation of France’s last two captive whales to a proposed coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The decision on whether to move the orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo is still under consideration by the French government. The Minister for Ecological Transition stated that a final verdict would be reached by the end of March, emphasizing the importance of ensuring animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations.
The proposed coastal sanctuary by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) in Nova Scotia aims to provide a 40-hectare seaside enclosure for the whales. The project, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, includes a network of floating nets. Given that captive whales lack essential survival skills to be released into the wild, such sanctuaries serve as vital habitats for their care.
The WSP’s sanctuary initiative, approved provincially in October last year, awaits construction commencement pending a transfer license from Canada’s federal Fisheries Department. To fund the refurbishment of an old wharf and the enclosure’s construction, the WSP aims to secure approximately $15 million from private donors within a tight timeframe. The sanctuary’s completion before winter is crucial for Wikie and Keijo’s adaptation to the new climate in Nova Scotia.
Previously, the French government had rejected the WSP’s proposal, citing concerns about readiness and ocean temperatures. However, the decision was reversed in December 2025, favoring the Nova Scotia sanctuary as the most ethical and legally compliant solution. Despite opposition from the whales’ current owners, Marineland Antibes, discussions at the recent meeting in Paris involved various stakeholders, including scientific experts and local officials.
The WSP expressed commitment to facilitating a responsible transition process for the whales and emphasized the need for thorough health assessments before their relocation. Collaboration between the French government, Marineland Antibes, and the WSP is anticipated for the welfare of Wikie and Keijo as they potentially move to Nova Scotia’s proposed sanctuary.
