Wikie and Keijo, two orcas born in captivity, find themselves at the center of a complex debate surrounding their future. Currently residing at Marineland Antibes in southern France, their fate remains uncertain following the facility's closure in January due to a French law banning orcas in entertainment shows. The French government's rejection of a proposal to transfer the orcas to a sanctuary in Canada has further complicated matters. As discussions continue, the possibility arises of relocating them to another marine zoo in Spain.
The French ecology minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, has stepped forward with a potential solution by proposing the creation of a European whale sanctuary. This initiative aims to provide a suitable environment for Wikie and Keijo, aligning with France's "Year of the Sea" initiative. Pannier-Runacher has engaged in conversations with counterparts in Spain, Italy, and Greece to explore the feasibility of establishing such a sanctuary collaboratively.
Sea Shepherd, a marine conservation society, has expressed its support for creating an ocean sanctuary tailored for captive orcas. Advocates argue that this move would benefit orcas like Wikie and Keijo, who originate from Iceland and do not belong to the ecotypes typically found in the Mediterranean.
Dr. David Perpiñán, a diplomate at the European College of Zoological Medicine, emphasized:
"Wikie and Keijo's origin is Iceland. These two orcas do not belong to the ecotypes seen in the Mediterranean." – Dr. David Perpiñán
Despite the potential benefits of a European sanctuary, challenges remain. Christoph Kiessling, an expert on marine animals, highlighted the complexities involved:
"Currently unable to meet the complex physiological, social and environmental needs." – Christoph Kiessling
He further noted:
"Such a process could take years, leaving the two Marineland [orcas] in a facility that is being wound down." – Christoph Kiessling
Loro Parque, a marine zoo in Spain, has shown interest in housing Wikie and Keijo. The facility has already finalized plans for a sanctuary specifically designed for these orcas. However, Loro Parque's track record raises concerns, as several orcas have died there in recent years, including three between March 2021 and September 2022.
The directors behind the rejected Canadian project have criticized the notion of establishing a sanctuary in the Mediterranean. They argue that such environments may not adequately meet the needs of orcas born and raised in captivity.
In light of these conflicting viewpoints, Pannier-Runacher remains cautiously optimistic about the European sanctuary proposal. She remarked:
"I'm not telling you that it will work," – Agnès Pannier-Runacher
Nevertheless, she continues to explore possibilities for Wikie and Keijo's future with her European colleagues.
The broader debate touches on crucial issues regarding captive marine animals' welfare and their integration into natural habitats. As marine parks worldwide face mounting pressure to improve conditions for captive animals, proposals like Pannier-Runacher's aim to strike a balance between conservation and animal welfare.
Leave a Reply