An expert report raises concerns about the alarming state of the facilities housing the orcas at Marineland in Antibes, which has been closed for over a year. According to this document, written by two veterinarians commissioned by the court at the request of the NGO Sea Shepherd, the orca pool shows "advanced structural deterioration".
Experts indicate that the two remaining orcas, Wikie (24 years old) and her son Keijo (12 years old), as well as the park's twelve dolphins, are in a state of health compatible with either remaining in place or being transferred. However, the five-pool complex built in 2001 is weakened by subsoil movement. While it remains functional thanks to maintenance operations, the report states that it could collapse at any moment.
A future hanging on the decisions of the authorities
In the event of a major failure, the lack of equipment and personnel for an emergency transfer would make the situation critical, with euthanasia being the only option considered. Veterinarians also point out that orcas are social animals that should live in groups of at least three individuals, as required by regulations prior to the 2021 law that progressively banned the captivity of cetaceans in France.
Several transfer options have been discussed in recent months, including Spain, Japan, and a future sanctuary in Nova Scotia, but none have yet been finalized. Regarding the dolphins, the report concludes that their current conditions are satisfactory and compatible with remaining in their current location, which could facilitate their planned transfer to the Beauval Zoo, despite reservations expressed by some NGOs.
