Following Marineland Antibes' closure, the orcas' fate hangs in the balance amid criticisms towards potential relocation options. New proposals for a European sanctuary have been both welcomed and condemned, highlighting the ongoing struggle to ensure the welfare of these marine mammals.**
European Sanctuary Proposal for Homeless Orcas Sparks Controversy**
European Sanctuary Proposal for Homeless Orcas Sparks Controversy**
The future of two captive orcas, Wikie and Keijo, remains uncertain as plans for a sanctuary are met with mixed reactions from animal rights advocates and marine facilities.**
Despite their marine zoo home shutting down, the fate of Wikie and Keijo, two orcas previously residing at Marineland Antibes, remains unresolved. The closure, prompted by a French law banning orca performances, left these whales still located at the now-closed facility in Southern France.
For months, the zoo management has attempted to transfer the orcas to other marine parks, leading to outcry from animal rights activists demanding a sanctuary where the animals won’t need to perform or breed. Recently, discussions between French ecology minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, and colleagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece proposed creating a new sanctuary. This proposal, however, lacks clear details, leading to further criticism.
Loro Parque, a proposed marine zoo in Spain interested in acquiring the orcas, argued that the sanctuary plans are unsuitable for the orcas' complex needs. Christoph Kiessling, the zoo's vice-president, stated that current sanctuary designs do not adequately meet the orcas' social and environmental conditions. He indicated that further research and planning could potentially allow for a suitable sanctuary; however, this could take years, prolonging the orcas' situation.
Amid the uncertainty, critics pointed out troubling health trends at Loro Parque, where several orca deaths occurred, raising concerns about the facility's suitability. Campaigners like Katheryn Wise from World Animal Protection voiced that marine zoos like Loro Parque prioritize entertainment over animal welfare, evident from their breeding announcements.
The rejected Canadian sanctuary's proposal to house Wikie and Keijo was previously denied due to concerns over water temperature and distance. The Canadian sanctuary directors challenged the Mediterranean proposal, emphasizing that those environments may be unsuitable for orcas like Wikie and Keijo.
While some support Pannier-Runacher's sanctuary idea, seeing it as an improvement over traditional marine zoos, the controversy surrounding the orcas' relocation options persists. Pannier-Runacher has expressed the need for suitable conditions in relocation decisions and remains open to options, asserting that nothing will be pursued without proper consideration.
Anticipation continues as advocates, marine facilities, and government officials seek a resolution during France's "Year of the Sea," which aims to elevate ocean conservation awareness.
For months, the zoo management has attempted to transfer the orcas to other marine parks, leading to outcry from animal rights activists demanding a sanctuary where the animals won’t need to perform or breed. Recently, discussions between French ecology minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, and colleagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece proposed creating a new sanctuary. This proposal, however, lacks clear details, leading to further criticism.
Loro Parque, a proposed marine zoo in Spain interested in acquiring the orcas, argued that the sanctuary plans are unsuitable for the orcas' complex needs. Christoph Kiessling, the zoo's vice-president, stated that current sanctuary designs do not adequately meet the orcas' social and environmental conditions. He indicated that further research and planning could potentially allow for a suitable sanctuary; however, this could take years, prolonging the orcas' situation.
Amid the uncertainty, critics pointed out troubling health trends at Loro Parque, where several orca deaths occurred, raising concerns about the facility's suitability. Campaigners like Katheryn Wise from World Animal Protection voiced that marine zoos like Loro Parque prioritize entertainment over animal welfare, evident from their breeding announcements.
The rejected Canadian sanctuary's proposal to house Wikie and Keijo was previously denied due to concerns over water temperature and distance. The Canadian sanctuary directors challenged the Mediterranean proposal, emphasizing that those environments may be unsuitable for orcas like Wikie and Keijo.
While some support Pannier-Runacher's sanctuary idea, seeing it as an improvement over traditional marine zoos, the controversy surrounding the orcas' relocation options persists. Pannier-Runacher has expressed the need for suitable conditions in relocation decisions and remains open to options, asserting that nothing will be pursued without proper consideration.
Anticipation continues as advocates, marine facilities, and government officials seek a resolution during France's "Year of the Sea," which aims to elevate ocean conservation awareness.
