Marineland Antibes Closes Permanently, Leaving Orcas' Future Uncertain

The French marine park shuts down after 50 years due to declining attendance and new animal welfare laws, with debates ongoing about the fate of its orcas and other animals.

Marineland Antibes, Europe's largest marine zoo, officially closed on January 5, 2025, following a 2021 French law banning cetacean performances by 2026.
The park's two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, face an uncertain future as activists and officials debate relocation options, including sanctuaries or other marine parks.
Proposals to move the orcas to Japan or Spain have been criticized over concerns about animal welfare standards and potential continued use in performances.
Activists advocate for a sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada, where the orcas could live in a large ocean bay with human care, but funding and government support remain unresolved.
The closure impacts 4,000 animals of 150 species and over 100 permanent staff, marking the end of a once-popular attraction that struggled with declining attendance and public opposition to marine animal captivity.