Overview

• Overhead footage from August 12 shows trainers holding 11-year-old Keijo as a staffer appears to stimulate him, with his mother Wikie visible in a neighboring pool.
• Marineland managers say the procedure relieves Keijo’s sexual tension to avoid inbreeding and to reduce the risk of fighting or injury.
• The ecology ministry says the zoo reported the practice occurs about once a month and that a veterinary expert was consulted.
• Activists, including a former SeaWorld trainer, argue the scene resembles semen collection for artificial insemination; Marineland denies any such intent and notes export would require government authorization.
• The orcas remain at the closed Antibes park after attempts to move them to Japan, Canada or Spain faltered, and welfare groups warn prolonged separation and confinement are harmful.