Marineland in Antibes to Close Permanently Following Legal and Financial Challenges

The iconic French marine park will shut its doors on January 5, 2025, citing economic struggles and a 2021 law banning cetacean performances as key factors.

Marineland d’Antibes, home to France’s last captive orcas, will close permanently due to declining visitor numbers and financial losses exacerbated by the 2021 law banning cetacean performances by 2026.
The park's two remaining orcas, Wikie and Keijo, must remain in Antibes until the conclusion of a court-ordered medical evaluation of their living conditions, as confirmed by a recent appellate court ruling.
Potential relocation options for the orcas include a delphinarium in the Canary Islands or a sanctuary in Nova Scotia, though no final decision has been made, and logistical and legal hurdles remain.
The closure affects approximately 4,000 animals, including dolphins, seals, and fish, with relocation plans ongoing and some animals already transferred to other facilities like the Madrid Zoo.
Marineland’s visitor numbers dropped from 1.2 million annually to 425,000 over the past decade, with management citing the pandemic and regulatory changes as contributing factors to the park's financial decline.