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Abandoned Orcas in Closed Park Shock the Web, Viral Video Exposes Concerning Scenario and Pressures Authorities for Urgent Solution.
The largest abandoned marine park in Europe has become a topic of global discussion for an alarming reason: two orcas remain trapped in tanks overtaken by algae, even after the park’s closure.
The scene that drew the most attention shows the orcas swimming passively in degraded pools, inside an empty park, with no shows and no audience.
Marineland, in Antibes, in southeastern France, closed in January 2025. Almost a year later, the question has become one: where will Wikie and Keijo go before it’s too late.
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A 48-square-meter house assembled in hours with 4,000 bricks made of recycled plastic that does not absorb moisture, has natural thermal insulation, and costs less than 90,000 reais in a complete kit.
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Luciano Hang revealed that Havan’s air fleet has already accumulated more than 20,000 landings, 10,000 flight hours, and 6 million kilometers traveled, and he says that without the planes, the company would never have grown so quickly.
Viral Invasion Video Exposes Orcas in Tanks with Algae and Triggers Urgency Alert
Social media activist Seph Lawless decided to visit Marineland after suspecting the living conditions of the orcas. He stated that he thought that, if the situation delayed, they could die.
The footage taken inside the park, obtained after a break-in, quickly went viral and surpassed 33 million views. As a result, the well-being of Wikie and Keijo began to be questioned by millions of people.
According to him, the sharing turned into a social movement. The content was even reposted by names like Bella Hadid, Joaquin Phoenix, and Kacey Musgraves, amplifying public pressure.
Marineland Says Animals Are Fine but Admits Real Risk and Talks About Pool Collapse
Marineland stated that the orcas are in very good health and are well taken care of, even with the park closed.
At the same time, the company acknowledged that the situation is concerning and extremely urgent, with risks to the animals’ well-being, and argued that the French government should take responsibility.
The most serious point arises from the alert made by the park itself: the pools could collapse at any moment, which would result in the animals’ death. The communications chief also stated that the structures have reached the end of their useful life.
Nonetheless, the company says that trainers continue to be present on-site to ensure the orcas’ care.
Law Passed in 2021 in France Tightened the Noose and Bans Display of Marine Mammals Starting in 2026
The origin of the problem stems from a legal change. In 2021, France approved new legislation regarding animal cruelty.
This law prohibits the display of marine mammals in captivity, such as whales, porpoises, and dolphins, from the end of 2026.
As a result, Marineland, operated by the Spanish company Parques Reunidos, closed in early 2025. The company operates over 30 amusement parks worldwide.
The striking detail is that, even with the law set and the park closed, there is still no confirmed destination for Wikie and Keijo.
Transfer Became a Stalemate, Attempts to Move the Orcas to Loro Parque Were Blocked
With complex transport and care for animals of this size, the park and French authorities have been unable to define a new home.
Parques Reunidos is trying to transfer the orcas to Loro Parque in Spain, but the Spanish and French authorities blocked attempts made in early 2025.
NGOs criticized the plan because Wikie and Keijo could continue to be used in shows.
Loro Parque is located in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, and holds four orcas in captivity, used in what the park describes as an educational presentation.
Europe Only Has Three Locations with Orcas in Captivity, History of Deaths Increases Debate
According to the global organization Whale and Dolphin Conservation, only three locations in Europe keep orcas in captivity.
One of them is Marineland itself, where Wikie and Keijo are.
Another is Loro Parque, which has had significant incidents. In 2009, the orca Keto attacked a trainer during a rehearsal, resulting in the death of Alexis Martínez, 29. Keto died in 2024, and three other orcas died in the park between March 2021 and September 2022.
The third location is Moskvarium, in Russia. There, orca Naya was initially displayed with two other animals, which have since died.
These numbers and occurrences help understand why any change in destination generates so much resistance and debate.
Will Wikie and Keijo Finally Leave Marineland? Timeline Points to Summer 2026 but Project Depends on US$ 15 Million
One alternative already considered was a marine sanctuary in Nova Scotia, Canada. This option was proposed as a new home for the duo but was ultimately discarded for administrative reasons.
The compassionate seaside sanctuary developed by the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, unlike marine parks, this protected ocean-based habitat is designed to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of previously captive whales.
There will be no shows, breeding, or concrete walls. This is not a bigger tank; this is the retirement these animals deserve.
Now, the French government has revived the plan and stated that the animals could be sent there by mid-2026.
However, Marineland rejected the proposal and described it as a hypothetical and non-existent solution, which keeps the stalemate open and increases the risk of delay.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting for a concrete decision to be made before the deadline and before the pools deteriorate completely.
The estimated construction cost is US$ 15 million, with a need for funding within the next few months.
This financial detail stands out because it places time as a critical factor: structure ready, resources guaranteed, and logistics finalized must go hand in hand.
While final logistical and administrative approvals are still being secured, this historical green light could ultimately end their confined lives in concrete tanks and mark a decisive step toward justice, dignity, and freedom.
French Ministry of Ecological Transition Informed That It Awaits a Report Evaluating the Conditions of the Pools and the Well-Being of the Animals
Seph Lawless, who uses a pseudonym linked to the idea of being outside the law, stated that he has previously bypassed rules to document abandoned places. He argues that, at times, disobeying the law may be necessary to do what he considers right.
He recounted that he sought permission to film and, after being denied and communication was cut off, decided to travel personally from the United States to France. He broke into the park three times in total.
During his most recent visit, he observed that the orcas began to repeat typical behaviors of shows. He speculated that they might have thought he was a trainer and were waiting for food.
The French Ministry of Ecological Transition informed that it is waiting for a report to evaluate the conditions of the pools and the well-being of the animals.
In the end, the case draws attention due to the contrast: a park closed since January 2025, two famous and beloved orcas still on-site, and a declared risk of structural collapse without a defined destination.
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