Once the stars of Marineland Antibes in southern France, two orcas now swim in slow, silent circles — not in celebration or performance, but in quiet captivity, long after the curtain has fallen.
Wikie and her son, Keijo, are the last orcas in France, and months after the park shut down for good in January 2024, they remain locked inside barren concrete tanks — forgotten by the crowds who once cheered for them.
Born Into Captivity, Left Behind in Silence
Wikie is no stranger to headlines. In 2014, she stunned scientists by mimicking human speech — saying “hello” and “bye-bye” in a viral moment that briefly made her world-famous.
But Wikie has never felt the ocean. She was born in captivity and has spent her entire life in an artificial world. Her son Keijo, born in 2013 in the same tank, shares the same fate — a life shaped by concrete walls and choreographed shows.
As public sentiment turned against captive marine parks — fueled by the global impact of documentaries like Blackfish — Marineland Antibes saw attendance drop, sponsors flee, and protests surge. Eventually, the gates closed. But the animals stayed, The Standard reports.
A Marine Stadium Turned Ghost Town
Recent footage paints a haunting picture: empty seats, crumbling signs, and two orcas trapped in a tank far too small for their size and intelligence. Observers report clear signs of psychological distress — lethargy, repetitive circling, and listlessness — all hallmarks of captivity-induced trauma.
Nearby, a dozen dolphins remain confined to holding pools with minimal care. A skeleton crew provides food and basic upkeep, but there’s no veterinary oversight, no enrichment, and no long-term plan.
No Exit in Sight
Despite widespread outrage, French authorities have yet to provide a solution for Wikie and Keijo’s future. A promising offer from the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia — which already has a protected cove, permits, and infrastructure in place — was turned down by France’s Ministry of Ecology, which insists on a “European solution.”
Critics say no such option currently exists.
“You can’t wait years to start building something,” said Lori Marino, president of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “These animals need help now.”
“Concrete Tanks Are Not Homes”
Animal welfare advocates around the world are calling for immediate action. David Phillips of the Earth Island Institute put it simply: “Orcas don’t belong in concrete tanks. They belong in the ocean.”
As Wikie and Keijo continue their endless rotations, their story has become a global symbol — not of spectacle, but of neglect. What was once entertainment now reads as tragedy.
Their lives are not props. Their pain is real. And time is running out.
