Heartbreaking: Orca and Dolphins Stranded in Closed French Dolphinarium

antibes, france - Two orcas and twelve dolphins are trapped in a closed dolphinarium in Antibes, France, facing dire conditions after Marineland's closure.

Orca and Dolphins Stranded in Closed Dolphinarium

Months after the closure of Marineland in Antibes, France, two orcas and twelve dolphins remain trapped in deteriorating conditions, as revealed by drone footage.

Marineland's History and Closure

Marineland, once the largest dolphinarium in Europe, opened in 1970 in Antibes, near Cannes, housing thousands of marine animals. Declining visitors and a ban on whale shows led to its closure in January, leaving behind the orcas Wikie and Keijo, along with twelve dolphins.

Struggle for Relocation

Efforts to relocate the marine mammals to Spain and Japan faced obstacles, with Spain denying the move in April. The animals, now stranded, receive minimal care in Antibes, with concerns raised about their health and safety.

Global Attention Needed

Activists urge urgent action to move the orcas and dolphins to a safe environment. The Whale Sanctuary Project suggests Nova Scotia as a potential refuge, while French authorities explore options closer to home due to travel concerns for the captive-born orcas.

Despite challenges, the priority remains providing a clean and secure habitat for these marine animals, who entertained the public for years.