Overview
- Marineland, which announced Friday it is targeting moves before the end of June, began final planning after the government gave its green light.
- Minister Mathieu Lefèvre said the orca pools risk collapse, saying inaction could lead to euthanasia and adding that all permits are in place.
- Orcas Wikie, 24, and Keijo, 12, are slated to fly by cargo plane to Loro Parque in Tenerife at a cost of several hundred thousand euros, with France saying they must not perform in shows.
- Twelve dolphins are due to be split between facilities in Valencia and Malaga, with eight expected in Malaga and some later planned to return to France when Beauval’s new pool opens in 2027.
- Animal-welfare groups including Sea Shepherd and One Voice oppose the move and prepare legal action, while a February court-ordered veterinary report found the animals’ health compatible with either staying or transfer after the park’s 2025 closure under France’s 2021 cetacean rules.