French government officials convened in Paris on Monday with an American organization aiming to transfer France’s final two captive whales to a potential coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The outcome of the meeting was inconclusive as French authorities are still deliberating whether to relocate the orcas, Wikie and her offspring Keijo, to Loro Parque zoo in the Canary Islands, a proposal previously dismissed by the Spanish government.
Following the gathering, France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefevre, affirmed that a definitive verdict would be reached by the end of March. Lefevre emphasized the government’s cautious and conscientious approach, asserting that any decision would only be made after ensuring robust assurances regarding animal well-being, legal compliance, and community considerations.
Lefevre highlighted that the meeting provided an opportunity for the French government to evaluate the proposition put forth by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), which envisions establishing a 40-hectare seaside pen along Nova Scotia’s rugged eastern coast. This expansive enclosure, approximately the size of 50 football fields, would be equipped with floating nets extending from the shore. Experts contend that captive-bred whales are unsuitable for release into the wild due to their lack of essential survival skills.
The WSP’s sanctuary concept was initially announced in 2020 and obtained provincial approval in October of the preceding year. However, the non-profit organization is yet to commence construction and requires a transfer license from the federal Fisheries Department before initiating any whale transfers to Canada. Additionally, securing approximately $15 million from private donors within a tight timeframe is imperative for the refurbishment of an old wharf and the construction of the enclosure, to be moored in the bay near Wine Harbour, N.S., a three-hour drive east of Halifax.
The timing of completion during the warmer months is critical as the two whales, accustomed to a mild Mediterranean climate, necessitate several months to acclimate before the onset of winter. France’s decision to collaborate with WSP represents a departure from its stance in January 2025, when the organization’s offer was rebuffed due to concerns about the sanctuary’s readiness and ocean temperatures. Despite the absence of a formal agreement, Lefevre declared in December 2025 that Wikie and Keijo would be relocated to Nova Scotia, deeming it the sole ethical, credible, and legally compliant resolution.
However, challenges remain as the whales’ proprietors, Marineland Antibes in southern France, have opposed the relocation. Lefevre acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that the ministry also aims to explore the solution proposed by Loro Parque in Spain, given the absence of a consensus among stakeholders.
In a bid to ensure a smooth transition, the Whale Sanctuary Project affirmed its commitment to facilitating health assessments for the whales before their transfer. The group expressed readiness to collaborate with the French government and Marineland Antibes to safeguard the well-being of Wikie and Keijo.