French government officials in Paris recently met with a U.S.-based organization that aims to relocate France’s remaining two captive whales to a proposed coastal sanctuary in Nova Scotia. The officials have not yet reached a decision, as they are also considering an alternative plan to move the orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, to Spain’s Loro Parque zoo, which was previously rejected by the Spanish government.
Following the meeting on Monday, France’s minister for ecological transition, Mathieu Lefevre, emphasized that a final verdict will be reached by the end of March. Lefevre stated that the government is proceeding diligently and responsibly, ensuring that any decision prioritizes animal welfare, legal compliance, and community considerations.
The discussions allowed the French government to evaluate a proposal put forth by the Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP), which seeks to establish a 40-hectare seaside enclosure on Nova Scotia’s eastern coast. This sanctuary, equivalent in size to 50 football fields, would feature floating nets extending from the shore, as experts assert that captive whales lack the skills to survive in the wild.
The WSP initially announced its proposal in 2020, receiving provincial approval in October last year. However, construction has not commenced, and the organization still requires a transfer license from the federal Fisheries Department in Canada. Moreover, approximately $15 million in funding from private donors is essential for refurbishing an old wharf and constructing the enclosure near Wine Harbour, N.S.
Given the whales’ acclimation needs to the colder climate in Nova Scotia, completing the sanctuary in the warmer months is crucial. The decision to collaborate with the WSP signifies a shift from a previous stance taken by the French government in January 2025, when they dismissed the proposal due to concerns about timeliness and ocean temperatures.
Despite opposition from Marineland Antibes, the whales’ current owners, Lefevre declared in December 2025 that transferring Wikie and Keijo to Nova Scotia is the most ethical and lawful solution available. The Paris meeting involved various stakeholders, including scientific experts, government representatives, local authorities, and Marineland Antibes operators.
It is worth noting that the Whale Sanctuary Project has expressed willingness to ensure a smooth transition for the whales, emphasizing the need for health assessments before their relocation. The organization looks forward to collaborating with the French government and Marineland Antibes to safeguard the well-being of Wikie and Keijo.