The long-running debate around captive orcas has resurfaced again…
This time involving two killer whales currently stranded in a closed French marine park and a proposed move to Tenerife.
French Government Pushes for Urgent Transfer
France’s Minister for Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, has confirmed that the French government is now supporting the relocation of two orcas from:
📍 Marineland Côte d’Azur — Antibes, France
To:
📍 Loro Parque — Tenerife
According to the minister, the situation has become increasingly urgent following the closure of Marineland earlier this year.
Marineland Closed After Ban on Cetacean Shows
The French marine park officially closed in January after more than 50 years operating, largely due to France’s upcoming ban on cetacean performances from 2026 onwards.
Visitor numbers had already reportedly been falling in recent years.
The park is owned by:
🏢 Parques Reunidos
Which now plans to redevelop the site for other uses.
“If Nothing Is Done, They Are Doomed”
Speaking to Nice Matin, the French minister stated:
“All authorisations are available.”
And added that negotiations between Marineland and the Spanish parks could allow the transfer to happen within weeks.
He also warned that:
⚠️ The condition of the current pools is deteriorating
Claiming that without urgent action, the orcas could face serious risk.
Strong wording admittedly…
But clearly the pressure around the situation is growing.
Environmental Groups Oppose the Move
Not everyone agrees with relocating the orcas to Tenerife.
Environmental organisation:
🌊 Sea Shepherd
Has publicly opposed the transfer, arguing the animals should instead be moved to:
🌿 Semi-wild marine sanctuaries
Rather than another marine park environment.
This debate has been ongoing internationally for years now, especially around captive orcas and dolphin facilities.
Loro Parque Once Again at the Centre of Global Attention
The proposal has once again placed:
🐬 Loro Parque — Tenerife
At the centre of international discussion around marine wildlife captivity.
Supporters argue the park already has the facilities and expertise to care for the animals immediately.
Critics argue the wider issue is captivity itself.
And unsurprisingly, neither side seems remotely close to changing its mind.
Worth Knowing
Whatever people’s opinions on marine parks, this situation highlights a difficult reality many countries are now facing.
Closing facilities is one thing.
Deciding where large captive animals can realistically go afterwards is something else entirely.
And there are no easy answers once 5-tonne orcas are involved.