French government reviews Nova Scotia sanctuary plan for two orcas

French officials met with the Whale Sanctuary Project in Paris to review a proposal to relocate two captive orcas to a coastal refuge in Nova Scotia, and said a final decision will be made by the end of March.

French government officials met in Paris with the U.S.-based Whale Sanctuary Project to evaluate a plan to move France's last two captive orcas, Wikie and her son Keijo, to a coastal refuge in Nova Scotia. No decision was reached at the meeting. Officials said they are still considering an earlier proposal to send the orcas to Spain's Loro Parque. Environment minister Mathieu Lefevre said the state will act responsibly and methodically and aims to make a final decision by the end of March. Key facts: - The Whale Sanctuary Project's proposal calls for a 40-hectare seaside pen near Wine Harbour, N.S., with a ring of floating nets; the group received provincial approval in October but has not begun construction. - WSP still needs a federal transfer licence from Fisheries Canada and must raise about $15 million from private donors to refurbish an old wharf and build the enclosure. - The Paris meeting included scientific experts, state representatives, local officials and operators of Marineland Antibes, which owns the two orcas. - Spain's Loro Parque option was blocked by Spanish authorities in April 2025 after a scientific agency ruled the facility did not meet minimum size standards. - Marineland Antibes has said the whales' pools are in poor condition, and photographs have shown water discolored by algae. Summary: France is keeping both the Nova Scotia sanctuary and the Loro Parque option on the table while seeking firm guarantees on animal welfare, legal compliance and local considerations. The Whale Sanctuary Project must secure federal approvals, funding and complete construction before any transfer can occur. A final decision is expected by the end of March.