Two Orcas Float Alone in a Silent, Shuttered Park

A mother and son orca float listlessly in the green-tinged water of a closed French aquarium. The fight over where to move them has reached a stalemate. At Marineland Antibes, weeds cover the walkways. The stands are empty. Once a major tourist attraction, the park now holds only its last two marine mammals: Wikie and Keijo, a killer whale pair born in captivity. The aquarium shut down in January 2025. With no more shows, the orcas often "log"—float motionless at the surface—according to a court-ordered report. The French government, the park, and animal welfare groups all agree the orcas must be moved. But they cannot agree on a new home. The race is on to find a solution for Wikie and Keijo before their silent wait continues any longer.