At Marineland Antibes in southern France, trainers are resorting to controversial methods to manage a young male killer whale, Keijo, by providing sexual stimulation to prevent inbreeding with his mother, Wikie. The facility, which closed in January, remains without a rehoming plan as French authorities and animal rights activists disagree on a suitable new home for the orcas.
Footage obtained by the animal rights group TideBreakers shows trainers working with Keijo, who is now reaching adolescence and experiencing strong sexual urges. Since Marineland closed before the enactment of new legislation banning the use of orcas in shows, the orcas have continued to remain at the facility under the care of trainers.
Animal activist Valerie Greene considers this approach troubling and unusual for the industry. The French government is involved, as potential solutions for rehoming Keijo and Wikie remain stalled. While Keijo's stimulation is claimed to be necessary for his health, many advocate for the immediate rescue of the animals, calling the situation sad and morally questionable.
With no clear path for rehoming and ongoing challenges in securing a safer environment, concerns for Wikie and Keijo's welfare have mounted. Calls for intervention and effective sanctuary options underscore a bleak outlook for these orcas, highlighting the need for urgent action in animal welfare and conservation efforts.
