Franz Weber Foundation Opposes Transfer of French Orcas to Loro Parque in Tenerife

The Franz Weber Foundation has renewed its opposition to the proposed transfer of two captive orcas from France to Loro Parque in Tenerife, arguing that the move would undermine the intention of French legislation ending cetacean shows.

In a statement this month, Fondation Franz Weber (FFW) said the future of Wikie and her son Keijo, the last two orcas held in captivity in France, remains unresolved following the closure of Marineland Antibes in January 2025.

France approved legislation in 2021 to end cetacean shows and the keeping of cetaceans for entertainment purposes within five years, with the deadline set for December 2026.

According to FFW, the transfer of the two orcas to Loro Parque now appears imminent. The organisation argues that such a move would relocate the issue to Spain rather than provide a solution consistent with the aims of the French law.

FFW said it visited Loro Parque in June 2026 to assess the facilities. The organisation stated that orcas and dolphins continue to be kept for public performances and are part of captive breeding programmes.

In its statement, FFW claimed that the twice-daily shows, involving trained behaviours performed to music and audience applause, are unsuitable for cetaceans. The organisation described the conditions as “nothing short of torture” for a species that relies primarily on sound to perceive its environment.

The group also argued that the urgency surrounding the proposed transfer stems from a lack of long-term planning following France’s 2021 legislative changes. It said Wikie and Keijo should remain at Marineland Antibes until a marine sanctuary considered suitable for their needs becomes available.

FFW further stated that France should not “export the consequences of its decision to Spain” by transferring the animals to a facility that continues to operate cetacean shows.

The organisation also referred to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), stating that Spain’s Scientific Authority has issued a negative opinion on the proposed transfer, which it says should be respected by the French authorities.

FFW called on the Spanish Government to amend the 2023 Animal Protection and Welfare Act to ban cetacean shows and commercial interactions, prevent any new arrivals at dolphinariums and establish a roadmap for ending the practice.

The organisation said it is lobbying political representatives in Spain and believes changes to the legislation could prevent the transfer of Wikie and Keijo to Loro Parque.