Marineland wants to transfer its orcas to Japan and has made a request to the government

2024-11-23 11:06:00

The alert, which was confirmed by Marineland, came from animal protection associations who have been mobilizing for many months with the last two orcas in the park. “Official transfer requests were submitted this week to the French administrative authorities by the park for a transfer of Wikie and Keijo to Suma Kobe Aqualife in Japan, announces, in unison with One Voice and C’est Enssez!, Christine Ringuet of Tilikum’s Spirit. ❌Not surprisingly, Marineland remains equal to itself and considers its financial matters before the animals.”

Marineland: “We have a duty to anticipate”

Contacted by us, Marineland confirms: “A CITES permit application was submitted this week to the Ministry of Ecology for the transfer of the two orcas to Japan.” The Antibes park adds and insists: “Marineland has a responsibility to anticipate the date of December 1, 2026 (1). This is the first step in the process.”

“We have to think about where the orcas will be able to go when the law applies in France. As the sanctuaries proposal is not operational, there remains the solution of a marine park equivalent to that of Marineland, where live Wikie and Keijo This is the case of Suma Kobe Aqualife which, like Marineland, is a signatory to the Washington international convention which guarantees compliance with certain standards concerning orcas in captivity.

Associations: “We send them to catastrophic living conditions”

For associations, this solution is not acceptable. “In none of the Asian parks that can accommodate orcas are there any educational activities. The transfer of these cetaceans to this country is only taking place for two reasons, the need for orcas for representation and the need for genetic diversity for reproduction.

Concerning the Kobe park chosen by Marineland, it has caused so much talk with the repeated strandings of the orca Ran. The spirit of the 2021 law is to protect captive wild animals, not to send them to catastrophic living conditions where the tanks are much smaller than at Marineland.

Furthermore, under European regulations, transfers of cetaceans must not be made to establishments for primarily commercial purposes. However, the Suma Kobe Aqualife is a hotel… Without any educational or scientific vocation. »

A petition posted online

Associations that fear “an imminent departure of Wikie and Keijo before December 5, when a legal decision is expected regarding their fate” have posted a petition online (2) addressed to Prime Minister Michel Barnier and the Ministry of Ecology to ask to stop the transfer of orcas.

1. From this date, it will be strictly prohibited in France to offer shows with cetaceans, just as their reproduction in captivity and their detention will be prohibited.

2. mesopinions.com (Impending transfer of orcas to Japan).

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#Marineland #transfer #orcas #Japan #request #government

What are the potential impacts of transferring orcas from Marineland to Suma Kobe Aqualife​ on their welfare and living conditions?

**Interviewer:** Today, we’re discussing ⁢a pressing issue that has emerged⁤ from Marineland in France regarding its last two orcas, Wikie and Keijo. We ⁢have with us Christine Ringuet, a representative from the animal protection ‍group Tilikum’s Spirit. Christine, can you provide some insight into the recent developments at Marineland?

**Christine Ringuet:** Thank ⁤you for having me.​ Recently, Marineland confirmed⁣ they ‌have submitted official requests to French authorities for the transfer of ⁢Wikie and Keijo to Suma Kobe Aqualife ​in Japan.‍ This comes⁢ as the park anticipates‍ the regulations ​coming into effect on ⁣December 1, 2026, which will impact the future of keeping orcas in captivity in France. Marineland argues they have ‌a responsibility​ to find suitable ‍accommodations for these orcas, but this move has sparked ​considerable concern among animal‌ rights organizations.

**Interviewer:** ⁤What are your ​main concerns regarding the transfer to Suma⁤ Kobe Aqualife?

**Christine Ringuet:** Our primary concern is the ⁤living conditions the orcas will face in Japan. Animal protection associations strongly believe that facilities in Asia, including Suma Kobe, ​do not⁤ provide adequate welfare standards for orcas. In fact, we fear ⁤that⁢ these facilities may lead to catastrophic living conditions, as they often prioritize entertainment over education and the natural needs of the animals. The ​reality⁤ is that these moves are ⁢driven by financial considerations rather than the well-being of the ⁢animals.

**Interviewer:** Marineland insists that they have to act in accordance with upcoming laws and that Suma Kobe Aqualife meets certain international ⁣standards. How do you​ respond‌ to that claim?

**Christine Ringuet:** While Marineland might say they’re acting legally, the real question is about ethical‍ responsibility. Compliance with international standards does not guarantee that the conditions are sufficient for the orcas’⁣ health and happiness. What we see is ​a trend in ⁣which the welfare of these intelligent, sentient beings is ⁤overshadowed by business interests.⁢ We urge Marineland to reconsider and explore ‌humane alternatives that genuinely prioritize the animals’ needs, instead of simply transferring them⁣ to another marine park.

**Interviewer:** What would be a better​ solution according to your organization?

**Christine Ringuet:** We believe that the focus‍ should be on creating sanctuaries that are truly equipped to take care of orcas in⁢ a more natural environment, allowing them to ‌experience a semblance of their wild lives. However, as‍ of now, such sanctuaries are not operational in regions that could house these animals. We are advocating for collaborations between marine parks and sanctuaries, which could foster ⁣environments that align more with the welfare needs of the orcas.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Christine, for shedding light on this ‌critical issue.​ We hope to see positive developments for Wikie and Keijo in the⁣ future.

**Christine Ringuet:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important matters.