Abandoned orcas trapped in filthy French marine park move rescuers after drone footage goes viral

FRANCE — Two orcas have been found trapped in a decaying and filthy pool at the now-defunct Marineland Antibes in southern France, years after the park’s closure. The heartbreaking scene was captured by American photographer Seph Lawless, whose drone footage revealed a mother-and-son pair of killer whales — Wikie and Keijo — still confined in stagnant, algae-filled waters.

When the orcas heard the buzz of the drone, they began to spin and leap, as if recalling the performances they once gave before cheering crowds. “They jumped and twirled — the only language they’ve ever learned — performing this time for no one,” Lawless said. “It was like they remembered what it felt like to be seen.”

Viral footage sparks global outrage

Lawless uploaded the footage to Instagram, where it went viral with over 55 million views within days, stirring widespread anger and sorrow among viewers around the world.

The facility, once France’s largest marine theme park, was shut down in January 2024 after the government enforced a 2021 ban on whale and dolphin performances. However, reports surfaced that two orcas and 12 dolphins were still left behind, trapped in foul-smelling, debris-filled pools since the park’s closure.

“I thought they were dead,” says photographer

Describing the scene, Lawless said, “Wikie floated motionless in the brown, murky water while Keijo lay still beside her. For a moment, I thought they were dead — until Wikie slowly raised her head to look at the camera.”

He added that when the orcas realised they were being watched, their movements became rhythmic and almost joyful — a haunting reminder of their long years in captivity.

Animal welfare groups demand urgent action

Animal welfare activists condemned the ongoing confinement. Marketa Schusterova, co-founder of Tidebreakers, said the 23-year-old Wikie and 11-year-old Keijo are at high risk of dying from infection or stress if not relocated soon.

Despite growing international pressure, the French government has yet to find a suitable sanctuary. Spain’s Loro Parque declined to take the pair, citing lack of space, while proposals from sanctuaries in Japan and Canada were rejected by French authorities.

Because both orcas were born and raised in captivity, experts say they cannot be safely released into the wild — leaving rescue efforts at a standstill.

“This is not the end of their story — unless we choose to abandon them,” Lawless said.