Two Orcas Trapped in Abandoned Marine Park

France’s last two captive orcas—23-year-old Wikie (the first orca known to “speak”) and her 11-year-old son Keijo—have been trapped in algae-covered, muddy pools for over 12 months since Antibes Marine Park permanently closed on January 5, 2025. On January 14, 2026, reports indicate that amid sustained pressure from animal welfare organizations, the French government is accelerating its relocation plan, though it still faces multiple challenges.