The announcement was made on December 4, in the Social and Economic Committee (CSE). “While 90% of visitors choose to come to Marineland to admire the representations of orcas and dolphins, the law of November 30, 2021 requires this closure to be considered,” explained management.
Created in 1970 and located in Antibes, Marineland was one of the main French tourist attractions until recently. But the park, which has seen its reputation tarnished by several criticisms concerning the living conditions of these animals, has gradually lost its attractiveness, its attendance falling in ten years from 1.2 million to 425,000 visitors per year.
Orcas at the center of concern
The last orcas in captivity in France, the specimens sheltered at Marineland are the frequent subject of concern for animal protection associations and the general public. On social networks, images of black and white animals turning in circles in their ponds have garnered millions of views in 2024 and fueled the anger of Internet users.
The controversies after the deaths of two orcas in October 2023 and March 2024, were rekindled with the recent project to transfer their peers, Keijo, 11 years old, and his mother Wikie, 23 years old, to an establishment in Japan.
Swiss
