Actor, musician, and long time animal activist Corey Feldman has released a powerful new public service announcement urging President Emmanuel Macron to intervene on behalf of Wikie and her young son Keijo, the last two captive orca whales in France.
Their future is in limbo as they remain trapped in a closed park, Marineland, in Antibes in the south of France.
“Two beautiful whales are held in captivity. They need your help. They need your support. And more than anything, they need you to let President Macron know that the time is now to think about these poor innocent victims, stuck trapped and needing your assistance.” said Feldman in the PSA video.
Marineland, Antibes, closed earlier this year, and the orca’s concrete tanks appear to be deteriorating, leaving the orcas’ welfare at risk. While some public reports have suggested otherwise, there is currently no operating orca whale sanctuary anywhere in the world. Because Wikie and Keijo were born in captivity, they cannot be released into the wild at this time, if ever, making a transfer to a better-equipped marine facility the only viable option for their safety and long-term survival.
EARTHDAY.ORG emphasises that France’s 2021 ban on keeping cetaceans in captivity makes the situation even more urgent: the park is closed, the infrastructure is degrading, and the whales have nowhere to go without government-led, and backed, intervention.
Now, the situation may have become more dire, as there have been reports that Wikie may be ill with a serious respiratory disease, potentially caused by dust created by recent construction work in the area.
“So please speak out. The time is running out. You can help now by joining me and EARTHDAY.ORG by making your voice heard.
Go to EARTHDAY.ORG now and please demand that President Macron in France release the two whales in captivity.”
“We are deeply grateful to Corey Feldman for lending his voice and compassion to this critical effort,” said Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative and Content Officer at EARTHDAY.ORG. “Corey’s commitment helps shine a light on a crisis that should concern all of us. These whales cannot wait and we urge President Macron to do the right thing and act swiftly to move Wikie and Keijo to a safe, temporary facility where they can receive proper care while a long-term solution is developed.”
EARTHDAY.ORG will continue its campaign until a relocation plan—one that protects the health, dignity, and future of Wikie and Keijo—is secured.
About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year’s Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.
