French Aquarium Controversy: Orcas and Artificial Relief

Published: 2025.08.26 06:58 Taipei time

Source: Internationality

The French killer whale dispute continues! although Marineland Antibes in France closed in January 2025,the orcas kept in captivity have not found a new home. A leaked video reveals that to avoid inbreeding, staff are reportedly using “artificial assistance” to relieve the sexual impulses of male killer whales, causing international uproar.

according to a video released by TideBreakers on August 12,the 11-year-old male orca Keijo is shown lying on the water while two trainers manipulate his fins. The 24-year-old mother, Wikie, is separated in a nearby pool.

artificial remission‘ sexual impulses every month. (Photo taken from TideBreakers)”>

Marineland Antibes told the BBC that Keijo experiences strong sexual impulses after puberty. To prevent inbreeding or aggression towards female whales, they use “artificial assistance” to relieve stress, emphasizing the process is “natural and harmless” and guided by veterinary advice.

However,Valerie Greene,a former SeaWorld trainer,criticized the practice,stating it was previously limited to semen collection for artificial insemination and is now being used to “soothe sexual impulses,” which she finds disturbing. “This means that the moral standards of the captive industry have dropped to a new low,” she said.

The French Ministry of Ecology confirmed that the aquarium assists Keijo in “relieving sexual impulses” monthly but stated it does not involve semen collection or export. animal welfare groups question this, pointing out that Keijo is an inbreeding offspring, and using his semen could worsen the genetic problem.

Katheryn Wise, from the World Animal Conservation Association, criticized the French government’s lack of progress in promoting alternatives and the repeated delays in resettlement, stating, “This makes the situation of killer whales more dangerous.”

Marineland Antibes closed in January due to France’s ban on whale and dolphin performances. Plans to transfer the orcas to Japan or Spain were rejected, and a proposal from a Canadian animal welfare group for a whale and dolphin sanctuary was not approved.

The French government has established a working group to explore a “European Whale and Dolphin Shelter” with Spain, Italy, and Greece. Until than, the orcas remain in their tanks. Animal rights activists warn, “Time may not be on the side of the killer whales.”

Updated: 2025.08.26 06:58 Taipei time

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