Trainers at marine zoo take extreme measures to stop killer whale from mating with his mother: ‘Perverse new low’
A marine zoo in southern France is facing backlash after revelations that trainers manually stimulate a male orca monthly to prevent potential inbreeding with his mother, who shares the same tank.
The orcas, 24-year-old Wikie and her 11-year-old son Keijo, are currently housed at Marineland Antibes. The facility, which shut its doors to visitors in January, is preparing to comply with new French legislation banning the use of whales in marine park shows. However, disagreements between the French government and animal welfare groups over where the whales should be relocated have left the animals in a state of uncertainty.
Controversy intensified after aerial footage released by the marine activist group TideBreakers on August 12 showed trainers stimulating Keijo while he moved around in the water. Marineland officials defended the procedure, claiming it was necessary to manage Keijo’s sexual maturity and reduce stress-related behaviors.
Valerie Greene, a former SeaWorld Orlando trainer and current member of TideBreakers, questioned the zoo’s justification. “In my experience, this kind of stimulation is typically only used to collect semen for artificial insemination,” she said. Greene expressed concern that the practice may be linked to future breeding plans, despite Keijo’s inbred lineage—his parents are half-siblings.
She also noted the potential interest from countries like Japan, where regulations on captive orca breeding are more lenient. Japan’s only male orca, Earth, died earlier this month, prompting speculation about international demand for Keijo’s semen. Marineland has denied any intention to sell or export it, citing a legal ban on such transactions.
“Regardless of the motives, the focus should be on rescuing Keijo from an inadequate environment, not engaging in ethically dubious practices,” Greene said. “This represents a troubling new low in the captivity industry.”
Efforts to relocate the whales to facilities in Japan, Canada, or Spain have so far failed. Marineland is also home to a dozen dolphins awaiting reassignment.
In July, actor William Shatner urged French President Emmanuel Macron to intervene, delivering an appeal through Earthday.org for the animals’ relocation to a safer environment. France’s Ministry of Ecology has since announced the creation of a task force to develop a coordinated response.
Meanwhile, TideBreakers co-founder Marketa Schusterova is calling for the urgent construction of a temporary holding facility until a permanent sanctuary becomes available. “Time is running out,” she warned.
About Post Author
