Investigation Reveals Health Status of Marineland Orcas Amid Controversy
Judicial report affirms orcas at Marineland are healthy, challenging arguments for upcoming ban on cetacean performances.
In recent developments regarding Marineland, a marine park in Antibes, France, a judicial investigation commissioned by the animal welfare organization One Voice has garnered significant attention.
This report, released on April 8, 2025, assessed the health and living conditions of the orcas at the park, which has been closed for three months.
According to findings from two independent experts appointed by the court, the orcas at Marineland are in good health.
The report dispels accusations regarding the animals' wellbeing, linking the deaths of two orcas, Moana and Inouk, to specific external causes.
Moana's death in October 2023 was attributed to acute septicemia caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, likely originating from the ingestion of contaminated fish.
Inouk, who passed away in March 2024, died of intestinal injuries due to a foreign metallic body, although the source of this body remains unidentified.
The health of the remaining orcas, Wikie and Keijo, has been closely monitored, with assessments indicating their overall wellbeing.
The report emphasized that the current living conditions of the orcas in Marineland meet established health standards.
The experts stated, "The current facilities and water quality conform to minimum health standards for the orcas' welfare, as long as they are maintained at the requisite level stipulated by regulations governing such centers."
Further health analyses for Moana indicated no significant anomalies in hematology, biochemistry, or serology prior to her death, while Keijo was treated for a suspected intestinal clostridial infection in November 2023, although without major abnormalities being detected in routine blood tests.
Regular dental care and a specific hormonal treatment were also cited as significant to the comprehensive health management of these animals.
The report outlined that entertainment performances involving orcas, which ceased in January 2025 due to legislative changes, provided necessary behavioral enrichment.
Experts noted that the discontinuation of shows and training sessions might adversely affect the psychological wellbeing of the orcas, potentially exacerbating stereotypical behaviors and leading to anxiety or aggression.
The findings challenge the rationale behind a looming legislative ban on cetacean performances, which is set to come into effect in 2026 and has contributed to Marineland's closure.
In response to the report, Marineland stated that it was unsurprised by the findings.
The park views the conclusions as a validation of its claims regarding the health and treatment of the orcas, asserting that performances have historically benefitted the animals' welfare.
However, One Voice has criticized the report, describing it as consisting of "84 pages of platitudes" while highlighting ongoing major issues in orca management at Marineland.
According to One Voice's representatives, some orcas suffered from chronic pain and medical over-treatment prior to their deaths, with specific references made to the current health struggles faced by Wikie and Keijo, who reportedly exhibit symptoms such as reduced appetite and energy.
The controversy surrounding Marineland remains unresolved, with calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the orcas' circumstances continuing to be a focus of discussion among animal welfare advocates and regulatory bodies.
This report, released on April 8, 2025, assessed the health and living conditions of the orcas at the park, which has been closed for three months.
According to findings from two independent experts appointed by the court, the orcas at Marineland are in good health.
The report dispels accusations regarding the animals' wellbeing, linking the deaths of two orcas, Moana and Inouk, to specific external causes.
Moana's death in October 2023 was attributed to acute septicemia caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, likely originating from the ingestion of contaminated fish.
Inouk, who passed away in March 2024, died of intestinal injuries due to a foreign metallic body, although the source of this body remains unidentified.
The health of the remaining orcas, Wikie and Keijo, has been closely monitored, with assessments indicating their overall wellbeing.
The report emphasized that the current living conditions of the orcas in Marineland meet established health standards.
The experts stated, "The current facilities and water quality conform to minimum health standards for the orcas' welfare, as long as they are maintained at the requisite level stipulated by regulations governing such centers."
Further health analyses for Moana indicated no significant anomalies in hematology, biochemistry, or serology prior to her death, while Keijo was treated for a suspected intestinal clostridial infection in November 2023, although without major abnormalities being detected in routine blood tests.
Regular dental care and a specific hormonal treatment were also cited as significant to the comprehensive health management of these animals.
The report outlined that entertainment performances involving orcas, which ceased in January 2025 due to legislative changes, provided necessary behavioral enrichment.
Experts noted that the discontinuation of shows and training sessions might adversely affect the psychological wellbeing of the orcas, potentially exacerbating stereotypical behaviors and leading to anxiety or aggression.
The findings challenge the rationale behind a looming legislative ban on cetacean performances, which is set to come into effect in 2026 and has contributed to Marineland's closure.
In response to the report, Marineland stated that it was unsurprised by the findings.
The park views the conclusions as a validation of its claims regarding the health and treatment of the orcas, asserting that performances have historically benefitted the animals' welfare.
However, One Voice has criticized the report, describing it as consisting of "84 pages of platitudes" while highlighting ongoing major issues in orca management at Marineland.
According to One Voice's representatives, some orcas suffered from chronic pain and medical over-treatment prior to their deaths, with specific references made to the current health struggles faced by Wikie and Keijo, who reportedly exhibit symptoms such as reduced appetite and energy.
The controversy surrounding Marineland remains unresolved, with calls for a comprehensive evaluation of the orcas' circumstances continuing to be a focus of discussion among animal welfare advocates and regulatory bodies.
