05/15/2026
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French Ministry of Ecological Transition press release (translated to English):
Antibes, 05/15/2026
FUTURE OF MARINELAND CETACEANS: MATHIEU LEFÈVRE ANNOUNCES THAT THE LIGHTS ARE GREEN ON THE STATE SIDE FOR THEIR TRANSFER
Faced with the critical degradation of Marineland facilities, endangering cetaceans again present on the site (2 orcas and 12 dolphins), Mathieu Lefèvre, Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition, announces on the occasion of a trip to the site of the old park that the State gives back to Marineland the possibility of having its orcas to end the impasse to which the Stakeholder parties have faced so far.
On February 16, 2026, the Minister Delegate for the Ecological Transition brought together all the parties interested in the future of Marineland's cetaceans. This meeting made it possible to present the different solutions envisaged and submit them to the debate. After three hours of exchanges, the expertise mobilized had not made it possible to bring out a consensual solution. Only one observation had been shared by all the participants: to ensure the well-being of the cetaceans still present in Marineland, it was necessary to act quickly.
In accordance with the commitment made by the Minister at this meeting, and at the request of NGOs present, the Government has carried out new checks with nations with sanctuary projects for cetaceans on their coasts. The Italian and Greek authorities, the only ones concerned with such projects in Europe, were again approached. They confirmed in writing that no immediate solution for reception could not offered for French dolphins, for lack of available capacity, or because the projects mentioned do not, to date, have the necessary authorizations.
The Canadian solution also appeared to be out of operation in the short term. Exchanges conducted in recent weeks with the Canadian authorities and several NGOs have revealed new elements that do not allow this project to be considered viable within time limits compatible with the emergency situation at Marineland.
At the same time, the judicial expertise on the state of the basins, commissioned last year at the request of Sea Shepherd, confirmed the Government's concerns. This report describes an alarming structural situation: the basins are unstable and their condition no longer allows them to wait several months without major risk. Veterinarians, as well as local authorities under the ORSEC plan indicate that in the event of a rupture of the pools, the only option would be euthanasia of the animals concerned.
Faced with this emergency situation, the Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition asked his group and Marineland to present a solution to remove, in the very short term, the risks weighing on the orcas.
Regarding dolphins, the ZooParc de Beauval will welcome 8 of Marineland's dolphins as well as those of Wild Planet in just over a year, as part of its future research complex on cetaceans. This perspective is a sustainable medium-term French solution. In the meantime, and following confirmation by the Italian and Greek governments of the impossibility of transferring dolphins to existing or planned sanctuaries, the dolphins will also be transferred to Spain.
This transitional solution aims to guarantee their placement in secure conditions. For the other 4 dolphins, they will join the Valencia Oceanogràfic complex, where teams of international experts are waiting for them in the best conditions.
Mathieu Lefèvre, Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition, says:
"Faced with the emergency, we are acting to avoid the worst. After months of consultations with NGOs, the experts and the competent authorities, no ideal solution has emerged. But the status quo is unacceptable: keeping animals in degraded facilities poses an unacceptable risk. My priority is therefore clear: get out of the impasse to save the two orcas and guarantee the safety of all cetaceans. The lights are green on the state side to put an end to a situation of uncertainty that has already lasted too long. I thank the leaders of Marineland, but also the Spanish authorities with whom we work hand in hand to offer cetaceans the best possible solution. Loro Parque is to date the best
viable solution for orcas. Finally, I would like to salute the remarkable work of Marineland's care workers. In very difficult conditions, they have shown exemplary commitment and professionalism in the service of animal welfare.”
