By Hui-An Ho
A drone video by an American photographer has recently gone viral across Taiwanese social media, sparking emotional reactions and heated discussions.
The footage, taken at the now-shuttered Marineland of Antibes in southeastern France, shows a mother and calf orca in what appears to be an abandoned facility. Accompanied by dramatic narration and lacking key context, the video paints a heartbreaking picture: the orcas were “left to die,” “abandoned in a rotting tank,” with “no one to care for them.” Many viewers in Taiwan were moved to tears, and furious at the French government.
While the future of these two orcas is indeed uncertain—and many conservation groups are deeply concerned about their well-being—the situation isn’t quite as dire or neglected as some of the viral posts suggest.
For instance, Marineland, although closed to the public since January, has continued to employ over 30 staff to care for the remaining animals. The tank’s murky water, interpreted by some as neglect, is actually seawater intentionally introduced to create a more natural environment.
The viral discussion began after Seph Lawless, known for exploring urban ruins, posted a series of drone videos starting August 9. In his October 30 post, Lawless stated: “The mother orca appears dead — her body floating motionless in murky water beside her son. But this wasn’t the ocean. These whales were left behind inside a closed, defunct marine park in France.”
“What happened next was beautiful and heartbreaking,” he continued. After noticing the drone, the orcas began to jump and spin. “After all this time, they weren’t alone anymore. It was as if they recognized me — as if hope itself had come back to visit.”
As of November 7, Lawless had posted at least seven videos on Marineland. According to his claims, the videos have been shared more than 55 million times. Viewers left heart and crying emojis, asking, “What else can we do besides sharing?”
The Orcas Are Still Being Cared For—But Long-Term Solutions Are Elusive
Founded in 1970, Marineland of Antibes was one of Europe’s earliest marine parks and once attracted up to 1.2 million visitors annually. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 French animal welfare law banning cetacean performances by 2026 forced the park to close permanently on January 5, 2025. While most animals were transferred to other facilities, 12 dolphins and 2 orcas—Wikie and her son Keijo—remain.
Even before the viral videos, their future had already posed a challenge to French authorities and the park. In the days leading up to the closure, the park opened its doors to media to show the orcas’ living conditions and press for urgent solutions.
Julie Baudin, a journalist from Nice-Matin who has closely followed the issue, visited the park in October. She reported that while parts of the facility are in disrepair, the orca and dolphin enclosures remain operational. Marineland staff continue daily training sessions through games to engage with Wikie and Keijo. Ten keepers work in two shifts to ensure the whales’ welfare
Baudin hosted an online Q&A for viewers on November 7, affirming that “the orcas and dolphins are still active and maintain close bonds with their caretakers.”
That said, Baudin also highlighted the worrying condition of the three connected orca pools: cracks of uncertain depth on the walls, subsiding beach areas where orcas haul out, and ongoing maintenance by over 10 workers during her visit.
Park Director Pascal Picot told French media that the 25-year-old orca pools are deteriorating and potentially dangerous. He warned that internal barriers might collapse and debris could harm the animals.
Emotional Storytelling Amplifies Urgency But Skews Reality
Yes, Marineland has ceased operations. Yes, the orcas’ long-term placement remains unresolved. And yes, the pools require maintenance. But Lawless’s narrative arguably overdramatizes the situation.
Words like “abandoned,” “trapped,” and “finally not alone” combined with footage devoid of humans contribute to the impression that the orcas have been completely forsaken.
In reality, the French government and the park continue to search for relocation solutions. According to Nice-Matin, Marineland still employs 34 staff members, including 10 trainers, and spends hundreds of thousands of euros monthly on maintenance and salaries despite having no ticket revenue.
Groups like the Whale and Dolphin Conservation and Sea Shepherd France have repeatedly urged swift action, while acknowledging the animals continue to receive food, medical care, and safe conditions.
Some viewers misinterpreted the murky water as neglect. However, since the park’s closure, it has used unfiltered Mediterranean seawater to better mimic natural habitats. Experts say chlorine, previously used to keep pools clear for visitors, actually harms cetacean skin and eyes.
Lawless’ claim that Wikie was “floating like she was dead” and that the orcas “joyfully performed” upon noticing the drone lacks scientific basis. Yet the emotionally charged story deeply resonated with viewers.
Taiwanese Viewers Mobilize—But Context Is Lacking
Millions of Taiwanese joined the viral wave. Influencers with tens of thousands of followers shared the footage, urging participation in Lawless’ global campaign to pressure the French government.
One journalist wrote on Facebook: “A mother and son orca trapped in rotten water for a year, moved to perform when they finally hear a drone—50 million people weeping!” The post received 25,000 likes and 1,800 shares. Another post by a Hong Kong media outlet racked up over 2 million views on Threads.
Some influencers encouraged writing to the French Office in Taipei or posting on President Macron’s Facebook page. Others prepared French templates and step-by-step instructions for public petitions.
The story was widely covered in Taiwanese media. Independent outlet WuoWuo quoted the NGO Tide Breakers, which accused Lawless of illegally entering the park and editing out footage of the orcas interacting with keepers. While TFC couldn’t verify the editing claims, Lawless did admit to entering without permission, stating he felt compelled to document the situation.
After the Uproar: What Next for Wikie and Keijo?
Despite months of proposals, there is still no consensus on where the two orcas and 12 dolphins should go.
Due to the high cost of orca care and land development interests, Marineland initially proposed relocating the orcas to a Japanese theme park, but that plan was opposed by New Zealand orca experts and rejected by France’s former Minister for Ecological Transition.
A later plan to send them to Spain’s Loro Parque was also blocked by the Spanish government, citing limited space.
Some animal rights groups, like Tilikum’s Spirit, have proposed converting Marineland’s orca pools—among the largest in the world—into Europe’s first marine sanctuary so the whales could remain onsite.
The French government previously supported moving the whales to an open-water sanctuary but has yet to find a suitable location. The current Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, took office on October 12 and inherited the unresolved issue.
As of November 6, the ministry said multiple relocation options were under review but offered no concrete details. Sea Shepherd France suggested evaluating suitable bays along Europe’s coasts.
Meanwhile, the government approved plans to create a dolphin research and conservation center at ZooParc de Beauval. This facility could accommodate the 12 dolphins, though not the orcas. According to France Info, the center still requires new pools and infrastructure, which may take over a year to complete. Conservationists have expressed concern that this might just be a new form of captivity.
As the global spotlight fades, Wikie and Keijo remain in limbo. The urgency is real, but any meaningful solution will require nuanced understanding, global collaboration, and long-term commitment—not just viral outrage.