Eight dolphins from Marineland Antibes were transferred to Malaga during the night of July 22-23, 2026. The State assures that the operation took place under appropriate safety conditions, while several organizations continue to contest this decision.
A new chapter has opened for the cetaceans of Marineland Antibes. Eight of the twelve dolphins still present in the park left the Alpes-Maritimes during the night of July 22-23, 2026 to join Selwo Marina, near Malaga, in Spain.
The prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes indicates that the operation took place under the supervision of State services. The animals were placed in adapted crates before being transported under escort to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. A cargo plane then ensured transport to Spain.
The closure of Marineland in January 2025, a consequence of the law of November 30, 2021 on animal welfare, left twelve dolphins and two orcas on site. According to the authorities, the situation of the facilities became concerning due to the instability of certain pools, which presented a risk of rupture. The veterinary services of the Departmental Direction for the Protection of Populations inspected the health of the animals before authorizing their departure.
The day after the transfer, the minister delegate in charge of Ecological Transition, Mathieu Lefèvre, praised the conduct of the operation. “Tonight, eight dolphins from Marineland were transferred to Malaga under perfect safety conditions for the cetaceans. Thank you to all the teams mobilized to ensure their welfare throughout the journey. Thank you also to the Spanish authorities for their welcome,” the minister declared.
The eight dolphins concerned, Joe, Anya, Tux, Kai, Neo, Lua, Dam and Rocky, are to stay temporarily in Malaga before a possible return to France. The project plans reception at the Beauval ZooParc when the future center for research, scientific study and conservation for dolphins is completed.
Organizations continue to contest the choice of Spain
Despite the end of the transfer, the protest does not weaken. Several animal protection organizations have released images showing dolphins placed in flexible stretchers and then loaded using a crane onto specialized trucks.
One Voice denounces “a state scandal, a shame orchestrated by money and a high-risk journey for animals whose safety is not assured.” Sea Shepherd France believes that this decision undermines the spirit of the 2021 law, which provides for an end to cetacean captivity in France. The organization also recalls that “no work has been begun to create the sanctuaries capable of welcoming the cetaceans affected by the law, yet the State had five years.”
The NGOs regret that none of the marine sanctuary projects proposed in Greece or Italy were retained. Several organizations are now calling for greater transparency on the monitoring and health status of the animals after their arrival in Spain.
The fate of the other cetaceans remains uncertain. The four dolphins still present at Marineland are to be transferred to a park in Valencia. The two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, could then join Loro Parque, in Tenerife. Discussions continue regarding this operation.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
