Warning: This article contains discussions of animal cruelty that some readers may find upsetting
Animal rights activists are continuing to fight for the future of two orcas who have been left alone in an abandoned theme park almost a year now.
The future of mum-and-son duo Wikie and Keijo was cast into doubt when it was announced that French marine park Marineland of Antibes would close in January, due to a forthcoming law banning orcas from performing in shows.
When the park shut its doors for a final time, the pair of orcas were tragically left behind.
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Viral videos captured the two killer whales on camera and showed the seemingly awful conditions they are now subject to, with many warning that they would die if they are not moved soon.
A more recent heartbreaking clip captured them performing to no crowd, showing off the skills they were taught during their time living in captivity, which has once again reignited the fight for their freedom.
However, one question on a lot of people's lips is why the orcas need to be re-homed in another facility, rather than just being released into the wild, and there's a devastating reason why.
Why the captive orcas can't be released in the wild
As Keijo and Wilkie were both born in the tanks at Marineland of Antibes, they have never lived in the wild and it's unlikely they'd be able to adapt to life outside of a tank, particularly quickly, as they'd need to learn to eat live fish and avoid boats.
You'd also have to continue to the long-term health of other whales or dolphins living in the wild, as the release of the mother and son could also have a negative impact on that.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation group writes: "Following long spells in captivity, some may be too physically or mentally scarred to survive without human care.
"These individuals should be offered the chance to retire and live out the remainder of their lives in a safe enclosure in a natural cove or bay, where their health and welfare needs are taken care of, they can display more natural behaviour, they do not have to perform in shows, and public observation is only from a distance."
Can the orcas be moved to a sanctuary?
There were hopes that the duo could be moved to Tenerife's Loro Parque Zoo after they proposed to take them in, but that was rejected by the local government in Spain, and their future remains in the balance 10 months on from the park closing.
Although the French government are confirmed to be involved in the case, dire warnings have now been issued to suggest that if nothing is done soon, the orcas will sadly die.
If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's national animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 from 8am to 5pm seven days a week, or visit their website for further advice
Topics: World News, Animals
James Moorhouse