Target: Annie Genevard, Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fishing and Rural Affairs for France
Goal: Expedite rescue and relocation of marine mammals trapped at closed park.
The saga of France’s Marineland Antibes Park could take another tragic turn without urgent action. At the beginning of 2025, the park’s doors were permanently closed after new laws in France prohibited the holding of marine mammals in captivity. The closure followed allegations of long-term neglect that may have cost some animals their lives.
Despite the park’s closure, at least 12 dolphins and two mother-and-son killer whales have been languishing in the abandoned tanks for months. Conditions in the park are said to be rapidly deteriorating, and the only nourishment and sustenance the dolphins and whales receive reportedly comes from sporadic visits by a skeleton caretaking crew. Repeated proposals for a relocation and rescue have apparently been rejected, which has left advocates to call for the building of a temporary sanctuary until permanent accommodations can be found.
Sign the petition below to demand officials take every measure to save these animals before time runs out.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Genevard,
Government officials reportedly blocked two proposals to move abandoned dolphins and orcas in Marineland Antibes Park, on the basis of “animal welfare concerns.” But continued failure to act in the best interests of these animals by relocating them will lead to their slow, agonizing deaths. What is the greater act of cruelty: action or inaction?
Conditions in the abandoned and closed park are seemingly untenable and getting worse by the day. Every hour that these 14 living beings spend in such a reportedly horrific environment puts them at risk. Honor the appeals of advocates to create a temporary sanctuary, and then do everything in your power to find a long-term rescue solution. These animals gave their lives to entertaining humans, and now it must fall upon humans to grant them the peace and salvation they deserve.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Axou
