A proposal to move two captive killer whales from France to a planned seaside refuge in Nova Scotia is drawing sharp criticism from well‑known anti‑whaling campaigner Paul Watson.
The founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who now serves as a director of Sea Shepherd France, says the Whale Sanctuary Project’s plan to place Wikie and Keijo in a floating enclosure near Wine Harbour could endanger the whales. Widely known for his high‑profile marine conservation campaigns and his appearance on the television series Whale Wars, continues to influence global debates around marine‑mammal welfare.
In a statement released Monday, Watson warned that the transfer “risks their lives,” adding that if they die prematurely in Canada, the French government will be held responsible.
Watson argued that the Whale Sanctuary Project lacks adequate funding, is operating under an unrealistic timeline, and intends to place the whales in a bay he believes will be far too cold for animals raised in the milder Mediterranean climate.
Watson also expressed concern about the frequent storms and ice floes along Nova Scotia’s eastern shore, saying such conditions could damage nets and other infrastructure the whales would depend on. He noted that some adjacent landowners in the Wine Harbour area oppose the project, adding another layer of uncertainty.
Drawing on his childhood years in the Maritime provinces, Watson said he “can attest to the harshness” of winters in Atlantic Canada.
The Whale Sanctuary Project disputes his concerns about climate, noting that Wikie, Keijo’s mother, is descended from Icelandic orcas and would therefore be capable of adapting.
On Tuesday, the Whale Sanctuary Project announced that construction at the Nova Scotia site will begin “when weather permits,” and that completion is now expected in the second half of 2026.
Project CEO Charles Vinick has also said additional private donors are expected to step forward now that Wikie and Keijo are potential candidates, and he maintains that the original timeline is still achievable.
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