Two orcas have died within two months in Europe’s largest marine theme park. The Marineland Antibes in France announced on Friday that the orca “Inouk” died after swallowing a piece of metal. A few months earlier, the male orca “Moana” died of blood poisoning. The deaths are fueling renewed debate about marine mammals living in captivity for entertainment purposes.
Inouk’s preliminary autopsy showed that the 25-year-old marine mammal had “accidentally” swallowed a piece of metal weighing about two grams, the Côte d’Azur theme park said on Friday.
It is unclear how the orca obtained the metal
The resulting inflammation caused “digestive tract disorders.” It is therefore unclear how the metal part came near Inouk.
It is the second orca in just a few months to die in what it claims is Europe’s largest marine theme park. Inouk’s nephew, 12-year-old Moana, died of blood poisoning in October. Animal welfare organizations had repeatedly expressed concern about Inouk’s health. In the fall, a court ordered an independent report, the results of which are still pending.
Repeated protests against Marineland
The deaths of the two orcas have renewed criticism of the theme park. Whale shows will be banned in France from December 2026, according to a 2021 law against animal cruelty. The possibilities for keeping whales in captivity should also be limited.
The orcas at Marineland Antibes are the last animals living in captivity in France. After the deaths of Inouk and Moana, the theme park still has two orcas: 22-year-old Wikie and her ten-year-old son Keijo.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
