Far from dead in the water, N.S. sanctuary hopes whales arrive in 2025
A dead whale was found washed ashore in Wine Harbour, N.S., just two kilometres away from a proposed whale sanctuary that is once again adjusting its timeline. The Whale Sanctuary Project has been working for years to create a sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore for orcas, belugas, and other marine park animals to retire to.
Charles Vinick, the CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, had hoped that 2024 would be the year when the sanctuary could finally welcome its first residents. “We have consistently positioned ourselves to be as ready as possible as whales need us and need sanctuary,” said Vinick. The charity has submitted all the necessary information to the provincial and federal governments for approval.
Currently, the Whale Sanctuary Project is in the process of making a case to become the caretakers of two orcas in France. These orcas are currently housed at Marineland Antibes, which is set to close permanently. The French government has until December 2026 to decide where the orcas will go, with the options being the proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia or Loro Parque in Spain.
While Loro Parque director Javier Almunia believes that sanctuaries in natural waters may not guarantee better welfare for animals used to controlled environments, Vinick argues that the animals would be better off in a sanctuary. If approval is received, the orcas could arrive at the sanctuary site in Barrachois Cove by 2025.
The first phase of the project would see the whales living in a bay pen, with plans to eventually transition them to a larger enclosure. Fundraising is a crucial aspect of the project’s success, and Vinick believes that approval from the French government for the two orcas to come to Nova Scotia would greatly aid in fundraising efforts.
Overall, the Whale Sanctuary Project remains optimistic about the future of the sanctuary and the opportunity to provide a better life for captive marine animals. The project continues to make progress towards its goal, with hopes of welcoming its first residents in the coming years.
