Marineland Orca Trainers Stimulate Male Whale to Prevent Inbreeding in France

Disturbing drone footage from Marineland Antibes in southern France has revealed trainers sexually stimulating an adolescent male orca, Keijo, in an effort to prevent inbreeding with his mother, Wikie, sparking outrage among animal rights activists. Marineland officials defended the practice as necessary to alleviate Keijo's sexual tensions and prevent injury between the whales, while activists condemned it as shocking and unnatural. Meanwhile, nearly two decades ago at SeaWorld San Diego, trainer Ken Peters survived a harrowing attack by the orca Kasatka, who held him underwater twice during a ten-minute struggle, footage of which was recently re-released by 60 Minutes Australia to highlight the dangers of captive whale interactions. Experts note that more than 30 similar incidents involving captive whales have resulted in injury or death since the 1970s, underscoring ongoing concerns about the risks posed by orca captivity and human contact. SeaWorld representatives have maintained they understand killer whale behavior, but the unsettling videos and protests continue to fuel debate over the ethics and safety of keeping orcas in captivity. These incidents collectively raise questions about marine park practices and the welfare of captive orcas worldwide.