A Canadian sanctuary seeks $13M–$15M to open by summer 2026, relocating two captive killer whales from France.

The Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia seeks $13 million to $15 million in additional funding by summer 2025 to complete construction of a 40-hectare underwater enclosure near Wine Harbour, aiming to open by summer 2026. The project, which has a 20-year lease on 83 hectares of Crown land, plans to relocate two captive killer whales, Wikie and Keijo, from a closed French theme park. French officials support the transfer, calling it the most ethical solution amid bans on cetacean captivity in both countries, though no formal guidelines exist for transitioning captive animals. The sanctuary will provide lifelong care, veterinary support, and a natural environment, with construction required to finish by summer 2025 to allow time for the whales to adapt before winter.