News Archive - One voice

Wolves abandoned: Press release

Wolves abandoned: Press release
29.05.2026
France
Wolves abandoned: Press release
Wildlife

By adopting Article 14, which was significantly toughened during the debates, MPs have paved the way for an unprecedented weakening of wolf protection in France. For One Voice, this vote constitutes a major attack on a protected and vulnerable species. The text has yet to be examined by the Senate, and our organisation continues to campaign to prevent an eradication policy from becoming the state’s official response to a problem whose causes run much deeper.

By adopting Article 14 of the draft bill on agricultural protection and sovereignty, the National Assembly has taken an unprecedented step in its determination to wipe out wolves in France.

Presented by the government as a bid to strike a balance between the interests of livestock farmers and the preservation of biodiversity, Article 14 in reality paves the way for a derogation scheme specifically designed to target wolves, in stark contrast to that applicable to other protected species.

Whilst it was initially intended merely to provide a legal basis for provisions that we were already contesting, the text was considerably toughened during parliamentary debates. Several particularly worrying amendments were adopted, including:

authorisation for defensive shooting without prior notification in certain cases of ‘self-defence’;
the possibility of killing wolves within national parks and nature reserves;
authorisation to shoot cattle and horse herds on the contested grounds that they are ‘unprotectable’;
the use of thermal imaging goggles by holders of hunting licences who have received specific training.

Even more worrying is that no provision in the text refers to livestock protection measures. At no point does the law mention support for livestock farmers or the development of preventive measures. All references to management measures relate exclusively to shooting devices and ‘culling’ schemes.

Making wolves scapegoats will not resolve the agricultural crisis

For One Voice, this legislation illustrates the gradual abandonment of wolves by the authorities. Faced with a deep-seated and multifaceted agricultural crisis, the government and a large majority of MPs have chosen to blame the wolves, rather than tackling the structural causes of the difficulties faced by the agricultural sector.

Yet the available scientific evidence shows that culling is ineffective in permanently reducing attacks on livestock. Instead, these culls directly contribute to the decline of a wolf population that remains far below the viability threshold, estimated at between 2,500 and 5,000 individuals. The French population is currently estimated at just over 1,000 wolves.

The organisation also points out that cattle and horse herds are not officially recognised as ‘unprotectable’ and that several public reports have questioned the technical validity of this concept.

‘No government has gone this far in its determination to wipe out a species that is vital to nature and biodiversity. Whilst wolves play an essential role in ecosystems and are rightfully protected, politicians are choosing to kowtow to lobbies that seek only their own short-term profits, trampling on our children’s heritage and the views of the vast majority of French people who love wolves and want to see them living in peace in our countryside’, says Muriel Arnal, Chair of One Voice.

The National Assembly’s vote is merely the first stage of the legislative process. The bill must now be examined by the Senate in the coming weeks before its final adoption, expected in the summer.

Animals at the Muller circuses in the face of extreme heat: Press release

Animals at the Muller circuses in the face of extreme heat: Press release
26.05.2026
Bourges
Animals at the Muller circuses in the face of extreme heat: Press release
Exploitation for shows

With temperatures having exceeded 30 degrees across France for several days now, One Voice is alarmed by the conditions in which animals are kept by several circuses run by the Muller family. The organisation’s investigators have observed that animals – particularly big cats – are being kept in overheated metal trailers, sometimes without visible access to water, and are only taken out into tiny cages placed on the scorching tarmac. This is a dire situation for these captive animals, some of whom do not even take part in the shows, in breach of the law.

For several weeks now, One Voice has been tracking the movements of three circuses owned by the Muller family:

Grand Cirque Zavatta, currently in Orthez (64) from 29 to 31 May;
Cirque Franco-Belge, based in Avignon from 23 to 31 May;
Cirque Hartini, in Evreux from 29 May to 7 June.

Everywhere, the same damning findings.

Wild animals locked in trailers in the heat

Our investigators observed several lions and tigers locked in cramped trailers, pacing round in circles and exhibiting stereotypical behaviours characteristic of profound psychological distress. When they were let out, it was only into small wire cages set up on the tarmac, with no shade or environmental enrichment. And this did not even happen consistently… As early as April, we documented lions and tigers being kept in trailers at the Hartini-Muller Circus, as well as animals held directly on the tarmac without bedding.

Even more seriously: our teams found no water basins for some of the tigers, even though this minimum requirement is laid down by regulations and becomes vital during periods of extreme heat. In some trailers, no visible access to water bowls was observed.

These animals, who are being held illegally, should be living in sanctuaries, on grass, in the shade of trees, with space, the company of other animals of their own kind, and appropriate care. Not in metal cages turned into rolling ovens.

A family with a history of offences

The Muller family has long been known to the authorities and animal welfare organisations. In particular, One Voice has for years been monitoring the tragic situation of Jumbo, a captive hippopotamus exploited by the Zavatta Circus, whose state of health has been deemed extremely worrying by independent vets.

In 2020, Alexandre and Edmond Muller were convicted of:

unauthorised operation of an establishment keeping non-domestic animals;
keeping animals in conditions causing suffering;
inappropriate housing likely to cause injury and suffering.

Despite these convictions, and despite repeated reports, nothing has changed. Worse still: the animals continue to be moved from town to town in a constant attempt to evade scrutiny, which complicates inspections and prevents any effective intervention.

Animals kept illegally, but never seized

These circuses continue to flout the law. Offences are on the rise. Young wild animals clearly born in the circus – despite breeding being prohibited – animals that do not take part in the shows, and recent acquisitions of wild animals should lead to immediate seizures. One Voice recently revealed the illegal acquisition of new ostriches by the major Zavatta Circus, yet no action has been taken.

In the face of these repeated violations, the authorities’ inaction is becoming intolerable.

The authorities turn a blind eye whilst wild animals suffocate in cage lorries. This institutional cowardice allows circus operators with multiple convictions to continue their exploitation with complete impunity. Our organisation is gathering evidence and bringing increasing numbers of legal actions, and will continue its fight until the last captive wild animal has been transferred to a sanctuary – the only acceptable outcome.

Animals are not attractions. They were not born to live confined on tarmac, behind scorching bars, at the mercy of touring schedules and extreme temperatures.

Animals at the Muller circuses in the face of extreme heat: Press Release

Extreme heat: One Voice is concerned for the health of the animals crammed into their trailers at the Muller family’s circuses

A Court in Bourges to save four lionesses: Press Release

A Court in Bourges to save four lionesses: Press Release
22.05.2026
Bourges
A Court in Bourges to save four lionesses: Press Release
Wildlife

Following several adjournments, One Voice is calling for those responsible to be finally held to account in this case of illegal detention and mistreatment of wild big cats, which are now being cared for in a sanctuary.

On 27 May 2026, One Voice will be present at the District Court of Bourges as part of the proceedings brought against the managers of the Ricardo Zavatta Circus. The hearing is scheduled for 2.00 pm. The association denounces the conditions in which four lionesses and a white tigress were being kept, which were uncovered in early 2023 during an investigation carried out in collaboration with the association Free Life. Originally scheduled for 14 November 2024, the hearing was first adjourned to 24 September 2025 before being postponed again to 27 May 2026.

Disturbing facts confirmed by the French Office for Biodiversity

During several days of investigation in the Allier region, the organisations found that the big cats were being kept locked up in a trailer with no outdoor access and in conditions incompatible with the fundamental needs of their species. In particular, the animals exhibited stereotyped behaviours indicative of profound psychological distress.

After One Voice and Free Life referred the matter to the courts, the trainers left the region. It was not until June 2023, when the Gougeon brothers illegally set up camp in the commune of Santranges, in the Cher region, that the French Office for Biodiversity carried out an inspection. The inspectors then confirmed the allegations that the organisations had been making for several months: a persistent lack of outdoor access for the big cats and inadequate identification of certain animals – a situation likely to facilitate illegal trafficking.

Hundreds of wild cats still held by circuses in France

In a rare move in this type of case, the authorities finally seized the four lionesses and the tigress. The animals were then placed in the care of Tonga Terre d’Accueil.

“This hearing should serve as a reminder of the seriousness of the findings and the need to fully enforce the regulations protecting captive wild animals. Whilst the lionesses and the tigress are now safe, this must not make us forget the years of deprivation and confinement they endured, nor all those animals suffering terribly who are still held in these travelling circuses”, says One Voice.

Through these proceedings, One Voice also aims to draw attention to the breaches still regularly observed in certain travelling circuses, despite the 2021 law against animal cruelty, which provides for the phasing out of wild animals in travelling shows.

France is believed to still have several hundred captive animals under big tops, the majority of which are big cats.

The offences are observed, documented and known to the authorities, yet the circuses continue to operate with impunity. Worse still: the State persists in supporting them and propping them up financially, preparing to distribute hundreds of thousands of euros of public money. The message is disastrous.

One Voice is calling on the general public to sign its petition against the exploitation of animals in circuses.

A Court in Bourges to save four lionesses: Press Release

Hearing at the District Court of Bourges on 27 May: One Voice continues its fight for four lionesses and a tigress from the Ricardo Zavatta Circus

At the Muller Circus, Jumbo is not the only animal being illegally abused

At the Muller Circus, Jumbo is not the only animal being illegally abused
21.05.2026
France
At the Muller Circus, Jumbo is not the only animal being illegally abused
Exploitation for shows

Since 1 December 2023, travelling circuses are no longer been permitted to acquire, sell or breed wild animals. However, at the Muller Zavatta Circus, two ostriches were purchased illegally in October 2025 to replace animals that had died. Despite official reports and damning administrative documents, no action has been taken. This is yet another example of the impunity still enjoyed by circuses that feature animals.

Two ostriches acquired in breach of the law

The documents we have obtained prove it: the two ostriches currently held by the Muller Zavatta Circus were acquired on 2 October 2025. These new animals, two males, were reportedly brought in to replace the circus’s previous ostriches who had died.

However, this purchase is illegal. Since 1 December 2023, the acquisition, sale and breeding of wild animals have been banned in travelling circuses. This ban was intended to pave the way for the phasing out of wild animals in circuses by 2028. Yet, despite several inspection reports, administrative documents and letters confirming in black and white the presence of these ostriches, nothing is being done. No action has been taken. To date, there has been no seizure, no penalty and no legal proceedings.

Breeding, acquisition: same battle

The acquisition of new animals is not the only problem. Since that same date, 1 December 2023, the breeding of wild animals in circuses has also been banned.

The Muller family, moreover, is no stranger to breaches of the law: no later than last summer, we exposed the presence of tiger cubs in cage lorries.

And the examples are stacking up. Last April, the Cirque Franco-Belge proudly displayed lion cubs. In 2024, our investigation into the Cirque Claudio Zavatta revealed similar findings.

The message this sends is disastrous: despite political announcements and promises of transition, certain establishments continue to buy and breed animals as if the 2028 deadline did not exist.

But what will become of all these animals in a few months’ time? Every birth, every new acquisition adds yet another animal to the number that will have to be taken in by already overcrowded sanctuaries.

Above all, these irresponsible practices demonstrate a determination to continue animal exploitation and the pursuit of profit to the very end.

A law rendered toothless by the government’s inaction

Nearly five years after the law of 30 November 2021 was passed, the implementing decrees setting out the penalties have still not been published.

The result: offences are identified, documented and known by the authorities… yet circuses continue to act with complete impunity. Worse still: the State stubbornly persists in supporting them and propping them up financially, preparing to distribute hundreds of thousands of euros of public money. The message is disastrous.

The two ostriches at the Muller Zavatta Circus are not merely an ‘administrative detail’: they symbolise the State’s current failure to enforce its own laws.

As the 2028 deadline approaches, circuses continue to flout the bans with complete impunity. And whilst the authorities dither, the animals continue to be mistreated, moved around and paraded like mere commodities. Jumbo is a glaring example of this. On behalf of him and his fellow sufferers, we have lodged a new request. For the sake of all those who are suffering, sign our petition and let’s put a stop to the exploitation of animals in circuses.

Stop using animals in circuses! Sign the petition

At the Muller Circus, Jumbo is not the only animal being illegally abused

Ostriches acquired and kept illegally: the Muller Circus’s persistent impunity.

Death of a lynx, court ruling: Press release

Death of a lynx, court ruling: Press release
20.05.2026
Vosges
Death of a lynx, court ruling: Press release
Wildlife

The woman who fatally struck a young Eurasian lynx with a spade in Niederbronn-les-Bains in October 2024 was sentenced on Wednesday 20 May 2026 by the Criminal Court of Strasbourg to a three-month suspended prison sentence. The court also recognised the existence of ecological damage amounting to 25,000 euros to the Centre Athénas, in addition to the compensation awarded to One Voice and the wildlife centre.

The Criminal Court of Strasbourg found the defendant guilty of fatally wounding a young Eurasian lynx with a spade in Niederbronn-les-Bains in October 2024. The defendant was given a three-month suspended prison sentence.

The court also awarded damages to the civil parties, including 25,000 euros in respect of ecological damage to the Athénas Centre, as well as compensation for non-pecuniary damage and legal costs to One Voice, the Athénas Centre and the other organisations acting as civil parties.

For One Voice, this decision constitutes recognition of the harm caused to a strictly protected species, even if the sentence remains lenient given the seriousness of the offence.

An important ruling on ecological damage

Ecological damage legally recognises the harm caused to the environment, independently of any harm to the specific interests of individuals or organisations.

The 25,000 euros awarded to the Centre Athénas will help fund the care and conservation of lynx taken in by the centre.

Whilst no court ruling can undo the death of the young lynx, this sentence nevertheless serves as an important illustration of the legal recognition of harm caused to wildlife. Ecological damage is recognised on the grounds of harm caused to a species with fragile populations, such as the lynx. However, for One Voice, there is still some way to go before the law recognises the harm suffered by the animal itself as an individual, with a right to life and existence.

A lynx population that remains extremely vulnerable

The Eurasian lynx remains one of the most endangered mammals in France. Its population is currently estimated at around 150 adults across the whole of the country, mainly distributed in the Jura, with a few individuals present in the Alps.

The Vosges mountains remain particularly vulnerable. In 2025, only around ten lynx were detected and regularly monitored there, most of which originated from the reintroduction programme carried out in the German Palatinate region.

In this context, every death represents a considerable loss for the future of the species.

A case that highlights the difficulties of coexisting with wildlife

This incident also serves as a reminder of the need to raise public awareness of how to behave when encountering wild animals.

The young lynx, spotted a few days before the tragedy in the centre of Niederbronn-les-Bains, appeared disoriented and had likely been prematurely separated from its mother. Its unusual presence in a populated area in no way justified such violence.

For One Voice, protecting large predators also involves fostering a culture of respectful coexistence with wildlife.

Death of a lynx, court ruling: Press release

Death of a young lynx in the Vosges: a lenient sentence but substantial damages awarded

Eurasian lynx killed in Alsace: a lenient sentence but ecological damage recognised

Eurasian lynx killed in Alsace: a lenient sentence but ecological damage recognised
20.05.2026
Niederbronn-les-bains
Eurasian lynx killed in Alsace: a lenient sentence but ecological damage recognised
Wildlife

The woman who fatally struck a young boreal lynx with a spade in Niederbronn-les-Bains in October 2024 was sentenced on Wednesday 20 May 2026 by the Strasbourg Criminal Court to a three-month suspended prison sentence. The court also recognised the existence of ecological damage amounting to 25,000 euros to the Centre Athénas, in addition to the compensation awarded to One Voice and the wildlife centre.

The Strasbourg Criminal Court found the defendant guilty of fatally wounding a young Eurasian lynx with a spade in Niederbronn-les-Bains in October 2024. The defendant was given a three-month suspended prison sentence.

The court also awarded damages to the organisations acting as civil parties, including €25,000 for ecological damage to the Athénas Centre, as well as compensation for non-pecuniary damage and legal costs to One Voice, the Athénas Centre and the other organisations acting as civil parties.

For One Voice, this decision constitutes recognition of the harm caused to a strictly protected species, even if the sentence remains lenient given the seriousness of the offence.

An important ruling on ecological damage

Ecological damage legally recognises the harm caused to the environment, independently of any harm to the specific interests of individuals or organisations.

The 25,000 euros awarded to the Centre Athénas will help fund the care and conservation of lynx taken in by the centre.

Whilst no court ruling can undo the death of the young lynx, this sentence nevertheless serves as an important illustration of the legal recognition of harm caused to wildlife. Ecological harm is recognised on the grounds of damage caused to a species with fragile populations, such as the lynx. However, for One Voice, there is still some way to go before the law recognises the harm suffered by the animal itself as an individual, with a right to life and existence.

A lynx population that remains extremely vulnerable

In this context, every death represents a considerable loss for the future of the species.

A case that highlights the difficulties of coexisting with wildlife

This incident also serves as a reminder of the need to raise public awareness of how to behave around wild animals.

For One Voice, protecting large predators also involves fostering a culture of respectful coexistence with wildlife.

Eurasian lynx killed in Alsace: a lenient sentence but ecological damage recognised

Death of a young lynx in the Vosges: a lenient sentence but substantial damages awarded

Victory in the case of the bullfight in La Brède: Press release

Victory in the case of the bullfight in La Brède: Press release
19.05.2026
La Brède
Victory in the case of the bullfight in La Brède: Press release
Exploitation for shows

One Voice had brought legal proceedings against the holding of a bullfight on 20 June in La Brède. In an order dated 18 May, the Administrative Court of Bordeaux suspended the authorisation for this bullfight. This is an important decision for bulls and horses, given that this practice – which is, in principle, banned in France – continues to be tolerated in the name of “tradition” by some local authorities.

On Tuesday, the Bordeaux Administrative Court suspended the decision authorising a bullfight in La Brède on 20 June as part of the local festivities. Alongside Alliance Anticorrida, One Voice, represented by Hélène Thouy’s law firm, challenged the organisation of this event, which is based on the suffering and killing of an animal in front of an audience.

In France, bullfighting is banned, except in certain areas where an “uninterrupted local tradition” can be invoked. However, no bullfights took place in La Brède in 2020, 2021 or 2025. The practice remains, moreover, very marginal in the Gironde region (only one other local authority permits it). Nevertheless, the local authority had planned to provide substantial funding for this event, despite the risk of a deficit and growing public disinterest.

Staged violence in the name of tradition

For One Voice, this suspension is an important step in the fight against a practice from a bygone era.

Muriel Arnal, Chair of One Voice: “Right at the start of the bullfighting season, this is an important step for the bulls and horses and for all those who love them. Bullfighting is an exception – one of the few practices that escape legal condemnation as ‘acts of cruelty to animals’. It is a spectacle that is never harmless, neither for the animals nor for the children who watch it. One Voice will continue its campaign until bullfighting is abolished throughout France.”

One Voice points out that bullfighting is not a ‘fair fight’ but a spectacle in which everything is organised to weaken the bull before it is killed. In July 2025, the organisation released previously unseen footage filmed during the Céret bullfight, revealing an unprecedented display of violence rarely shown to the general public.

With 75 per cent of French people declaring themselves opposed to bullfighting, One Voice is calling for a definitive end to this French exception.

Victory in the case of the bullfight in La Brède: Press release

Victory for One Voice against bullfighting: the event in La Brède in June has been suspended

Court says no to bullfight in La Brède

Court says no to bullfight in La Brède
19.05.2026
La Brède
Court says no to bullfight in La Brède
Exploitation for shows

On Tuesday, the Administrative Court of Bordeaux suspended the decision authorising a bullfight in La Brède on 20 June as part of the local festivities. Alongside Alliance Anticorrida, One Voice, represented by Hélène Thouy’s law firm, challenged the organisation of this event, which is based on the suffering and killing of an animal in front of an audience.

In France, bullfighting is banned, except in certain areas where an “uninterrupted local tradition” can be invoked. However, no bullfights took place in La Brède in 2020, 2021 or 2025. The practice remains very marginal in the Gironde region (only one other local authority permits it). Nevertheless, the local authority had planned to provide substantial funding for this event, despite the risk of a deficit and growing public disinterest.

Staged violence in the name of tradition

For One Voice, this suspension is a significant step in the fight against a practice from a bygone era.

Muriel Arnal, Chair of One Voice: “Right at the start of the bullfighting season, this is an important milestone for the bulls and horses, and for all those who love them. Bullfighting is an exception – one of the few practices that escape legal condemnation as ‘acts of cruelty to animals’. It is a spectacle that is never harmless, neither for the animals nor for the children who watch it. One Voice will continue its campaign until bullfighting is abolished throughout France.”

One Voice points out that bullfighting is not a “fair fight”, but a show where everything is organised to weaken the bull before it is killed. In July 2025, the organisation released previously unseen footage filmed during the Céret bullfight, revealing an unprecedented display of violence rarely shown to the general public.

With 75 per cent of French people declaring themselves opposed to bullfighting, One Voice is calling for a definitive end to this French exception.

Court says no to bullfight in La Brède

Victory for One Voice against bullfighting: the event in La Brède in June has been suspended

ESOD Campaign: Press Release

ESOD Campaign: Press Release
18.05.2026
France
ESOD Campaign: Press Release
Animaux sauvages

Ahead of the public consultation on ‘species likely to cause damage’, One Voice is organising a national campaign in 11 major cities to call for an end to a decree that condemns 1.7 million wild animals every year.

As the Ministry for Ecological Transition prepares to publish a new three-year decree defining the list of animals classified as ‘ESOD’ – species likely to cause damage – the organisation One Voice is launching a national campaign in 11 cities across France to raise public awareness and call for an end to this measure, which it considers cruel, unjustified and contrary to the goals of biodiversity conservation.

Foxes, martens, weasels, stone martens, magpies, carrion crows, rooks, jays and even starlings: these animals, once labelled ‘pests’, can be trapped, shot or dug up all year round in many French regions simply because they are included on this ministerial list.

For One Voice, this regulation is based on an outdated view of coexistence between humans and wildlife. Every year, 1.7 million animals are killed in the name of short-term economic interests or hunting for recreation, even though they play an essential role in the balance of natural ecosystems.

“Behind the administrative term ‘ESOD’ lies a reality as senseless as it is barbaric: wild animals hunted down, trapped and killed all year round, by any means, even the cruellest. Nature is well-designed; these precious animals have their rightful place in our countryside and forests. It is high time that hunters put down their weapons and found another pastime to occupy themselves with”, says Muriel Arnal, Chair of One Voice.

A decisive public consultation

In the coming days, the government will launch a public consultation to allow citizens to have their say on this forthcoming decree. One Voice is calling on everyone to mobilise en masse to oppose the continuation of these culls.

The organisation also points out that it plans to refer the matter to the Council of State as soon as the decree is published, just as it challenged previous decrees, to seek the annulment of this legislation, alongside other animal welfare and environmental organisations.

According to an Ipsos/One Voice poll conducted in October 2023, 71 per cent of French people say they are in favour of banning the trapping of these animals.

Actions across France

Throughout May, One Voice campaigners will be engaging with the public through information stands, street performances and leafleting organised in several towns and cities:

Limoges (87) – 87 rue Louis Armand 23 May 2026 – from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm
Paris (75) – Opposite 99 rue Vieille du Temple 23 May 2026 – from 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm
Marseille (13) – Quai du Vieux-Port 23 May 2026 – from 10.30 am to 12 noon
Metz (57) – Rue W. Churchill 23 May 2026 – from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Bordeaux (33) – Place Pey Berland 23 May 2026 – from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Nice (06) – Pointe de Rauba Capeu 23 May 2026 – from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Montpellier (34) – Place de la Comédie 23 May 2026 – from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm
Fréjus (83) – Boulevard de la Libération, Sablettes Beach roundabout 24 May 2026 – from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
Troyes (10) – Place de l’Hôtel de Ville 30 May 2026 – from 2.30 pm to 5 pm
Toulouse (31) – Square Charles-de-Gaulle 30 May 2026 – from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Bar-le-Duc (55) – 10 Boulevard de La Rochelle 30 May 2026 – from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm

One Voice is also calling on the general public to sign its petitions, to remove foxes from the ESOD list and to ban traps.

ESOD Campaign: Press Release

Across France, One Voice is campaigning against the classification of animals as ‘ESOD’

– species likely to cause damage

Transfer of Wikie and Keijo: Press Release

Transfer of Wikie and Keijo: Press Release
15.05.2026
Antibes
Transfer of Wikie and Keijo: Press Release
Exploitation for shows

By approving the transfer of the orcas Wikie and Keijo and the last dolphins from Marineland to Loro Parque, the French government is taking a decision that is as appalling as it is catastrophic. For One Voice, this political choice, which is dictated by the financial interests of the Parques Reunidos group, constitutes a betrayal of the French law of 2021 and an unacceptable moral capitulation.

Our Ministry for Ecological Transition is an empty shell whose policy is guided solely by financial interests, steeped in profound hypocrisy. The campaign waged by One Voice for many years to close Marineland and then find a sanctuary for the two orcas and the last 12 dolphins there has reached a particularly appalling conclusion.

After a semblance of democratic debate consisting of three meetings with the organisations closely following the Marineland case, Minister Mathieu Lefèvre has chosen the worst possible future for the orcas and dolphins still present at the Antibes park: Loro Parque (Canary Islands), a dolphinarium recognised as one of the most abusive in the Western world. And a life in a dolphinarium too for the dolphins, with eight of them going to Beauval where breeding, palm trees and “lagoons” aim to cover up the harmful captivity and the creation of a third dolphinarium in France. This despite the fact that the sanctuary opening this summer in Italy could easily be replicated, and that dolphinariums are closing across Europe.

The arguments put forward to justify this decision are false

No, the orca tanks in Antibes are not on the verge of collapsing. They have undergone reinforcement work in recent months, and experts dived there with scuba gear a year ago before writing that everything was fine.

No, a ‘magical sanctuary’ does not exist – what a shameful piece of rhetoric, when none of the options put forward by our organisation and by Tilikum Spirit have been given serious consideration since the park’s closure. The most promising option, the sanctuary in Nova Scotia (Canada), on which work had begun and which supposedly had our minister’s backing just a few months ago, was ultimately dismissed out of hand under pressure from the owners of Marineland, the Parques Reunidos group.

Finally, our Minister, Mathieu Lefèvre, has no qualms about circumventing a law in force in our country—the 2021 law prohibiting the keeping and breeding of cetaceans in captivity in France—by shifting the problem to another country. Shows, breeding, separation of the animals… In doing so, he is ensuring that these animals will spend the remainder of their lives in utter suffering.

The last line of defence against this tragedy lies in Spain. One Voice urges the Spanish government not to be complicit in this charade and to have the political courage to refuse to perpetuate the absurdity of keeping wild animals in captivity on its soil. Together with Spanish organisations, One Voice is campaigning for the Spanish government to refuse to grant the transfer, aligning itself with the unanimous opinion of Spanish CITES scientists against the transfer of animals from Marineland to Loro Parque.

Muriel Arnal, President of One Voice: “Words fail me when I think of what awaits Wikie and Keijo at Loro Parque. We were there last Saturday; the suffering of the orcas already held captive there is heart-wrenching. We prevented the sale of our orcas to China in 2019, and then to Japan in 2024. Today, the Ministry’s cynical manoeuvres leave us with only one hope: the courage of the Spanish government. May Spain continue to listen to the scientists. And whatever happens, we will continue to campaign and document what happens to Wikie and Keijo, and the world will see the true face of a Minister who pretends to care about animals only to better deliver them to torment.”

Transfer of Wikie and Keijo: Press Release

The French State signs the death warrant for the orcas Wikie and Keijo against a backdrop of political hypocrisy and financial interests

La dernière muraille avant ce drame est en Espagne. One Voice enjoint le gouvernement espagnol à ne pas être complice de cette mascarade et à avoir le courage politique de refuser de perpétuer le non-sens de la captivité d’animaux sauvages sur ses propres terres. Avec les associations espagnoles, One Voice milite pour que l’Etat Espagnol refuse d’accorder le transfert, en se rangeant du côté de l’avis unanime des scientifiques de la CITES Espagnole contre le transfert des animaux de Marineland à Loro Parque.

Muriel Arnal, présidente de One Voice : “Les mots manquent face à ce qui attend Wikie et Keijo à Loro Parque. Nous y étions samedi dernier, la souffrance des orques déjà captives là-bas est bouleversante. Nous avons empêché la vente de nos orques en Chine en 2019, puis au Japon en 2024. Aujourd’hui les cyniques manœuvres du ministère nous laissent un seul espoir : le courage du gouvernement espagnol. Que l’Espag ne continue d’écouter les scientifiques. Et quoi qu’il arrive, nous continuerons à nous mobiliser et à documenter ce qui arrive à Wikie et Keijo, et le monde verra le vrai visage du ministre qui feint de se préoccuper des animaux pour mieux les livrer au supplice.”