The Whale Sanctuary Project

Across the world, more than 50 orcas and 300 belugas remain in captivity, confined to concrete tanks where they cannot dive, roam, or live natural lives. Many were born into captivity and cannot survive if released directly into the wild — but that doesn’t mean they must spend their lives in small pools.

That’s where the Whale Sanctuary Project comes in.

Founded by world-leading scientists, veterinarians, and advocates, the Whale Sanctuary Project is building the first seaside sanctuary for whales in North America, located in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia. This sanctuary will provide 110 acres of natural ocean bay where whales can finally experience:

Why This Matters Now?

The closure of Marineland Antibes in France has left Wikie and her son Keijo — the last captive orcas in the country — in limbo. They are strong candidates for transfer to the Nova Scotia sanctuary, where they can thrive in a safe, semi-wild environment.

But the sanctuary isn’t just for them. It is a model for the world, proving that there is a humane, sustainable alternative to marine park captivity. Once completed, it can provide refuge for other whales from around the globe, inspiring more sanctuaries to follow.

How Your Donation Helps

Your contribution goes directly to the Whale Sanctuary Project (a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit). Funds will support:

Visit their website for more.

In many places throughout the world, such as SeaWorld, orcas are being held in small tanks, which due to the nature and size of the animal is a cruel practice. Orcas are highly intelligent creatures that have complex bonds with many others of their species throughout their lifetime. In captivity these bonds are disrupted, often leaving orcas stressed. They are also accustomed to journeying through large expanses of water; which is not possible in the conditions that they are kept in. Keeping orcas in such cramped captivity stresses them, and makes them extremely unhappy. There are numerous examples that demonstrate this stress such as drooping dorsal fins, orcas acting out aggressively, lying on the bottom of the tank, chewing on the enclosure, and many other warning signs. Therefore, I took it upon myself to start a fundraiser this summer in order to help orcas in captivity be released into either the wild, or if that is not an option due to their long-term exposure to humans, seaside sanctuaries. The Whale Sanctuary Project will be the recipient of all the donations I raise, and use this money to help save the whales!