Keiko was an orca who became famous when he captured the hearts of millions after starring in the three Free Willy films. Many children for the first time saw what a killer whale really looked like. Adults who had been to marine parks and enjoyed the shows put on there now got a different perspective. Keiko showed the world what orcas really are, powerful, intelligent, amazing animals that deserve the respect of humans everywhere.
photo provided by Laurie and Emilie
Keiko's history:
Keiko was born in Iceland and was captured in November of 1979 at the age of two. He was separated from his family and taken to a small Icelandic aquarium until 1982 when he was transferred to Marineland Canada. After a short while performing at the park in Canada, Keiko was sold to Reino Aventura, an amusement park in Mexico City in 1985. In 1992 the film that he is famous for, "Free Willy," was filmed. In 1995, Reino Aventura donated Keiko to the Free Willy/Keiko Foundation. In 1996, Keiko was taken to the Oregon Coast Aquarium to begin the rehabilitation process. There he was introduced to live fish, rather than the usual dead fish that captive orcas receive, in order to prepare him for catching his own meals. At the Aquarium he gained almost 2,000 lbs. When he arrived he weighed a little more than 7,700 lbs. In a little over a year he weighed about 9,600. On September 9, 1998, the day came for Keiko to be returned to Iceland. He continued his training there and by 2000 he was taking ocean walks (caretakers on a boat following Keiko in the open ocean), and he made his first contact with wild killer whales. In 2001, Keiko actually started spending days at a time with wild whales, and away from his caretakers. In 2002, Keiko actually was away from humans for 60 days straight. He made a 1000-mile journey to Norway. There he stayed, not encaged, but allowed to come and go as he pleased. His caretakers still cared for him, but really, he was free. He died in Norway on December 12, 2003. Keiko was the first orca to be relocated back to native waters. He was one of the lucky ones. The famous orca died where (in my opinion) he belonged, in freedom. Now he is truly free.
