In Memory Of Keiko

www.dolphinproject.org www.wsp -usa.org Keiko, the killer whale (orca), was the star of Free Willy. At the time he lived at an abusive marine park, in a small warm pool, with only four dolphins for company. (But what is interesting is that Keiko actually learned how to speak the dolphin's language so he could talk to them. He also learned to mimic the sound of a rooster crowing and an ambulance siren.) Keiko had been brutally captured as a baby from his family pod in Iceland many years before. Then he was sent to live at a marine park in Canada that still exists today. While at this Canadian park, he often was attacked by the older whales kept in the tank. So, after some while there, he was sold to a run-down park in Mexico City. He seemed to be rotting away.. he was very lazy and slow. He could barely even hold his breath for a couple of minutes. The warm tank water lead to numerous skin diseases. But just in time, Warner Brothers came along and asked to shoot the 1993 movie Free Willy at the park, starring Keiko. After seeing the movie, millions of people sent in money to free Keiko. And so after years of training, "Willy" was finally set free. He vocalized and traveled with other orcas and dolphins. He got to catch his own food - nice, big, fresh salmon! Keiko was allowed to travel as far as he wanted, and still got the added extra of excellent vetrinary care. His handlers and the research team were amazed at how well he adapted! In December of 2003, Keiko passed away at the age of 27. (Although that may be a young age for a wild whale to die at, its old for a captive one - and Keiko had spent a great majority of his life in captivity.) This video is made in memory of him, showing viewers his journey home and those who helped him get there... FOR INFORMATION ON CAPTIVITY/WHALES: - www.dolphinproject.org - www.orcafree.org - www.orcanetwork.org - www.HSUS.org - www.whale-museum.org - www.orcahome.de - www.wildlifepimps.com - www.wspa-usa.org Recommended Reading: - "Behind the Dolphin Smile: A True Story that Will Touch the Hearts of Animal Lovers Everywhere" by Richard O'Barry and Keith Coulbourn - "To Free a Dolphin" by Richard O'Barry and Keith Coulbourn - "Freeing Keiko: The Journey of a Killer Whale from Free Willy to the Wild" by Kenneth Brower - "Keiko's Story: A Killer Whale Goes Home" by Linda Moore Kurth ----------------------- ---- Photos: A big thanks to the Free Willy/Keiko Foundation, Orca Network, www.CNN.com, National Geographic Magazine/website and scanned from the book Freeing Keiko and the Chicago Tribune! Disclaimer: The lovely song is by Michelle Branch! I did not write it/sing it/produce it, nor do I claim to. No copyright infringement intended. All audio belongs to rightful owners.

Channel: Nonprofits & Activism
Uploaded: November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am
Author: peepchick101

Length: 03:09
Rating: 4.69
Views: 125873

Tags: beautiful  free  Iceland  Keiko  killer  marineland  movie  namu  ocean  orca  shamu  whale  willy  

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