Watch in HD, please! DON'T USE OR SHARE WITHOUT PERMISSION !! K e i k o : • Happy Birthday, My Kei... • Keiko -|- ωιℓℓ σf тнє ... • Keiko [[ 10 years ]]
*Rest in peace Keiko, Tilikum, Lolita, Hugo, Moby Doll, Shamu, Namu, Skana, Haida, Kasatka, Kiska, Gudrun, and other orcas who were taken from their families.* 🥀
@@tessdurberville711 Orcas are known to remain with their mothers throughout their entire lives, which is quite different from dogs, cats, and goldfish. Orcas have an incredibly advanced limbic system and possess the most gyrified brain in the world. You can't compare a large, highly intelligent mammal to a freaking goldfish.
@@tessdurberville711 😂 aww bless Tess you obviously know nothing about whales.. you should perhaps educate yourself on their family relationships , communication etc. These animals live with their familys for their whole lives... now if you want to compare it to us removing pups from their mums... well I never removed my dogs pup from her and they hate each other 🤷♀️ now that doesn't happen with whales in the wild... when one of the females in the pod gives birth the whole Pod celebrate the birth... like humans , not like dogs, cats , Guinea pigs, goldfish etc etc etc they have brains that are more like human brains.. they live in family groups, speak their own language these animals aren't stupid these are highly intelligent far more intelligent than you or I they use parts of their brains that we don't use which makes them more intelligent than us. Anyway if people are going to keep animals captive then captivity needs to be kinder than nature and I'd say most of the animals you mentioned are better off in captivity than surviving in the wild... unlike killer whales that thrive in the wild and die young in captivity.
He was alone actually, never accepted back into any Orca pod. And he could only hunt and catch fish. He never should have been in captivity in the first place, no Orca should have ever been put into captivity. Another selfish and stupid move by mankind.
@@crazycajun1586 I just got back from Seaworld yes the Orcas were good and talented but I noticed the fin on the top was down. It’s not supposed to be like that because it’s not in the Wild..
The most heartbreaking part of keikos story is that he never found nor joined his pod. He searched for people to give him love and ended up dying alone on a beach in Norway by himself.
He died because people put him in captivity in the first place. Orcas belong in the wild, humans never should have started capturing them at all, period.
I truly believe Keiko was one in a million, the amount of patience and trust he had with the humans around him was unmatched. He had every reason to be hostile but never was. Imagine having to relive the trauma of being hoisted out of the water and put in a dark box again. My heart goes out to these magnificent creatures and I truly wait for the day we'll only ever see them in the wild and nowhere else.
the people who worked with him hands on, loved him, and made it bearable. it was just unfortunate that his living conditions weren't healthy. but that's the corporations fault. the people who care more about money than life.
Lolita in Miami. Was finally granted her freedom . She has been in captivity for more than 50 years . Think now they just trying finding a place where she can live her remaining life free. No orcas should be in captivity. This needs to be banned world 🌎 wide .
It’s 2024, and the story of Keiko is still beautiful. So glad he died free and happy. He was interacting with other orcas during his time in the ocean, but I guess 2 decades with humans just made him like being around humans. He actively searched and bonded with people, especially around the Norwegian coast. He flourished in the ocean, tho he died young, at least he didn’t die in a small and overheated pool in Mexico. Rip Keiko, you inspired so many, and your story is helping other captive whales and dolphins seeing the ocean again❤️ such a gentle soul
He had been living in Oregon for 3 years, in a $7m state of the art tank with a seawater and cooling systems. He had plenty to eat, his papillomavirus had gone into remission and people loved him. All he needed was a companion.
taba boi I agree. I read both Seaworld books. Really blew my mind. The one trainer was there for fourteen years. He loved his whale and he said she loved him . He said they are so smart and human like. But they suffer. Sunburn and mosquitoes bites and stomach ulcers. They chew the cement and Seaworld takes their the teeth out . They withheld food before shows. After the shows they lay still for hours out of boredom. Or bang their head against the cement and gates. One whale had a gate fall on his head and he died. Two died from West Nile virus. The trainer quit to speak out. Now there is a whale named Morgan. She was taken from the ocean in the Netherlands. She was under weight. But her permit said release. Seaworld flew her to a theme park. She was raked 334 times by the other whales. During shows she lays on the cement for over 16 minutes. The trainers leave her there. She barely moves. It’s on here to watch. She is pregnant at a to young age. There is a website called Free Morgan. Please read her story and look at the photos. 200,000 people signed a petition to get her moved. Seaworld gave her to the park from so much backlash. They don’t own her no more. She is banging her head against the cement now. So sad . She will be in captivity intill she dies. The pool they first put her in was so shallow she could stand on her tail and her head would be out of the water. Then they charged people to look at her. This was supposed to be her pool to get better. I don’t think she was that sick. The captain of the boat said they took her. My heart breaks for her and Lolita. And the 18 Beluga whales in dirty above ground pools in Japan. Watch that documentary on Netflix.
Toni Grosso that is truly heartbreaking 😢 my heart bleeds for these poor animals. They’re so intelligent and gracious and this how humans treat them- nothing more than a commodity to line their pockets with. It makes me ashamed to be part of the human race. I hope one day all tanks will be empty and these beautiful creatures can live happily in the wild where they belong xxx
my father was one of those men , he read your comment and shot himself, i hope you are happy . you are responsible for his death. but i wish you a long and happy life . don't let the guilt end you. please learn to live with your guilt.
Keiko will always be remembered and loved. The fact that he was not the best candidate for freedom is that he was very fond of humans and this came from his trainers in Mexico, there's no doubt in my mind about this. While watching "Blackfish" I kept on wondering, why was Tilikum's behavior so different from Keiko's? and the only answer that came to my mind was, because of the love and affection Keiko received from the beings surrounding him. In the wild, bottle -nose dolphins and orcas don't really get along but Keiko's best friends were the dolphins keeping him company at the park. He was all alone, yes, but at least he was not bullied by other orcas like Tilikum was in Seaworld. I believe Keiko developed a closer bond with his trainers perhaps because they really cared for him and spent time alone with him away from the shows, away from the stress of performing. I never saw a Seaworld trainer kissing one of the orcas as Karla Corral did with Keiko... and these simple and small things could have meant a lot and made a whole difference for the orcas. Keiko was found in Norway after his release seeking human companionship and playing with kids allowing them to mount him and ride along with him... do you really think Tilikum would have done the same without hurting someone?... I don't think so. In the end all sicknesses both physical and mental from an animal are rooted in their captivity status and the trauma of being taken away from their families, but eventually and clearly even after that trauma if they find good people, caring and loving people they can heal (even a little) and develop kindness and caring for other species, just as Keiko did. Just my thoughts... RIP dear Keiko, may you be leaping and diving free in heaven!
I truly appreciate people such as yourself.. I believe that you truly have much love and understanding of Orkas especially in the case of Keiko.Ty for sharing your thoughts...I believe that they feel so very much when they're separated from their Mothers/family they're very social bonds in the vast oceans prove this.They don't need to be in captivity to begin with.🕊️🤲
Norwegians who live close to where he is buried said he loved to play with their children. They would run along the beach and even ride on his back. At least he died free even though he probably was unfit to live in the wild.
I met Keiko in Newport Oregon, he was SO massive! One of his side fins was at least 3x the size of me- I was in awe. I’m so thankful his story can help others in captivity to be released. Captivity is barbaric and inhumane- NEVER buy a ticket to these places. There’s no excuse for, for profit captivity.
I wish this can be true for Lolita, the whale imprisoned at the Miami Seaquarium. In her case, her journey could be more easier than Keiko's. Keiko was from Icleland and Lolita or Tokitae, her real name, is from the USA. In Washington State at Puget Sound, people have already prepared a sea pen for her. Also her family is still living there. Among them, her mom Ocean Sun.
I totally agree with you about the dolphin friends of Lolita and they do deserve freedom. All animal do honestly. At least at some level, but definitely for Lolita and all her dolphin friends, they deserve complete freedom. #let the wild remain wild @Serres Tileorasi
Morgen i beleive the only time a animal should be in captivity is not for human entertainment but to help stop extinction but they get reintroduced at a sensible age it is possible
Yeah. I would completely agree with you and just to be clear, I wasn't trying to disagree with you in my comments. Please don't take it that way. I'm sorry if I implied that I was. Peace! @@latisamedic7303
Watching in 2022. The orca that started it all. The struggles this whale went through. Miss him dearly. Sad that even today we are Still battling for them to be free. SeaWorld is one thing but our biggest problem is China. With there new Marine park that just opened up. And trainers are in the tanks and young children. Accidents just waiting to happen. They don't have a voice. We are their voice, they want to go home!
It just blows my mind that after this effort was made that Lotita who was the oldest orca in captivity lives in horrible conditions in Miami for 53 years.
Reading up on his life upon release makes me wish they'd instead invested the money on a sanctuary ocean pen rather than a release program. Reading how he mostly stayed away from wild orcas and instead followed human fishing boats and let children ride on his back makes me think his final days were rather lonely instead of "free". AAAAnd I'm crying.
Based off his age and health he wouldn’t of last much longer in captivity then he did in the wild. He was 25 averagelife expectancy in captivity is 10-30 at least he got to be in the ocean again
People trying to defend captivity 😫 saying he needed human attention... of course he needed human attention that is all he knows because vile people stole him from his family and raised him in a fish bowl, he was dying slowly but surely in captivity. This is proof that every captive Orca deserves to be free even if it's for a short time. Tilikum should have been freed to live his last years in the ocean!
@@himissgivemeperfectplease8318 they are not family's in captivity, none come from the same pods or ecotypes. They don't even eat the same things they would eat in the wild. Know your facts before jumping into these threads!
The people who defend captivity are also the people who put their goldfish in a tiny fish bowls. What they don’t know is goldfish can live up to 10-25 years and in the wild they grow up to 12-14. We’re the invasive species putting all these animals in small cages, destroying their habitats and using them for money
I agree its pure evil to take a whale calf from its family for profit. But in this case i think he really loved people, he let people ride him even AFTER being set free.
I like the idea of sea pens, that with enough experience, the orca (and other Dolphins) can have a semi wild experience. They can come and go as they please. If they are brave enough, or if they find a wild pod that accepts them...they can be truly free. But if they want, they can come back to "safety". Those ones will be on birth control.
Keko was just to used to human contact....he should of been allowed to come and go as he pleased. Perhaps if more time was allowed he would of found a pod that would of accepted him. RIP Keko. I pray he is swimming free in heaven with others of his kind.
@@equarg I read in one book, he did locate a few pods, but that he always stayed at the edge, so he could escape if he wanted. So even then. It's like he wasn't 100% sure...thats why he kept returning to us humans.
Can't believe sea world had us believing that these beautiful creatures were happy, healthy and wanted to be in there for FORTY YEARS! crazy nobody questioned it until blackfish came out.
There have been people raising awareness about this for years. Nobody took it seriously until blackfish came out and people were hearing it straight from the trainers mouths
Thank you for making my child hood so special Keiko, x My heart broke knowing you missed you family as I did with my Dad when I was little. I love you to this day and forever more. X sleep freely you should never have been taken.
I'm doing a project that is a campaign against hunting killer whales and this was an excellent resource of what human can do to incredibly change the history of a whale in captivity.
Such a beautiful story. It shows that there are still good people in this world. NO animal should be captured and forced to perform tricks. It’s a shame he passed away a year after being free, but thank you, Free Willy Foundation for everything you have done for precious Keiko. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kiska too that is slowly and sadly dying in Marineland. The same asshole that bought Keiko owns the park. He has died but his family has taken over and they are just as bad.
Keiko's release wasn't exactly successful. He failed to join a pod and died alone after spending his "free" period following humans like an abandoned puppy, which is HEARTBREAKING. If they're going to attempt a release again they need to do it with 3+ captive orca that train for release together and can learn to survive together as a pod.
@@jimzle He joined a pod. Swam to Norway. Did not loose weight swimming to Norway. Probably left the pod becouse he was sick. He did not have the immunsystem he needed, becouse of the captivity. At least he chose to leave the other orcas, instead of anyone took him away like the first time. He was free to do what he wanted. Same as the beluga Hvaldimir. But who knows, if Hvaldimir will get sick too? But until then, he lives free as he should be. And so did Keiko
My heart breaks when I see the whales trapped in the nets and the sling when the cry and squiel out for there family and mum it actually hurts my heart to watch poor keiko he was such a kind, soft and gentle whale. He was very special and one of a kind for sure Keiko was the best
He once again got to live and die a wild orca. It's too late for Tilikum, Kiska and Tokitae now, but we can learn from Keiko and Springer to free Corky from captivity now.
Keiko was a sweet heart! Its too sad we see there dark side when in captivity when they could be harmless too humans in the wild. They got lucky with Keiko. he was a baby when captured. Most are older when captured and the results are bad.
We really shouldn't call them "Killer Whales" - that makes it seem like it's okay if we tame them and train them, because it makes them sound vicious. They are dolphins, they are highly intelligent, incredibly social and feel emotions intensely. It is beyond cruel to keep them in a bath tub and make them perform tricks for their food.
Yeah, their name was actually intended as Killer of Whales, as they're widely known for attacking whales and eating their tongues, but a misunderstanding between English and Spanish gave us Killer Whale
"I think he's even smarter than we are." Well no shit. How can someone who works with these creatures not know for certain that these mammals are far smarter than we are?
spacebug30 so what, humans came up with so much technology but are still very very ignorant . There’s a difference between building skyscrapers and living life morally right
@@bivia1612 ...Yes, you preach it, RaggedyAnne. "Somebody" came up with technology that keeps you dry and warm, provides you with electricity and access to the internet, so you can preach how that "somebody" is ignorant and lacking in morals!
Nope. He lived beyond the expected lifespan of a captive male Orca. Would you rather he live for another 5 years inside a cage, or 3 years with other orcas, swimming up to 100 miles a day, hunting playing, being free? Come on.
I love this! R.I.P Keiko!! You made my childhood great and to see and know about magnificent whales like you, can change lives. You will always be in my memories and heart! Love you Keiko!
Keiko.. it’s so heartbreaking that he could never find his pod ... I love orcas will all my heart. It’s my dream to study them when I’m older....this makes me cry every time...
They had so much presser to do this quickly rather than successfully. I think he should have been in that sea pen at least a few years with as little care by humans as possible before actually attempting to release him.
Aries the next whale might not ever be fully released to the wild. The possibility of a Sea pen might be the only option for those whales whom have been in captivity for decades
The thing is when animals from captivity are released into a wild environment it’s essentially alien to them. They could easily die in a situation like that.
No Orca is happier in captivity. Keiko died because he wasn't raised by his mother in a natural environment. Where he could learn to hunt and form lifelong strong social bonds with the family members of his own pod. Where he had the ability to use echo sonar, and communicate with other Orca. All of this was lost and taken from him, because of captivity. When he was released, for Keiko an overwhelming experience. Out in the ocean alone, with no natural skills or idea of how to live in the wild.
He died because of stupid people. Captivity didn't kill him. Anti-caps did. By forcing his release, they sentenced him to death. He did not meet the criteria set by NOAA for release. Like I said in an earlier post here, the only thing he learned to do was hunt for himself. That was it. He never hooked up with a wild pod for long periods of time. He never became independent of human contact. His release was a failure. Had he remained at Oregon he would still be alive.
@@sydneyp3357 he wouldn't be in that situation if human didn't capture orcas in the first place. And Keiko would have died of skin decease and stress if not for the proposition of releasing him.
Michael Reden His skin disease and health improved drastically at Oregon. He was very happy there. He was too tame and had no skills to survive in the wild. How can human handlers teach a whale how to be a whale? It’s like a child being raised by a pack of wolves and then the wolves trying to teach it to be human? Never going to happen. The best outcome would of been to leave him in the nice large tank in Oregon. Animal rights activists killed him. It’s shocking to think that he was so alone at sea as well. Orcas live in pods, they aren’t meant to be alone. The whole time he wanted human companionship. Then there’s there scientific fact that everyone seems to forget, our immune systems adapt to our environments. Keiko had been in a sterile container for 2 decades. No wonder he caught pneumonia so quickly. It makes me mad that nobody tried to stop this going that far.
@Moon Dragon Keiko shouldn't be in captivity, neither should he been left alone in the wild, having no knowledge how to survive. This is heartbreaking. If keiko was alive, and not abandoned in the wild, he would be 46 years old today.
Damn what a documentary. This truly shows just how sick and twisted but also caring and compassionate we humans can be, and since the ones who had the biggest voices in freeing Keiko were kids and more specifically my generation the millennials. And for me, this was a real roller-coaster because I grew up on the Free Willy movies (I still love them even as an adult).
As sad as it all is for the whales, I couldn't help but cry when the trainer from Mexico was crying. She came from Mexico, to Oregon, saw his improvement, and knew it was all for the best.. and like she said, "a big part of my life is over, that's it."
He was dead when you commented this so...hopefully? He died around 2003, while living in a sea pen, where he could go in and out of ocean if he chose to do so
slightly but it was much better than the original tropic tank. Imagine youself living in a field miles long, getting pun in a cage then you get moved to a house with a yard. its not perfect but its sustainable. the goal is to get him healthy and moved back to the wild
I’ve cried since the beginning! How they took him from his mother. Moved him to a warm climate where he was apparently born in a cooler region. NO EDUCATION about these beautiful creatures. I love the energy from them. They are very loyal! Even when they have captured him he made these people family! Had the the poor thing in fake salt water with chlorine!!!!! I am thankful to have watch this just had a dream about them 😍
This is a sad story. Because he Kieko didn't last a lot long after he was freed, but more because he was captured. Maybe they should make it illegal to capture whales. They should also try to release whales that spent years in captivity go in groups, that way they are not alone. Also maybe try to introduce them to groups of wild whales so that they can have a better chance to learn to survive a bit better. Instead of focusing on entertaining, these other places could try to help with teaching them to be free.
Ann - I don't think that's entirely wise. A facility would have to be made to let the orcas slowly get used to real sea water as well as get re-taught how to catch fish on their own. Also a few orcas and other sea wildlife have to be captured in order to save their lives. It's horrible, but to needed yo better understand and treat sick orcas/wildlife.
Ann - the only bad thing about it all would be some whales have lost most of their echolocation, and being fed already dead fish is very hard for them to find them in the wild :( & sadly some of their pods are millions of miles away and they would probably die before they found their pod. I hope one day people will stop whaling or capturing the whales for whatever reason they deserve to be free and capturing them simply for their own false excuses is very saddening :(((
Squidney Bean literally none of the whales at seaworld or the miami seaquarium were captured because they have injuries they were basically kidnapped from their parents
I remember being a kid and seeing him in real life at the Oregon coast aquarium and it truly hurt me to see him like that. In a box too small for even people to swim in.
Late 2021, and I'm still touched by this. I first heard about Keiko's role as Willy in the epilogue of Free Willy. It's a shame he was exposed to such cruelty and then was never able to reunite with his family.
They tried to locate his pod. They used hydrophones to distinguish the different dialects of Icelandic orca pods before he arrived. Keiko's calls were also recorded and studied at Newport during his "untraining" to become wild again. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, scientists couldn't find the pod with Keiko's dialect. They'd just had to wing it and hope he would join a local pod.
However sad it was that Keiko was captured from the wild, releasing him again was even more sad. That animal was clearly not ready to be wild, didn't want to be wild, even his permanent caretakers left the project because they didn't agree the with the overly rushed agenda to set him free as soon as possible. Keiko clearly wanted to be around humans, he kept returning, until they literally abandoned him in the middle of the ocean, forcing him to interact with orca's he didn't want anything to do with (other way around just the same). He kept looking and looking for people, hadn't eaten anything in the 3 months he was missing. He finally found humans again and never left them, but it was too late already. Dying from a disease he caught because of his weak immune system which hadn't properly adapted to the wild yet. I don't agree on housing killer whales alone in a small tank, but the whales that are currently in captivity, are simply not fit to be released in the wild again. The ones that have been wild-caught, have been in captivity for 35 years or more. They are simply not able to readapt into the ocean. And most captive born orca's are a mix of orca subspecies, which would only endanger the current ecosystem even more. The captured ones barely have any family left in the wild from the day they were captured, the remaining ones will likely not recognize them anymore, not only because it's been such a long time, but also because the captive animals have developped their own vocalizations and dialects. The ones in captivity should be taken care of very well, with their own little pod and great care from their trainers. Animals like Lolita should def be moved to a place with more orca's, like SeaWorld Orlando. If we want these animals to live a content life, randomly throwing them in the wild is not helping them.
They should have left him in his Icelandic Bay Pen. He was safe and happy there. His release was a mistake but I understand why they did it. They were under immense public pressure. People didn't want Keiko in a sea pen, they wanted him free. His old sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay is now home to two beluga whales, Little White and Little Grey. They've been at a Shanghai park for nearly a decade. Before that, they were at a Russian research center. They were finally rescued and relocated 6,000 miles to their new home in Iceland. They can never be fully released but they are happy at their sea sanctuary. Miami Seaquarium and Seaworld should do the same for their orcas.
@@MermaidMusings7 Unfortunately, the two beluga whales at the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary only spent about 4 months in their sea sanctuary since their arrivel there in June 2020. They were kept in the small indoor pool (meant as temporary housing for injured marine mammals until they can be released) when they first arrived in June, then moved outside to the bay in August. However, they were mostly kept in a series of small floating holding pens during their time in the bay. In December 2020, they were moved back to the indoor pool due to severe weather of the Iceland winters (which was another reason why it wasn't a great place for Keiko 20 years ago). They have not been moved back into the bay ever since. It's a year later now and winter again, so we can assume they won't be back in the bay until at least spring. It's unclear why they weren't moved back into the bay for the summer and we can only hope they will see real daylight again soon. They weren't rescued either, nor did they first live at a Russian research center. The same marine park that bought them from Russian captors a decade ago were the ones that initially wanted to 'rerelease' them. This brought them to the attention of the marine rescue, who took over. The monthly cost of caring for these two beluga whales is about $50,000 (as shared by the sanctuary itself). They eat about 20kg/44lbs a day. Orcas eat about 90kg/200lbs a day. If the monthly cost is depending on the food cost, that would equal over $25 million a year for just the 19 orcas at SeaWorld Parks. There are currently 57 captive orcas, spread over at least 14 marine parks. Each of these pods would require a seperate sea pen to not disturb the social order. However much we want to see these orcas in sea sanctuaries, the cost of running these would be nearly impossible. It's very hard for people to visit these remote places and donations tend to dry up after a while. I keep my fingers crossed for the future of Little White and Little Gray that they may some day swim in the bay. If donations slow down, I fear they will either be set free (which they will not survive, not to mention beluga whales are not native to Iceland, making them an invasive species) or they will be moved back to a marine park.
@@spacebug30 I did a liitle bit of research and the two beluga whales were initially captured by Russian poachers. You're right, they're currently housed in an indoor landside facility. They can't return to the bay due to coronavirus-related delays. According to Sea Life Trust, it was always the plan to put the belugas back into an indoor facility during the harsh winter months and then release them back into the sea sanctuary. A series of supply chain issues and the pandemic has slowed the process down. They will stay at the facility until at least spring 2022. Sea sanctuaries are expensive but it's not like the marine parks can't afford it. Seaworld is a multi-billion dollar company. They can use their assets to improve the quality of their animals' lives. Lolita has earned the Miami Seaquarium over 160 million dollars. 160 million and they still keep her in that tiny tank. She's been in there for 50+ years. USDA released a 17-page report revealing the horrifying conditions that Lolita, along with other animals at Miami Seaquarium, were living in. The Training Curator decreased her base from 160 pounds to 130, despite objections from the attending veterinarian. They force her to perform high-energy behaviors, which often cause her to injure herself. In February, Lolita and her dolphin companions were fed foul-smelling and partially decomposing cepelin, once again against the advice of the veterinarian. Several animals, including Lolita, became sick. In April, Lolita developed eye injuries due to an excess level of chlorine in the water. She has no proper shade. The list goes on and on.
Misty Rose Blackthorn I don't think that's true. In some scenes you can see the rash Keiko had on the whale in the second movie. They mention the rash in this video.
This is so amazing!! I wish this could happen and be successful for all Orcas in captivity. I know it isn't, but look how much Keiko thrived, there's all the proof you need that having these beautiful creatures in captivity is heartbreaking and cruel.
Every last one of them deserves a chance at freedom or to at least live in the ocean cared for by humans in a more natural and healing environment that they are MEANT to be in. The hope of freedom is enough reason to give them a chance!
omg. beautiful animals, probably one of my favs now. 😭❣️ so sad to watch these videos but so beautiful to get to know them! i hope I can see some one day, in their natural habitat.
@@himissgivemeperfectplease8318 Most of the things they say aren't lies they are common sense that those things happen why do you find it so hard to believe, If they weren't lies sea world wouldn't keep trying to shut them up, Even if people try to film there they are asked to leave
This made me emotional :( I love the Free Willy movies and grew up with them as I was a child in the 90's. My family donated to the 1-800 number at the end too. I am saddened that Keiko passed away shortly after being released into the wild, he'd become too reliant on humans and died of pneumonia.
*Rest in peace Keiko, Tilikum, Lolita, Hugo, Moby Doll, Shamu, Namu, Skana, Haida, Kasatka, Kiska, Gudrun, and other orcas who were taken from their families.* 🥀
Every dog or cat, goldfish, guinea pig, bird,etc. that you have ever bought or adopted, was taken from it's family too.
@@tessdurberville711 Orcas are known to remain with their mothers throughout their entire lives, which is quite different from dogs, cats, and goldfish. Orcas have an incredibly advanced limbic system and possess the most gyrified brain in the world. You can't compare a large, highly intelligent mammal to a freaking goldfish.
Vicky, Kohana, Ula, Skylar died at Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain
🐋🐬🌹🌷🐳🙏
@@tessdurberville711 😂 aww bless Tess you obviously know nothing about whales.. you should perhaps educate yourself on their family relationships , communication etc. These animals live with their familys for their whole lives... now if you want to compare it to us removing pups from their mums... well I never removed my dogs pup from her and they hate each other 🤷♀️ now that doesn't happen with whales in the wild... when one of the females in the pod gives birth the whole Pod celebrate the birth... like humans , not like dogs, cats , Guinea pigs, goldfish etc etc etc they have brains that are more like human brains.. they live in family groups, speak their own language these animals aren't stupid these are highly intelligent far more intelligent than you or I they use parts of their brains that we don't use which makes them more intelligent than us. Anyway if people are going to keep animals captive then captivity needs to be kinder than nature and I'd say most of the animals you mentioned are better off in captivity than surviving in the wild... unlike killer whales that thrive in the wild and die young in captivity.
We will never forget Keiko, Lolita, and Tilikum. They deserved better.
Still time for Corky and Morgan!
And Kiska
I just know that Keiko, Lolita, and Tilikum have all became friends in heaven and are no longer suffering and are swimming free ❤️❤️❤️🕊️
Tilikum was very dangerous orca
Beautiful corky deserves freedom!
He was alone actually, never accepted back into any Orca pod. And he could only hunt and catch fish. He never should have been in captivity in the first place, no Orca should have ever been put into captivity. Another selfish and stupid move by mankind.
Did your parents ever take you to sea world? My parents did.
If there was no SeaWorld you wouldn't give 2 shits about orca just like the fisherman of the day.
@@crazycajun1586 and there is the problem right there.
@@crazycajun1586 I just got back from Seaworld yes the Orcas were good and talented but I noticed the fin on the top was down. It’s not supposed to be like that because it’s not in the Wild..
Killer whales don't accept strangers into their pods.
The most heartbreaking part of keikos story is that he never found nor joined his pod. He searched for people to give him love and ended up dying alone on a beach in Norway by himself.
Sooooo true!!!! He was extremely lonely and sought out human connection to feel loved! Could never find his pod😢😭😭
@@sumaiyakhan3301 😕😕
💔💔💔
And please God we will never the mistake again of taking these beautiful creatures out of their ecosystem...what you take out you can’t put back in
But he was free
To all captive orcas, deceased or living; I am so sorry for what we humans have done to you
Be thank though. There are a lot of humans trying to put an end to shows, whale harvesting etc Especially Asian countries that overhunt
It's been a year since your apology. I don't think you're apologizing enough, please do it again
Do something about it
@@RostClan220misinformation and racist lies.
He died because people put him in captivity in the first place. Orcas belong in the wild, humans never should have started capturing them at all, period.
Aquariums are underwater mental institutions
Right?!. And to think most Male orcas in the wild , live to like 70years and females live like 80 to 90years. That is fascinating
Humanity is what failed him
He was really sick. That's why he died
Kako should been never caught and left him with his Mommy, Daddy, and Grandparents.
Cried the whole time watching this. Humans are so cruel to animals, it's sad.
but they let them free??
So true it's absolutely shameful
They let some be free but most stay
Yosia Norna which is terrible because there was no way he’d have survived
why would anyone want todoa thing likethat because that is somean
keiko was and STILL is my favorite Orca. Thanks to him, I fell in love with Orcas and the ocean.
i agree completely
Same
Same
Jessica Klug he was a sweet hart
I agree.
KEIKO WAS GREAT WHALE R.I.P 1976-2003 !!!!!
Yes he was but actually there apart of the dolphin family
@@finnsoldies1087 Which are whales
I truly believe Keiko was one in a million, the amount of patience and trust he had with the humans around him was unmatched. He had every reason to be hostile but never was. Imagine having to relive the trauma of being hoisted out of the water and put in a dark box again. My heart goes out to these magnificent creatures and I truly wait for the day we'll only ever see them in the wild and nowhere else.
RIGHT HERE LETS NOT FORGET
the people who worked with him hands on, loved him, and made it bearable. it was just unfortunate that his living conditions weren't healthy. but that's the corporations fault. the people who care more about money than life.
@@mattruth8763 thank u
aymen thank uuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Lolita in Miami. Was finally granted her freedom . She has been in captivity for more than 50 years . Think now they just trying finding a place where she can live her remaining life free. No orcas should be in captivity. This needs to be banned world 🌎 wide .
It’s 2024, and the story of Keiko is still beautiful. So glad he died free and happy. He was interacting with other orcas during his time in the ocean, but I guess 2 decades with humans just made him like being around humans. He actively searched and bonded with people, especially around the Norwegian coast. He flourished in the ocean, tho he died young, at least he didn’t die in a small and overheated pool in Mexico.
Rip Keiko, you inspired so many, and your story is helping other captive whales and dolphins seeing the ocean again❤️ such a gentle soul
❤
He had been living in Oregon for 3 years, in a $7m state of the art tank with a seawater and cooling systems. He had plenty to eat, his papillomavirus had gone into remission and people loved him. All he needed was a companion.
Sick, alone and hungry is not being free and happy.
He wasn't happy. Sad story
The children who campaigned to free Keiko are millennials.
Yes I remember being in school when that happened. We even went whale watching in San Francisco see whales in the ocean.
Same ones demanding equal rights for African Americans...#BLM
You dont gotta brag on us like that tho.
That was kinda dumb
Proud to be one.
Home is not a bigger tank. Home is the Ocean, where they belong !!
aracely martinez he wouldnt be able to survive in the ocean since he has been in captivity for so long. a bigger tank is the only thing they could do
daan del rey He was freed and it was successful. If anything I rather die in the ocean than a bathtub worked to death.
But???? He was???? Released into the ocean?????
@@scrumpgreen6621 he was released in 2002.
@@Tecolote41 it's not succesful he beached heself and died because he has a infection and can't without trainers
Watching this in 2018, and I am still so touched by this.
taba boi I agree. I read both Seaworld books. Really blew my mind. The one trainer was there for fourteen years. He loved his whale and he said she loved him . He said they are so smart and human like. But they suffer. Sunburn and mosquitoes bites and stomach ulcers. They chew the cement and Seaworld takes their the teeth out . They withheld food before shows. After the shows they lay still for hours out of boredom. Or bang their head against the cement and gates. One whale had a gate fall on his head and he died. Two died from West Nile virus. The trainer quit to speak out. Now there is a whale named Morgan. She was taken from the ocean in the Netherlands. She was under weight. But her permit said release. Seaworld flew her to a theme park. She was raked 334 times by the other whales. During shows she lays on the cement for over 16 minutes. The trainers leave her there. She barely moves. It’s on here to watch. She is pregnant at a to young age. There is a website called Free Morgan. Please read her story and look at the photos. 200,000 people signed a petition to get her moved. Seaworld gave her to the park from so much backlash. They don’t own her no more. She is banging her head against the cement now. So sad . She will be in captivity intill she dies. The pool they first put her in was so shallow she could stand on her tail and her head would be out of the water. Then they charged people to look at her. This was supposed to be her pool to get better. I don’t think she was that sick. The captain of the boat said they took her. My heart breaks for her and Lolita. And the 18 Beluga whales in dirty above ground pools in Japan. Watch that documentary on Netflix.
@@tonigrosso7544 I'm crying...so sad
@@aurealoj4232 I did to.
Mee too up too this day
Toni Grosso that is truly heartbreaking 😢 my heart bleeds for these poor animals. They’re so intelligent and gracious and this how humans treat them- nothing more than a commodity to line their pockets with. It makes me ashamed to be part of the human race. I hope one day all tanks will be empty and these beautiful creatures can live happily in the wild where they belong xxx
If I was one of those men that took keiko away from his family I would not be able to live with myself
Thank goodness those men possess genuine self-esteem.
Probably didn't even bother them
my father was one of those men , he read your comment and shot himself, i hope you are happy . you are responsible for his death. but i wish you a long and happy life . don't let the guilt end you. please learn to live with your guilt.
They should be in prison then They would know how it feels
@@knkn2920 bull shit
Those children of the world has a better understanding than the adults.
so true
Keiko will always be remembered and loved. The fact that he was not the best candidate for freedom is that he was very fond of humans and this came from his trainers in Mexico, there's no doubt in my mind about this. While watching "Blackfish" I kept on wondering, why was Tilikum's behavior so different from Keiko's? and the only answer that came to my mind was, because of the love and affection Keiko received from the beings surrounding him. In the wild, bottle -nose dolphins and orcas don't really get along but Keiko's best friends were the dolphins keeping him company at the park. He was all alone, yes, but at least he was not bullied by other orcas like Tilikum was in Seaworld.
I believe Keiko developed a closer bond with his trainers perhaps because they really cared for him and spent time alone with him away from the shows, away from the stress of performing. I never saw a Seaworld trainer kissing one of the orcas as Karla Corral did with Keiko... and these simple and small things could have meant a lot and made a whole difference for the orcas. Keiko was found in Norway after his release seeking human companionship and playing with kids allowing them to mount him and ride along with him... do you really think Tilikum would have done the same without hurting someone?... I don't think so. In the end all sicknesses both physical and mental from an animal are rooted in their captivity status and the trauma of being taken away from their families, but eventually and clearly even after that trauma if they find good people, caring and loving people they can heal (even a little) and develop kindness and caring for other species, just as Keiko did. Just my thoughts... RIP dear Keiko, may you be leaping and diving free in heaven!
I truly appreciate people such as yourself.. I believe that you truly have much love and understanding of Orkas especially in the case of Keiko.Ty for sharing your thoughts...I believe that they feel so very much when they're separated from their Mothers/family they're very social bonds in the vast oceans prove this.They don't need to be in captivity to begin with.🕊️🤲
Norwegians who live close to where he is buried said he loved to play with their children. They would run along the beach and even ride on his back. At least he died free even though he probably was unfit to live in the wild.
I’m not buying that Keiko “grew a bond and loved his trainers so much” nah he was dependent on them because they fed him
@@JORDANFINESSEFOREVERFRESH I agree with you. He was lonely and had no one else. They were his source of food and company.
@@Reesy2002 exactly and then when he finally made it to the wild he died because he was dependent on humans for food
I met Keiko in Newport Oregon, he was SO massive! One of his side fins was at least 3x the size of me- I was in awe. I’m so thankful his story can help others in captivity to be released. Captivity is barbaric and inhumane- NEVER buy a ticket to these places. There’s no excuse for, for profit captivity.
Also warst du 0,70 cm groß. Ok
Pectoral.
I bet Keiko is a beautiful whale. He's our favorite orca whale. I do miss him a lot.
I bet his trainer named Karla is like a human mom to him.
Those animals deserve to be with their family
I wish this can be true for Lolita, the whale imprisoned at the Miami Seaquarium. In her case, her journey could be more easier than Keiko's. Keiko was from Icleland and Lolita or Tokitae, her real name, is from the USA. In Washington State at Puget Sound, people have already prepared a sea pen for her. Also her family is still living there. Among them, her mom Ocean Sun.
I wish it were true too!!
👌
I totally agree with you about the dolphin friends of Lolita and they do deserve freedom. All animal do honestly. At least at some level, but definitely for Lolita and all her dolphin friends, they deserve complete freedom. #let the wild remain wild @Serres Tileorasi
Morgen i beleive the only time a animal should be in captivity is not for human entertainment but to help stop extinction but they get reintroduced at a sensible age it is possible
Yeah. I would completely agree with you and just to be clear, I wasn't trying to disagree with you in my comments. Please don't take it that way. I'm sorry if I implied that I was. Peace! @@latisamedic7303
I literally cried looking at this. Free Willy was my favorite childhood movie. Rest in Sea Heaven Keiko.
Watching in 2022.
The orca that started it all.
The struggles this whale went through. Miss him dearly.
Sad that even today we are Still battling for them to be free. SeaWorld is one thing but our biggest problem is China. With there new Marine park that just opened up. And trainers are in the tanks and young children. Accidents just waiting to happen.
They don't have a voice. We are their voice,
they want to go home!
Do they have orcas??
@@alysiabernardo8900 oh yes. You should watch the documentary on youtube- “orcas are in trouble again.” It talks all about it.
czcams.com/video/12N5PZzXY3g/video.html
It just blows my mind that after this effort was made that Lotita who was the oldest orca in captivity lives in horrible conditions in Miami for 53 years.
@@bonniehowell9206Not anymore.
it's so hard for me to watch this. heartbreaking
omg so heartbreaking separated and destroyed a orca family, the whales were so in pain in those nets so ssad this world is so cruel
megan jolie My heart is Breaking to Watch the Awful Seen! No More Captures Any Orcas Or Dolphins 🐬 They Don’t belong inside the Tank ! “No More”!!!
But Still Not Right Orcas Needs He’s Family!
megan jolie buddy you don’t know the meaning of the word cruelty.
Imagine being a kid a realizing free willy was 1 big lie all along.
FolkLaurr yep
Reading up on his life upon release makes me wish they'd instead invested the money on a sanctuary ocean pen rather than a release program. Reading how he mostly stayed away from wild orcas and instead followed human fishing boats and let children ride on his back makes me think his final days were rather lonely instead of "free". AAAAnd I'm crying.
I cried for a long time too after watching this😭😭😭😭
Based off his age and health he wouldn’t of last much longer in captivity then he did in the wild. He was 25 averagelife expectancy in captivity is 10-30 at least he got to be in the ocean again
Anytime I watch free willy I'm in tears especially when calling for his family. Boycott seaworld.
People trying to defend captivity 😫 saying he needed human attention... of course he needed human attention that is all he knows because vile people stole him from his family and raised him in a fish bowl, he was dying slowly but surely in captivity. This is proof that every captive Orca deserves to be free even if it's for a short time. Tilikum should have been freed to live his last years in the ocean!
Andrew Shaw die in the wild but die alone without an actual family, atleast in those small “fish bowls” the dolphins actually had a family
Andrew Shaw And all the other orcas
@@himissgivemeperfectplease8318 they are not family's in captivity, none come from the same pods or ecotypes. They don't even eat the same things they would eat in the wild.
Know your facts before jumping into these threads!
The people who defend captivity are also the people who put their goldfish in a tiny fish bowls. What they don’t know is goldfish can live up to 10-25 years and in the wild they grow up to 12-14. We’re the invasive species putting all these animals in small cages, destroying their habitats and using them for money
I agree its pure evil to take a whale calf from its family for profit. But in this case i think he really loved people, he let people ride him even AFTER being set free.
I like the idea of sea pens, that with enough experience, the orca (and other Dolphins) can have a semi wild experience.
They can come and go as they please.
If they are brave enough, or if they find a wild pod that accepts them...they can be truly free.
But if they want, they can come back to "safety". Those ones will be on birth control.
Keko was just to used to human contact....he should of been allowed to come and go as he pleased.
Perhaps if more time was allowed he would of found a pod that would of accepted him.
RIP Keko. I pray he is swimming free in heaven with others of his kind.
@@equarg I read in one book, he did locate a few pods, but that he always stayed at the edge, so he could escape if he wanted. So even then. It's like he wasn't 100% sure...thats why he kept returning to us humans.
crazy what people would do for money.
Can't believe sea world had us believing that these beautiful creatures were happy, healthy and wanted to be in there for FORTY YEARS! crazy nobody questioned it until blackfish came out.
There have been people raising awareness about this for years. Nobody took it seriously until blackfish came out and people were hearing it straight from the trainers mouths
Pleasant Grove I always question it to be honest and I never seen blackfish
Yea blackfish is full of lies
@@emsmusichorizon8109 No, it's not.
They fooled us all. Myself included, but no more!
That limp dorsal fin breaks my heart... 😪
It actually straightened up a foot or so because Keiko was getting his back muscles exercising again during his rehabilitation in Oregon.
@@CoreyMillionaire2029
There you go, imagining things again.
@@tessdurberville711 I'm actually serious there.
His dorsal fin is collapsed just like Tillikum.
mart lacroix some whalesharks in captivity have collapsed dorsal fins too
Do research it’s not just caused by captivity
Shanu Treasures Sphynx Cattery It’s so sad! If you look at all the orcas in captivity, their dorsal fins are all collapsed
Amanda Kenyon True, but that doesn’t mean captivity didn’t play a role in the collapsed dorsal fins
Ya it is?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
I remembered watching him in Free Willy. He was the reason I grew my love for Orcas
Man I remember seeing him when I was 6. 20 years later he is the reason why I love orcas. Amazing predators
Orcas and group of dolphin can save human from shark 🦈 and save people from drowning. Poor Orcas
Thank you for making my child hood so special Keiko, x My heart broke knowing you missed you family as I did with my Dad when I was little. I love you to this day and forever more. X sleep freely you should never have been taken.
💖💖💖
I'm doing a project that is a campaign against hunting killer whales and this was an excellent resource of what human can do to incredibly change the history of a whale in captivity.
Explore the wonders that grate what you’re doing
Empty The Tanks
Sandy Toes: I'm sure Keiko is swimming in Heaven , too. His cousin Tilikum is there, too.
Sandy Toes yup
Or better yet, stop capturing them.
Pray 🙏🏼 This must stop !!!
@@Bissay64 Free Lolita and Corky!
Such a beautiful story. It shows that there are still good people in this world. NO animal should be captured and forced to perform tricks. It’s a shame he passed away a year after being free, but thank you, Free Willy Foundation for everything you have done for precious Keiko. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Keiko will always be the reason why I love and adore orcas I love keiko so much I cried during the whole thing and I miss him so much I LOVE YOU KEIKO
Now it's the time set Lolita the orca free, she deserves a chance at freedom
Kiska too that is slowly and sadly dying in Marineland. The same asshole that bought Keiko owns the park. He has died but his family has taken over and they are just as bad.
All for filthy dollars :-(
Keiko's release wasn't exactly successful. He failed to join a pod and died alone after spending his "free" period following humans like an abandoned puppy, which is HEARTBREAKING. If they're going to attempt a release again they need to do it with 3+ captive orca that train for release together and can learn to survive together as a pod.
@@jimzleat least he died in the wild better than in captivity
@@jimzle He joined a pod. Swam to Norway. Did not loose weight swimming to Norway. Probably left the pod becouse he was sick. He did not have the immunsystem he needed, becouse of the captivity. At least he chose to leave the other orcas, instead of anyone took him away like the first time. He was free to do what he wanted. Same as the beluga Hvaldimir. But who knows, if Hvaldimir will get sick too? But until then, he lives free as he should be. And so did Keiko
My heart breaks when I see the whales trapped in the nets and the sling when the cry and squiel out for there family and mum it actually hurts my heart to watch poor keiko he was such a kind, soft and gentle whale. He was very special and one of a kind for sure
Keiko was the best
Orcas are dolphins
He died a free animal again.
@@casperzr6717 which are a sub species of whales
Also who feels bad for that dolphin getting 0 attention
LaraSims so glad someone said this. I felt so bad for the little dolphin :( they are also trapped. X
Lumba lumba lebih cerdas
@@xiaosulsham9290 killer whales are Dolphins
@@xiaosulsham9290 Keiko was a dolphin, silly.
Bye Willy you're a legend and best whale ever
He will never be forgotten.
I went to visit keiko in newport when I was a kid. The effort made for this whale was inspired and I'm glad he got back a few years of freedom.
I can't control my tears 😭😭💔
Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of Keiko's passing!
He'd be at least 50 today.
Keiko has all touched our hearts in some way even though he is long gone...Millions of people around the world will always remember and love him.
He once again got to live and die a wild orca. It's too late for Tilikum, Kiska and Tokitae now, but we can learn from Keiko and Springer to free Corky from captivity now.
Keiko was never wild again but at least he was in a place where he could come and go if he chose to
Keiko was a sweet heart! Its too sad we see there dark side when in captivity when they could be harmless too humans in the wild. They got lucky with Keiko. he was a baby when captured. Most are older when captured and the results are bad.
We really shouldn't call them "Killer Whales" - that makes it seem like it's okay if we tame them and train them, because it makes them sound vicious. They are dolphins, they are highly intelligent, incredibly social and feel emotions intensely. It is beyond cruel to keep them in a bath tub and make them perform tricks for their food.
Humans should be called killer humans
Its because of what they hunt they are called killer whales. Seals, birds, many fish and even other whales depending where they live!
@@LovelyLilDevilWings Even the great white shark is food to them.
Yeah, their name was actually intended as Killer of Whales, as they're widely known for attacking whales and eating their tongues, but a misunderstanding between English and Spanish gave us Killer Whale
@@quintboredom The name "orca" actually means "the demon from Hell".
"I think he's even smarter than we are." Well no shit. How can someone who works with these creatures not know for certain that these mammals are far smarter than we are?
Still waiting for orca's to build skyscrapers and invent their own version of the internet.
Still waiter for orcas to start capturing humans to display in underwater Zoos
spacebug30 so what, humans came up with so much technology but are still very very ignorant . There’s a difference between building skyscrapers and living life morally right
@@bivia1612 ignorant and stupid are two very different things
@@bivia1612 ...Yes, you preach it, RaggedyAnne. "Somebody" came up with technology that keeps you dry and warm, provides you with electricity and access to the internet, so you can preach how that "somebody" is ignorant and lacking in morals!
Nope. He lived beyond the expected lifespan of a captive male Orca. Would you rather he live for another 5 years inside a cage, or 3 years with other orcas, swimming up to 100 miles a day, hunting playing, being free? Come on.
My childhood hero 💖 i am glad you got ure freedom, a whole world misses you 💖
I love this! R.I.P Keiko!! You made my childhood great and to see and know about magnificent whales like you, can change lives. You will always be in my memories and heart! Love you Keiko!
Rip
Omg I weeped throughout the whole thing! We loved you so much Keiko, and we'll always miss you in Mexico.
A story of love, of loyalty and compassion. He was a friend to so many people, I can't say it any other way than that!!
I can feel Keikos anxiety through his journey poor Keiko R.I.P.
I am crying right now..
Keiko.. it’s so heartbreaking that he could never find his pod ...
I love orcas will all my heart. It’s my dream to study them when I’m older....this makes me cry every time...
They TRIED repeatedly to locate his pod and their dialects.
Well done to. Everyone love from United Kingdom ❤free willy was a childhood flim for me.
Keiko is the reason why Orcas are my favorite animal. I fell in love with the movie Free Willy as a young child
They had so much presser to do this quickly rather than successfully. I think he should have been in that sea pen at least a few years with as little care by humans as possible before actually attempting to release him.
Hopefully they learned to take extra precautions if they even try to rehabilitate another whale.
Aries so true loved your hole fact..
Aries the next whale might not ever be fully released to the wild. The possibility of a Sea pen might be the only option for those whales whom have been in captivity for decades
The thing is when animals from captivity are released into a wild environment it’s essentially alien to them. They could easily die in a situation like that.
matty Midwest Activist still want to put captive bred orcas into a alien environment which they don’t know just for the sake of “ Animals rights “
Heartbreaking on so many levels. Thank you for posting this magnificent story.
I commend Mexico for releasing him
Janie Luna I do to they love him
He remained calm during his trip because he was tranquilized up to his eyeballs.
I know your right
He wasn't that drugged
It's so beautiful and sad at the same time.
It seems it's the sound of the crowds cheers that keep him calm.
Watching in 2021, free willy was the first movie I ever watched. Still one of my favourites
Me 2
I feel bad for him:( rip keiko
If YOU were ripped from your family, you'd feel the same way.
No Orca is happier in captivity. Keiko died because he wasn't raised by his mother in a natural environment. Where he could learn to hunt and form lifelong strong social bonds with the family members of his own pod. Where he had the ability to use echo sonar, and communicate with other Orca. All of this was lost and taken from him, because of captivity. When he was released, for Keiko an overwhelming experience. Out in the ocean alone, with no natural skills or idea of how to live in the wild.
He died because of stupid people. Captivity didn't kill him. Anti-caps did. By forcing his release, they sentenced him to death. He did not meet the criteria set by NOAA for release. Like I said in an earlier post here, the only thing he learned to do was hunt for himself. That was it. He never hooked up with a wild pod for long periods of time. He never became independent of human contact. His release was a failure. Had he remained at Oregon he would still be alive.
@@sydneyp3357 he wouldn't be in that situation if human didn't capture orcas in the first place. And Keiko would have died of skin decease and stress if not for the proposition of releasing him.
Michael Reden His skin disease and health improved drastically at Oregon. He was very happy there. He was too tame and had no skills to survive in the wild. How can human handlers teach a whale how to be a whale? It’s like a child being raised by a pack of wolves and then the wolves trying to teach it to be human? Never going to happen. The best outcome would of been to leave him in the nice large tank in Oregon. Animal rights activists killed him. It’s shocking to think that he was so alone at sea as well. Orcas live in pods, they aren’t meant to be alone. The whole time he wanted human companionship. Then there’s there scientific fact that everyone seems to forget, our immune systems adapt to our environments. Keiko had been in a sterile container for 2 decades. No wonder he caught pneumonia so quickly. It makes me mad that nobody tried to stop this going that far.
@Moon Dragon Keiko shouldn't be in captivity, neither should he been left alone in the wild, having no knowledge how to survive. This is heartbreaking. If keiko was alive, and not abandoned in the wild, he would be 46 years old today.
I LOVE YOU KEIKO.....RIP MY SWEET BOY.....I WILL COME LOOK FOR YOU WHEN ITS MY TIME😢
I LOVE YOU SWEET BOY❤
Damn what a documentary. This truly shows just how sick and twisted but also caring and compassionate we humans can be, and since the ones who had the biggest voices in freeing Keiko were kids and more specifically my generation the millennials. And for me, this was a real roller-coaster because I grew up on the Free Willy movies (I still love them even as an adult).
Would u want to help us all free Lolita too? Help kids get involved with her rescue from Miami Seaquarium.
@@CoreyMillionaire2029Unfortunately, Lolita died this year (2023).
@@sylvianapalma958 Don't remind me. Still time to help Corky though. She has siblings out there.
As sad as it all is for the whales, I couldn't help but cry when the trainer from Mexico was crying. She came from Mexico, to Oregon, saw his improvement, and knew it was all for the best.. and like she said, "a big part of my life is over, that's it."
He's in a way better place now! Im sure of that.
He was dead when you commented this so...hopefully? He died around 2003, while living in a sea pen, where he could go in and out of ocean if he chose to do so
Keiko's story is so touching.
That new tank still looked too small for him.
slightly but it was much better than the original tropic tank. Imagine youself living in a field miles long, getting pun in a cage then you get moved to a house with a yard. its not perfect but its sustainable. the goal is to get him healthy and moved back to the wild
charmedfan7704 of course it did he was created by god to be in the ocean not a tank
@@fattymacc5709
Umm...
Okay
His new tank then had the right tempiture and better sea water. His health improved alot.
This is the most heart breaking moment. I love Keiko. He is free now and will rest well in heaven with angels ❤❤❤
we all need to co-exist and love and help one another. This is the kind of world i chose to live in
Watching this 2 days after Christmas,2022. To witness all these humans helping and celebrating Keiko is so beautiful. Very inspiring. #Teamwork ❤️🤜🤛
i'm sad story FREE WILLY :( KEIKO!!! RIP
KARLA CORRAL REALLY LOVES KEIKO , REST IN PEACE TILIKUM
Willian Ramos was she dose he love her
Keiko was very loving and he I miss ed
Yes Karl love ❤️ Keiko
I’ve cried since the beginning! How they took him from his mother. Moved him to a warm climate where he was apparently born in a cooler region. NO EDUCATION about these beautiful creatures. I love the energy from them. They are very loyal! Even when they have captured him he made these people family! Had the the poor thing in fake salt water with chlorine!!!!! I am thankful to have watch this just had a dream about them 😍
This is a sad story. Because he Kieko didn't last a lot long after he was freed, but more because he was captured. Maybe they should make it illegal to capture whales. They should also try to release whales that spent years in captivity go in groups, that way they are not alone. Also maybe try to introduce them to groups of wild whales so that they can have a better chance to learn to survive a bit better. Instead of focusing on entertaining, these other places could try to help with teaching them to be free.
Ann - I don't think that's entirely wise. A facility would have to be made to let the orcas slowly get used to real sea water as well as get re-taught how to catch fish on their own.
Also a few orcas and other sea wildlife have to be captured in order to save their lives. It's horrible, but to needed yo better understand and treat sick orcas/wildlife.
Ann - the only bad thing about it all would be some whales have lost most of their echolocation, and being fed already dead fish is very hard for them to find them in the wild :( & sadly some of their pods are millions of miles away and they would probably die before they found their pod. I hope one day people will stop whaling or capturing the whales for whatever reason they deserve to be free and capturing them simply for their own false excuses is very saddening :(((
Squidney Bean literally none of the whales at seaworld or the miami seaquarium were captured because they have injuries they were basically kidnapped from their parents
Why humans not captured white shark instead ?? Hahaha!
it is illegal to capture them.
I remember being a kid and seeing him in real life at the Oregon coast aquarium and it truly hurt me to see him like that. In a box too small for even people to swim in.
Is he still alive
@@YoshiToshiSamYou no
1.44. Я помню эту музыку с 4 лет, как же я люблю этот фильм...
Late 2021, and I'm still touched by this. I first heard about Keiko's role as Willy in the epilogue of Free Willy. It's a shame he was exposed to such cruelty and then was never able to reunite with his family.
They tried to locate his pod. They used hydrophones to distinguish the different dialects of Icelandic orca pods before he arrived. Keiko's calls were also recorded and studied at Newport during his "untraining" to become wild again.
Unfortunately, despite their efforts, scientists couldn't find the pod with Keiko's dialect. They'd just had to wing it and hope he would join a local pod.
@@CoreyMillionaire2029 Least they tried. It's easier for whales like Lolita at least since her pod was already found.
@@TheCobraCommander I agree.
However sad it was that Keiko was captured from the wild, releasing him again was even more sad. That animal was clearly not ready to be wild, didn't want to be wild, even his permanent caretakers left the project because they didn't agree the with the overly rushed agenda to set him free as soon as possible. Keiko clearly wanted to be around humans, he kept returning, until they literally abandoned him in the middle of the ocean, forcing him to interact with orca's he didn't want anything to do with (other way around just the same). He kept looking and looking for people, hadn't eaten anything in the 3 months he was missing. He finally found humans again and never left them, but it was too late already. Dying from a disease he caught because of his weak immune system which hadn't properly adapted to the wild yet. I don't agree on housing killer whales alone in a small tank, but the whales that are currently in captivity, are simply not fit to be released in the wild again. The ones that have been wild-caught, have been in captivity for 35 years or more. They are simply not able to readapt into the ocean. And most captive born orca's are a mix of orca subspecies, which would only endanger the current ecosystem even more. The captured ones barely have any family left in the wild from the day they were captured, the remaining ones will likely not recognize them anymore, not only because it's been such a long time, but also because the captive animals have developped their own vocalizations and dialects. The ones in captivity should be taken care of very well, with their own little pod and great care from their trainers. Animals like Lolita should def be moved to a place with more orca's, like SeaWorld Orlando. If we want these animals to live a content life, randomly throwing them in the wild is not helping them.
They should have left him in his Icelandic Bay Pen. He was safe and happy there. His release was a mistake but I understand why they did it. They were under immense public pressure. People didn't want Keiko in a sea pen, they wanted him free. His old sanctuary in Klettsvik Bay is now home to two beluga whales, Little White and Little Grey. They've been at a Shanghai park for nearly a decade. Before that, they were at a Russian research center. They were finally rescued and relocated 6,000 miles to their new home in Iceland. They can never be fully released but they are happy at their sea sanctuary. Miami Seaquarium and Seaworld should do the same for their orcas.
@@MermaidMusings7 Unfortunately, the two beluga whales at the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary only spent about 4 months in their sea sanctuary since their arrivel there in June 2020. They were kept in the small indoor pool (meant as temporary housing for injured marine mammals until they can be released) when they first arrived in June, then moved outside to the bay in August. However, they were mostly kept in a series of small floating holding pens during their time in the bay. In December 2020, they were moved back to the indoor pool due to severe weather of the Iceland winters (which was another reason why it wasn't a great place for Keiko 20 years ago). They have not been moved back into the bay ever since. It's a year later now and winter again, so we can assume they won't be back in the bay until at least spring. It's unclear why they weren't moved back into the bay for the summer and we can only hope they will see real daylight again soon.
They weren't rescued either, nor did they first live at a Russian research center. The same marine park that bought them from Russian captors a decade ago were the ones that initially wanted to 'rerelease' them. This brought them to the attention of the marine rescue, who took over.
The monthly cost of caring for these two beluga whales is about $50,000 (as shared by the sanctuary itself). They eat about 20kg/44lbs a day. Orcas eat about 90kg/200lbs a day. If the monthly cost is depending on the food cost, that would equal over $25 million a year for just the 19 orcas at SeaWorld Parks. There are currently 57 captive orcas, spread over at least 14 marine parks. Each of these pods would require a seperate sea pen to not disturb the social order. However much we want to see these orcas in sea sanctuaries, the cost of running these would be nearly impossible. It's very hard for people to visit these remote places and donations tend to dry up after a while. I keep my fingers crossed for the future of Little White and Little Gray that they may some day swim in the bay. If donations slow down, I fear they will either be set free (which they will not survive, not to mention beluga whales are not native to Iceland, making them an invasive species) or they will be moved back to a marine park.
@@spacebug30 I did a liitle bit of research and the two beluga whales were initially captured by Russian poachers. You're right, they're currently housed in an indoor landside facility. They can't return to the bay due to coronavirus-related delays. According to Sea Life Trust, it was always the plan to put the belugas back into an indoor facility during the harsh winter months and then release them back into the sea sanctuary. A series of supply chain issues and the pandemic has slowed the process down. They will stay at the facility until at least spring 2022.
Sea sanctuaries are expensive but it's not like the marine parks can't afford it. Seaworld is a multi-billion dollar company. They can use their assets to improve the quality of their animals' lives. Lolita has earned the Miami Seaquarium over 160 million dollars. 160 million and they still keep her in that tiny tank. She's been in there for 50+ years. USDA released a 17-page report revealing the horrifying conditions that Lolita, along with other animals at Miami Seaquarium, were living in. The Training Curator decreased her base from 160 pounds to 130, despite objections from the attending veterinarian. They force her to perform high-energy behaviors, which often cause her to injure herself. In February, Lolita and her dolphin companions were fed foul-smelling and partially decomposing cepelin, once again against the advice of the veterinarian. Several animals, including Lolita, became sick. In April, Lolita developed eye injuries due to an excess level of chlorine in the water. She has no proper shade. The list goes on and on.
so cute when he held the tape measure in his mouth and when he watched tv
To keep any animals away from there true homes on this planet is a disgrace a wicked act by man .
I love the Free Willy films and Keiko was a great killer whale star! One of my close friends met him before his death.
He was actually only in the first movie. They used animatronic look-alikes for Free Willy 2&3
Misty Rose Blackthorn Yes
Misty Rose Blackthorn I don't think that's true. In some scenes you can see the rash Keiko had on the whale in the second movie. They mention the rash in this video.
charmedfan7704 They molded the rash into the animatronic Willy as well.
wow awsome!
This is so amazing!! I wish this could happen and be successful for all Orcas in captivity. I know it isn't, but look how much Keiko thrived, there's all the proof you need that having these beautiful creatures in captivity is heartbreaking and cruel.
Love this story BUT the fact that his health was bad and they still made him perform makes me furious! RIP Keiko! Love you!
Every last one of them deserves a chance at freedom or to at least live in the ocean cared for by humans in a more natural and healing environment that they are MEANT to be in. The hope of freedom is enough reason to give them a chance!
omg. beautiful animals, probably one of my favs now. 😭❣️ so sad to watch these videos but so beautiful to get to know them! i hope I can see some one day, in their natural habitat.
In loving memory of Keiko who became the star of the movie Free Willy. 1977 - 2003
Unfortunately.
Love you Keiko ❤
"Best friend" "favorite companion" yeah yeah, just watch black fish
HoldYourDongers blackfish has tons of lies almost the same or equal to sea world but I’m more on sea world
Money and Politics behind the Sea World..
HI I'm a perso let me guess, SeaWorld came forward saying Blackfish was a lie? Sure Jan.
@@himissgivemeperfectplease8318 Most of the things they say aren't lies they are common sense that those things happen why do you find it so hard to believe, If they weren't lies sea world wouldn't keep trying to shut them up, Even if people try to film there they are asked to leave
@@himissgivemeperfectplease8318 Tons of lies? Stop drinking the Seaworld Kool-Aid and do some research.
This made me emotional :( I love the Free Willy movies and grew up with them as I was a child in the 90's. My family donated to the 1-800 number at the end too. I am saddened that Keiko passed away shortly after being released into the wild, he'd become too reliant on humans and died of pneumonia.
he didn't die shortly that's a lie he died 5yrs after being in the wild.
So cute when he is watching his flat screen and spi hoping
Keiko's life was tragic but i hope he could heal and be happy R.I.P