Kieko is famous for his role in the family film Free Whilly. He was a Killer Whale and was born in
Iceland in 1977.
Keiko was captured near Iceland in 1979 and sold to an Icelandic aquarium. Three years later, he was
sold to Marineland in Ontario, where he first started performing for the public and developed skin
lesions indicative of poor health.
He was then sold to Reino Aventura, an amusement park in Mexico City, in 1985.
Keiko died from pneumonia while in the wild December 13, 2003. He had become lethargic and had a
loss of appetite. He had beached himself in the morning and died. He was 27 years of age. Following
requests from fans of the orca and Free Willy, the Oregon Coast Aquarium held a memorial service for
him on February 20, 2004. 700 people attended the service, at which the aquarium's veterinary
chaplain said, "Keiko was not one of our kind, but nonetheless was still one of us."
ANOTHER LOVE LOST!!
Kieko was the first time I had learned anything about killer whales. Once watching "Free Willy" I was ennamerated by these majestic creatures. He was so beautiful and I followed his plight online as well as news. And was totally mortified when I heard of his passing. I am now (because of him opening my eyes to such beauty) very much into learning as much as I can about the creatures of God. I have a more intense appreciation for the things in life and try not to take them for granted. For as we all thought when he was released back into the wild, this was his beginning start to the life of freedom he so deserved. I am glad that he did have that chance of freedom but sadly regret the outcome. I still think of him and what he has done for me personally as someone that cares about the habitation. RIP KIEKO 4EVER IN MY HEART!!!!
Whale lover
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There have been 8 candles lit for Kieko.
