Keiko the killer whale dies

[Sweeper]

OSLO, Norway - Keiko, the killer whale made famous by the “Free Willy” movies, has died in Norwegian coastal waters where he remained after millions of dollars and a decade of work failed to coax him back to the open sea, his caretakers said early Saturday.

Keiko was released from Iceland in July 2002, but he swam straight for Norway on a 870-mile trek that seemed to be a search for human companionship.

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[osprey4]

THat's a shame but he had a nice few years of freedom toward the end of his life.

That's sad.

I can't help but wonder that the stresses of his human contact and consequent "fame" didn't shorten his life.

I generally hate the removal of animals from their natural habitat or exploitation and/or abuse of animals.

[Atomic Rooster]

It was just a big waste of money as I see it. I didn't realize it was 27 years old.

[JacobM5727]

poor lil guy

[Sweeper]

Captured in Iceland in 1979, released back in the wild in July 2002....... 23 yrs in captivity... he probably didn't know what to do. Sad.......................

[Crix]

RIP keiko