KeikoWatch
October 2002
Work is now underway for the next phase of Keiko's reintroduction program. Ocean Futures
Society is pleased to report that the Free Willy/Keiko Foundation and the Humane Society of
the United States received permission from the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate to relocate
Keiko to Taknes Bay, Norway within the Halsa Kommune. We expect the relocation to take place
before the end of October.
The site, located approximately six miles from Halsa, is an excellent choice for Keiko
and his support team. It was chosen because it provides:
- Calm, clean water, within a deep bay;
- protection from winter ice and severe weather conditions;
- good access to wild orca whales (starting in January);
- separation from potential conflicts with vessels, salmon pens, and members of the
public;
- an anchorage site for a vessel and a house where Keiko Project staff can reside;
- strong support from local community officials, the public, and Animal Welfare
Authorities.
Taknes Bay, Norway, located approximately six miles from Halsa, is an excellent
site for Keiko and his support team during this winter.
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The Halsa community has exhibited a high level of community support which will be of
great help as Keiko moves forward toward full reintroduction. Fishermen will provide a
steady source of herring for Keiko, and residents have offered the staff use of a boat and
house. The home was in disrepair, but nearby residents so wanted the whale and keepers to
stay, they organized a fix-up day to make the dwelling more hospitable.
The FWKF/HSUS plan is to continue attempting to reintroduce Keiko to wild whales, and
give him the option of what he wants to do next. Taknes Bay is frequented by wild orcas in
January, February and March. In the months leading up to that time, caretakers will continue
to keep Keiko active through walks and physical conditioning sessions. The team will also
provide him some opportunities to feed on his own. Although there is a dock, boat, food,
and our staff on site, Keiko will be free to move about in a bay and out to sea; he can come
and go as he chooses. Once wild whales are in the vicinity, Keiko will be taken out and
release protocols will be followed. A local fisherman states that migrating orcas arrive
each year like clockwork in mid-January.
When the time comes for Keiko continue his odyssey in the wild, FWKF/HSUS staff will
continue to monitor his location by VHF and satellite transmitter. "This program is not
about having him stay there forever," said David Phillips. "This is about giving him
choices."
NOTE: The Keiko Project, program management and financial support are now under the
jurisdiction of the Free Willy/Keiko Foundation and the Humane Society of the U.S. Ocean
Futures Society staff serves the Project in an advisory role.
We encourage you to continue to follow Keiko on his quest for life in the wild. In the
future, the Keiko newsletter and communication on his progress will be issued by FWKF/HSUS.
You will automatically receive Keiko updates in your email from FWKF/HSUS. You will also
receive updates from Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society on marine education
activities and conservation issues.
Click here visit the Humane
Society of the United States
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the Keiko Project.