Keiko's Big Swim from Iceland
September 2002

After three years in the North Atlantic waters off of Iceland, Keiko made a historic swim to Norway in the summer of 2002. While in Iceland, Keiko was trained to eat live fish and to follow a research boat into areas where wild orca whales feed. Each summer he became more comfortable with swimming on his own and with spending time in the company of wild whales.

Keiko's crossing of the North Atlantic began in late July when he was last observed with a group of wild whales and began swimming in an easterly direction away from Iceland. Over the next several weeks he covered more than 1,000 miles. His satellite tag provided data on his daily location and also recorded his frequent dives to depths greater than 50 meters. Over a 60-day period, Project staff continued to monitor both his position and diving behavior and sought opportunities to obtain visual observations of Keiko. Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters were deployed from Iceland and the Faeroe Islands.

On August 29th, Keiko Project staff were able to locate and observe Keiko near the Norwegian coast, and obtain close-range photos and video documenting his physical condition. It became clear that Keiko was fit and thriving! After 60 days at sea and traveling more than one thousand miles, Keiko did not appear to have lost any weight whatsoever. Measurements taken several days later confirmed that Keiko had not lost any girth.

Shortly after Keiko's arrival in Norwegian waters, Keiko - still curious about people and boats -- followed a Norwegian fishing vessel and entered a small harbor in the Halsa Community in Norway. Keiko Project staff were able to locate Keiko, but not before he had interacted with several vessels and members of the public, some of whom jumped in the water and swam with him. Our staff worked quickly and diligently with Norwegian local and federal governmental agencies over the next week to put in place regulations ensuring that people give Keiko the space he needs to continue to reintroduction effort. Keiko's veterinarian Dr. Lanny Cornell came to Norway and expressed great confidence in Keiko's condition, stating: "Keiko looks fantastic. I don't believe he has lost a pound and is in great shape."

Dave Phillips, Director of the Free Willy - Keiko Foundation stated:

"By all accounts, Keiko has made phenomenal progress this year. He's proving he has the skills to be a wild whale, but it is critical that he not be encouraged to come to boats or people."

Paul Irwin, President of the Humane Society of the US, the partner organization managing the Keiko Project, stated:

"We are appealing to all boaters to avoid Keiko and give him all the space he needs to be fully self-sufficient." He continued: "Our efforts in moving Keiko from captivity to the wild have always been directed by Keiko's best interests. We will continue to do exactly what is best for him."

Many people still come to see Keiko, and Project staff have been pleased with the welcome Keiko continues to receive. The Halsa community is thrilled that the most famous whale in the world chose their fjord for his current stopping point.