The Good Whale - Episode 6 Summary

Introduction

"The Good Whale" is a poignant narrative exploring the life and attempted rewilding of Keiko, the famous killer whale known for his role in the "Free Willy" movies. This final episode delves deep into Keiko's journey from captivity to freedom, the challenges faced by his caretakers, and the ultimate conclusion of his story. Through personal accounts and detailed storytelling, the episode raises profound questions about animal welfare, human intervention, and the complexities of reintroducing a captive orca into the wild.

Howard's Summer and First Encounter with Keiko

The episode opens in September 2002, detailing the idyllic summer days of Howard Nessig, a 13-year-old boy spending time with his extended family at a seaside cabin on the Norwegian coast. Amidst activities like fishing, biking, and swimming, Howard experiences an extraordinary encounter:

[01:31] Charlie: "That something was a killer whale. Howard's dad explained that the beast had come up beside their little boat, just popped up out of the water."

Despite the initial surprise, Howard feels no fear. Instead, a sense of fascination compels him to approach Keiko:

[02:37] Eve: "It was not like touching a fish. It was harder, but more, you call it smooth."

Howard's intimate interaction with Keiko, including swimming alongside the orca, marks the beginning of a unique bond between human and whale.

Keiko's Journey to Norway

Keiko, having escaped from captivity four weeks prior, made an impressive 1,000-mile journey from Iceland to Norway without human assistance. His arrival near Howard's cabin was a testament to his resilience and survival instincts:

[06:09] Charlie: "A few days before Keiko showed up outside Howard's cabin, his caretakers had gotten a ping telling them their whale was just off the coast of Norway."

Colin and Fernando, key members of Keiko's care team, embark on a mission to locate and assess his condition. Their observations provide hope, as Keiko appears healthy and content:

[08:37] George: "It was surprisingly good, how good he was looking. The way he was swimming, it was a good surprise to see that he was not miserable."

Initial Media Attention and Challenges

The serenity of Keiko's presence in Norway is soon disrupted when media attention amplifies the situation. Tourists flock to witness the legendary orca, overwhelming Keiko with attention:

[10:07] Charlie: "Now where is he? He's got his face up by the white boat."

This sudden influx of visitors leads to chaos, with children interacting excessively with Keiko, causing the orca to become stressed and seek solitude:

[10:46] Frank: "It was tragic. I was... asking people, please stay away."

Caretaking in Taknes Bay

In response to the growing turmoil, the CARE team relocates Keiko to the more secluded Taknes Bay, aiming to provide a peaceful environment conducive to his reintegration:

[16:16] Daniel: "I loved going down late in the evenings, go down to the floating dock and Keiko was there and just give him a good body scratch just there in the moonlight."

Life in Taknes Bay is described as idyllic, blending human effort with nature's tranquility. Colin and Topa establish a routine that balances caretaking duties with moments of personal connection:

[15:03] Charlie: "There was quiet, so much quiet... Just the sound of a whale out in the bay, breathing."

The Struggles and Illness

Despite initial successes, Keiko's health deteriorates unexpectedly. The caretakers notice signs of illness, complicating their efforts to maintain his well-being:

[22:02] Hannah: "He was not keeping up with the boat. And we got a little bit like, okay, there is something wrong."

Attempts to medicate Keiko prove challenging as he becomes increasingly unresponsive, leading to a dire situation:

[23:12] Hannah: "We started to, I wouldn't say panic, but we started to realize that, okay, this the. If we can't get him medicine, there's..."

Keiko's Death and Aftermath

Tragically, Keiko succumbs to his illness, bequeathing a deep sense of loss to his caretakers. The episode recounts the somber moments surrounding his death and the subsequent efforts to preserve his dignity:

[25:35] Hannah: "We were listening to him all the time... He has been gone. He's gone."

In a final act of respect, Keiko's caretakers discreetly bury him to prevent media intrusion, symbolizing the end of a long and emotional journey:

[28:56] Charlie: "They could only hide the whale for so long though. Something had to be done with Keiko's body."

Reflections on the Rewilding Effort

The episode concludes with introspective discussions about the motivations and outcomes of Keiko's rewilding project. Questions arise about whether the endeavor prioritized Keiko's individual welfare or his symbolic role in raising environmental awareness:

[31:17] Charlie: "But lots of people were and still are asking that question, or a version of it. What was best for Keiko."

Dave Phillips, representing the Free Willy Keiko Foundation, offers a perspective that underscores the significance of the experiment beyond Keiko's personal fate:

[32:11] Charlie: "We know a lot more about orcas in the Atlantic because Keiko's team studied local pods, searching for one he might be able to join."

The narrative reflects on the complex balance between human intervention and natural instincts, leaving listeners to ponder the ethical implications of such conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Episode 6 of "The Good Whale" delivers a moving and comprehensive account of Keiko's life post-captivity. Through rich storytelling and firsthand accounts, the episode encapsulates the triumphs and tribulations of rewilding a captive orca. It serves as both a tribute to Keiko's indomitable spirit and a contemplation on the broader themes of animal welfare and human responsibility.

Notable Quotes

• Alice [00:15]: "When I can finish a hard puzzle without pins, I feel like the smartest person in the world."

• Daniel [05:09]: "I do love the New York Times app and how much variety it gives me."

• Frank [10:46]: "It was tragic. I was... asking people, please stay away."

• Hannah [22:50]: "He was not willing to get close to us."

• Frank [30:17]: "It was just the end."

Production Credits

• Hosts: Serial Productions & The New York Times
• Reporters: Daniel Alarcon and Katie Mingle
• Producers: Katie and Alyssa Shipp
• Editor: Jen Guerra
• Sound Design & Music Supervision: Phoebe Wang
• Original Score: Lachica and Osman
• Additional Music: Nick Thorburn, Matt McGinley, and Daniel Hart
• Research & Fact-Checking: Jane Ackerman with Ben Phalen
• Tracking Direction: Elna Baker
• Standards Editor: Susan Wesling
• Legal Review: Al Amin Sumar and Simone Prokas
• Contributing Editor: Carlos Lopez Estrada
• Supervising Producer: [Name not specified]
• Executive Assistant: Chubu Mac Miller
• Senior Operations Manager: Liz Davis Moore
• Special Thanks: Anna Marsabil Clausen, Ray Ubulante staff, Denise Nestor, Pablo Del Can, Nina Lassom, among others.

Final Note

"The Good Whale" encapsulates the emotional and ethical complexities of rewilding a captive orca. Through meticulous storytelling and heartfelt narratives, the episode honors Keiko's legacy while prompting listeners to reflect on the broader implications of human-animal relationships.