Episode Summary: "The Last Winter" – The Good Whale

The Good Whale, a collaboration between Serial Productions and The New York Times, delves into the poignant journey of Keiko, the orca who captured hearts worldwide as the star of the Free Willy movies. Episode 6, titled "The Last Winter," serves as the final chapter of this decade-long experiment to rewild Keiko and grant him the freedom he longed for. This detailed summary encapsulates the episode's key points, discussions, insights, and emotional conclusions.

1. Revisiting Keiko's Early Freedom

The episode opens with Howard Nesig recounting a formative summer experience that highlights Keiko's extraordinary journey towards freedom.

Howard Nesig shares:

"It was the first day of September 2002, and a 13-year-old boy named Howard Nesig was spending the waning days of summer with his family at their seaside cabin on the Norwegian coast..." (00:28)

During this idyllic summer at a Norwegian fjord, Keiko unexpectedly arrives, following Howard's family without menace. Unlike his previous life in captivity, Keiko exhibits a calm demeanor, akin to a friendly stray dog, seeking companionship.

2. The Initial Encounter and Connection

Howard describes the profound moment when he directly interacts with Keiko, emphasizing the bond that forms between human and orca.

Howard Nesig reflects:

"He was just outside our cabin in the ocean there, and he was lying and making these sounds. He was crying for either attention or for loneliness or just to have company, I guess. So I went out and stayed by him." (03:44)

This intimate encounter symbolizes the hope that Keiko can transition from captivity to a free life in the wild, setting the stage for the ambitious rewilding project undertaken by experts and enthusiasts.

3. The CARE Team's Intervention

As news of Keiko's presence spreads, Colin and Fernando, key members of the CARE (Cetacean Awareness and Rehabilitation Effort) team, embark on a mission to monitor and assist Keiko's integration into the wild.

Colin narrates:

"We kept about a mile away and we're just trying to get some pictures of him and video of him again to prove that he was fat and healthy. And we managed to do that." (07:13)

Their initial observations confirm Keiko's good health, providing a glimmer of optimism. However, the situation soon escalates as media attention turns the serene fjord into a chaotic spectacle.

4. The Onslaught of Media and Tourists

Keiko's newfound freedom attracts torrents of media and tourists, overwhelming the orca and disrupting his acclimation to the wild.

Topa, a member of the team, explains:

"There were boats all over the place where people were trying to either go and swim with him, trying to pet him." (11:25)

This influx leads to Keiko exhibiting signs of distress, retreating from the crowds and avoiding close interactions. The team grapples with managing the delicate balance between allowing Keiko freedom and ensuring his well-being amid overwhelming human interest.

5. Life in Taknes Bay: A Temporary Refuge

To mitigate the chaos, the CARE team relocates Keiko to a more secluded bay, Taknes, intending to provide a peaceful environment until spring.

The episode paints a serene picture of life in Taknes Bay:

Colin reflects:

"I remember in the winter when pitch black and all the phosphorescence were lighting up and you could see this glowing outline of an orca." (15:04)

Here, Keiko experiences a semblance of free life, engaging in natural behaviors like rubbing against kelp and occasionally displaying wild instincts, such as attempting to catch a seagull. The team's daily routine involves feeding, interacting, and monitoring Keiko's health, fostering a tranquil coexistence.

6. The Unforeseen Tragedy: Keiko's Illness and Death

As winter progresses, an unexpected turn of events leads to the heartbreaking demise of Keiko. The team faces challenges in administering necessary medical treatment as Keiko becomes increasingly isolated and unresponsive.

Franklin, a local Norwegian farmer assisting the team, recounts:

"He was not keeping up with the boat. And we got a little bit like, okay, there is something wrong." (23:21)

Despite their efforts to treat Keiko's infection, his health deteriorates rapidly. The situation becomes dire as Keiko eventually beaches himself, leading to his untimely death.

7. Final Farewells and Reflections

In the aftermath of Keiko's passing, the team confronts both logistical challenges and emotional fallout. They discreetly bury Keiko to preserve his dignity, evading pervasive media presence to honor his memory privately.

Topa shares the emotional moment:

"It was really, really weird. I mean, making this huge hole. And it was snowing, it was cold. And then dragging Keiko around the bay... very surreal and sad moment." (29:46)

Colin expresses the profound sense of loss:

"An emptiness, like it was the end of the project. It was the end of Keiko. It was the end of our… It was the end." (31:36)

8. Evaluating the Experiment's Legacy

Post-Keiko's death, the episode delves into the ethical and emotional debates surrounding the rewilding experiment. Questions arise about whether the effort served Keiko's best interests or was more about symbolizing hope for orca liberation.

Dave Phillips, founder of the Free Willy Keiko Foundation, defends the project's integrity:

"We wanted to see how far he could go. Right. We wanted to see how far he could go." (32:58)

The narrative explores differing perspectives on Keiko's legacy, acknowledging both the educational impact and the personal connections forged through his journey. The episode concludes by contemplating whether granting Keiko freedom, despite its tragic end, was a worthwhile endeavor that broadened public understanding and compassion for marine life.

Conclusion

The Last Winter serves as a poignant closure to Keiko's story, intertwining personal anecdotes, expert insights, and emotional reflections. It underscores the complexities of rewilding a captive orca, balancing human intentions with an animal's intrinsic needs. Through Keiko's narrative, the episode invites listeners to ponder broader themes of freedom, captivity, and the ethical responsibilities humans bear towards intelligent marine creatures.

Notable Quotes:

• Howard Nesig:

  "What would Keiko have traded the life he had, those four weeks of freedom and the richness of those years in the Atlantic, feeling the currents and listening to the sea for a longer, safer, but more sterile life in a tank under human care?" (33:30)

• Topa:

  "I remembered,woken up at night just to listen. Okay, can I hear him? Yes, he's down there. It's okay." (15:25)

These quotes encapsulate the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by Keiko's caretakers, highlighting the profound connections and difficult decisions inherent in the rewilding process.