Keiko Memorial Raised

AFTENPOSTEN, Norway
Jan. 9, 2004

300 children attending the farewell service

A steinroeys, a round mound created of evenly sized stones often used to mark ancient graves, was built Thursday by hundreds of children as a tribute to the memory of Keiko the killer whale. The celebrity orca's memorial service took place at his final resting place in Taknes Bay.

Keiko, the star of the Free Willy movies, spent a bit more than the last year of his life in the bay area.

Schools and day care centers in the area set aside time to visit the ceremony, with about 300 children attending the farewell service in the bay.

Keiko's stay in Norway, which began when he swam here in September 2002, cost an estimated NOK 3.3 million (USD 485,000), expenses that were paid by the Free Willy Keiko Foundation.

Keiko Foundation director David Phillips told newspaper VG that the money was well spent.

"Keiko became a symbol of the effort needed to help whales. He was friendly and peaceful wherever he went. So he became an ambassador for the entire effort," Phillips said.

Norwegians did not account for much of the funding but Phillips insisted that they contributed in many other ways.

"The response in Norway has been exceeded all expectations. We could not have had more support and help from the local community and authorities than we had. We are very grateful for that," Phillips said.

Aftenposten English Web Desk
Jonathan Tisdall/NTB