WASHINGTON – The HSUS said today that Keiko has now spent 45 days in the wild. While the possibility remains that Keiko could return to Iceland or that The HSUS would intervene because of indications of distress, each day marks another milestone on Keiko’s quest for freedom.

Keiko, as of this morning, is 200 miles northeast of the Faroe Islands, 190 miles from the closest part of Norway and 150 miles north of the Shetlands. This is 45 miles away from his position on Monday.

Keiko’s progress has amazed the staff of the Keiko Project, who expected that he would interact with wild whales off the coast of Iceland but thought he would likely return to spend the winter in Klettsvik Bay. His travels this summer have left the staff working diligently to track his whereabouts since Keiko left the immediate area after a storm forced the tracking boat back to port in Iceland. Two aerial attempts to make visual observations of Keiko have failed, though both times staff picked up his radio signal.

The HSUS is currently tracking Keiko by satellite, which provides readings at least once a day, and is encouraged by his progress this summer.

“Even if Keiko’s bid for freedom does not ultimately succeed, we have given him a chance for freedom. Several other orcas were actually better candidates for rehabilitation and release, but the marine park industry was not going to consider giving them the opportunity that Keiko has had,” said Dr. Naomi Rose, HSUS marine mammal scientist.

Since the Free Willy/Keiko Foundation stepped in to rescue Keiko from a marine park in Mexico, 21 orcas have died in captivity, according to David Phillips, who heads the foundation.

“Keiko could easily have been among the whales who have died from the stress associated with captivity,” said Paul G. Irwin, HSUS president and CEO. “We’re pleased that Keiko has this opportunity, but we wish that others could be following in his footsteps.”

Sea World alone accounts for seven orca deaths since 1995. Other orcas have died at Six Flags/Marineworld, the Vancouver Aquarium, Marineland Canada, and marine parks in Argentina and Japan. There are currently 47 orcas kept in captivity worldwide.