The captivity of marine mammals such as orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and belugas has been the subject of intense debate in recent decades. Although initially justified on the grounds of education, conservation, and entertainment, multiple scientific studies have demonstrated that confining these species generates profound negative consequences. These effects are not limited to the individual well-being of the animals but also impact ecology, the health of ecosystems, and the ethical perception of our relationship with nature.

The movie “Free Willy,” which premiered on July 16, 1993, brought this issue to the public's attention, transforming a fictional story into a global call to question the legitimacy of captivity. Its protagonist, the orca Keiko, went from movie star to living symbol of the fight for freedom, awakening a collective consciousness that still fuels the debate about respect and dignity for marine life.

The public demanded Keiko's actual release, as it was contradictory that the “star” of a film about freedom should remain in captivity.

On July 11, 2002, Keiko was officially released off the coast of Iceland, in the same place where he had been captured 23 years earlier, becoming the first—and only—captive orca to return to its natural habitat.

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In captivity, tanks represent only a tiny fraction of their natural habitat. Restricted space, lack of environmental stimuli, and forced separation of social structures generate chronic stress and psychological disorders in captive marine mammals.

Captivity imposes a series of unnatural conditions that impact the health of marine mammals, such as confinement in chemically treated water can cause skin problems.

Instead of hunting, they are fed dead fish and vitamin supplements, which do not satisfy their natural stimulation needs.

However, there are strong arguments in favor of this practice when managed under strict regulations and with a focus on animal welfare, education, research, and conservation. A crucial function of marine rehabilitation centers is the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, sick, or stranded animals. 

And in cases where animals cannot survive in the wild due to serious injuries or human dependency, captivity offers a permanent shelter, safe and stable.

Keiko's legacy reminds us that freedom cannot be replicated in a tank and that, if we truly wish to conserve these species, we must do so in the only setting capable of sustaining them: the open sea.

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