You're Wrong About Keiko Part 1 with Brianna Bowman
Jan 27, 2026
Brianna Bowman, journalist and former fishery biologist who created Rewilding Keiko, walks through Keiko’s rise from captured juvenile to Hollywood star. She recounts Free Willy’s cultural pull, 1990s whale activism, and the messy realities of orca captivity. Conversations cover orca biology, anthropomorphism risks, rescue logistics, fundraising crazes, and the big decisions around Keiko’s care.
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What Orcas Look Like
- Orcas are striking, social, toothed whales with unique markings used to ID individuals.
- Keiko was easily recognizable by three chin spots and a curved dorsal fin, aiding public attachment.
The Anthropomorphism Trap
- Anthropomorphism risks misinterpreting animal behavior in science and activism.
- Brianna Bowman urges balance: avoid projecting human intent but use careful observation to infer animal states.
Free Willy's Classic Plot
- Free Willy follows a troubled kid who bonds with a captive orca and helps free him.
- The film uses Pacific Northwest locations and familiar 90s family-movie tropes to build empathy.
