847: The Truly Incredible Story of Keiko the Killer Whale

This episode of *This American Life* tells the poignant story of Keiko, the orca famous for his role in *Free Willy*. Once celebrated as a national symbol in Mexico, Keiko's poor living conditions led to a worldwide movement advocating for his freedom. The episode explores the intricate and expensive efforts to rehabilitate him for a return to the wild, shedding light on the difficulties of reintroducing a whale raised in captivity and the ethical dilemmas that arise. In contrast, it also features a second story about the rigorous training of turkeys for the annual Presidential pardon, showcasing two very different ways humans interact with animals.