Keiko is in fine form, but he is over 20 years old. The staff has said that if Keiko is to be released it will have to happen in the next two years. If it is not possible, the foundation is committed to taking care of the orca for the rest of his life. The Westman Islands consist of 15 islands and about 30 skerries and rocks. The largest one, Heimaey, is the only one that is populated.
Fishing is the backbone of the islands' economy.
A volcanic eruption on Heimaey in 1973 caused considerable damage, nearly closing off the harbour. The inhabitants had to be evacuated, but the majority returned a few months later when the forces of nature had calmed down. The puffin is the king of birds on the islands, which are renowned for varied bird life. The world's largest breeding grounds for puffin are in the Westman Islands, and dense puffin colonies adorn the slopes and cliff edges during the summer months. Rappelling down the cliffs to gather eggs has always been an important part of life in the islands and the hunting season is surrounded by a special atmosphere.