In the 'Free Willy' true story, a major challenge was Keiko's adaptation to the wild. He had spent so much time in captivity that he was used to a very different environment. For example, he had to learn to navigate in the open ocean and find his own food sources. Another big issue was the logistical aspect of his release. Deciding the right location, the right time, and ensuring that he would be safe from potential threats like boats and fishing nets were all difficult tasks. Additionally, there was the challenge of getting different organizations and countries to cooperate in the effort to free Keiko, as it involved international laws and regulations regarding marine animals.
One main challenge was Keiko's health. After being in captivity for a long time, he had various health issues that needed to be addressed before he could be released. Another challenge was teaching him survival skills. He had been used to being fed in captivity and had to learn how to hunt in the wild.