The Good Whale - Episode 2 Summary

Released January 2, 2025 | Serial Productions & The New York Times

Introduction: The Arrival of Keiko

In the second episode of "The Good Whale," host Daniel Alarcon delves into the dramatic and emotional journey of Keiko, the renowned killer whale best known for his role in the film Free Willy. The episode begins with a vivid recounting of Keiko's arrival at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in January 1996, setting the stage for a story of hope, rehabilitation, and unforeseen challenges.

Notable Quote:

[00:33] Daniel Alarcon: "It was a Sunday morning in January 1996. A three and a half ton orca lolled about in a shipping container full of ice, strapped to the inside of a cargo plane flying thousands of feet above the surface of the earth."

Keiko's First Moments in Oregon

Upon landing, Keiko's introduction to his new environment was met with a mix of awe and concern. Diane Hammond, one of the first staff members at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, shares her initial impressions and the gravity of the situation.

Notable Quotes:

[03:05] Diane Hammond: "People were cheering, people had signs welcome Keiko. And little kids were along the highway waving."

[03:51] Diane Hammond: "He's really big and even underweight and sick, he was huge. And that something about that cry in the dark and the rain and the wind was very overwhelming."

The Rehabilitation Process

The core of Keiko's journey in Oregon revolves around his intensive rehabilitation. Under the guidance of experienced trainers like Nolan Harvey and Mark Trim, Keiko undergoes a transformative regimen aimed at restoring his health and preparing him for eventual release back into the wild.

Key Rehabilitation Efforts:

• Physical Health: Keiko's muscle tone and endurance are gradually improved through structured swimming exercises. Nolan Harvey notes significant progress in Keiko’s ability to hold his breath, increasing from three minutes to thirteen minutes over the first year.

  Notable Quote:

  [11:20] Nolan Harvey: "He was huffing and puffing, and so we started working on that. And then we'd go, you know, a little bit longer and we'd start seeing the 3 minute, 5 minute, 7 minute."

• Dietary Changes: Mark Trim discusses the introduction of a varied diet, including salmon and squid, to ensure Keiko gains the necessary weight and nutritional balance.

  Notable Quote:

  [12:08] Mark Trim: "We introduced him to salmon and introduced him to squid."

• Behavioral Training: Keiko engages in diverse behaviors, from swimming on his side to improvising new actions, showcasing his intelligence and adaptability.

  Notable Quote:

  [14:08] Nolan Harvey: "Some of the things he'd do, you know, you would think, well, he knows train behaviors. He'll just do all those, right? He would. But then what do you do beyond that?"

Keiko's Impact on the Community and Aquarium

Keiko's presence significantly boosts the local economy of Newport, Oregon. The aquarium becomes a major tourist attraction, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and generating an estimated $75 million by the end of Keiko's second year. Merchandise and licensing deals further capitalize on Keiko's fame, embedding him into the community's cultural fabric.

Notable Quote:

[17:28] Daniel Alarcon: "By the end of Keiko's second year in Oregon, one estimate put the figure at around $75 million. Local businesses were just having a whale of a time."

Emerging Conflicts: Foundation vs. Aquarium

As Keiko's health improves, differing opinions emerge regarding his readiness for release back into the wild. The Free Willy Keiko Foundation, led by Dave Phillips, pushes for Keiko's eventual return to his natural habitat in Iceland. In contrast, some aquarium staff, including Mark Trim, express doubts about Keiko's ability to survive independently.

Notable Quotes:

[21:10] Mark Trim: "When's he going? Like, going where? And they said, well, back to the wild. And my comment was, that's not a killer whale, that's a golden retriever."

[23:37] Mark Trim: "He was the absolute worst candidate selected for a project like that. He was the worst out of all the killer whales in the world."

Strained Relationships and Power Struggles

The growing rift between the Free Willy Keiko Foundation and the Oregon Coast Aquarium culminates in a power struggle over Keiko's future. Allegations of sabotage and debates over water quality responsibilities intensify tensions, leading to a public dispute covered extensively by national media.

Notable Quotes:

[29:27] Dave Phillips (Foundation): "In our view, the aquarium has made unsubstantiated and false claims that Keiko is not well, when in reality, the evidence shows that Keiko is well."

[30:39] Diane Hammond: "The water quality went to hell, and it went to hell in a pretty simple way. I believe it was deliberate."

Keiko's True Nature and Readiness for the Wild

Amidst the conflict, differing assessments of Keiko's behavior and health play a pivotal role in determining his fate. While some view his agreeable nature as a positive sign for adaptation to the wild, others remain skeptical about his survival skills and overall readiness.

Notable Quotes:

[25:41] Nolan Harvey: "Yeah, he surprised the hell out of me. I mean, he really, he did things that I never expected him to do and, and didn't think was possible."

[26:26] Diane Hammond: "He was no longer a golden retriever. He was a killer whale."

Conclusion: The Impending Decision

As the episode draws to a close, a blue ribbon panel of veterinarians declares Keiko healthy and fit for release. The stage is set for a critical decision regarding his return to the wild, highlighting the emotional and ethical complexities surrounding Keiko's journey. The episode leaves listeners anticipating the next installment, promising to explore the final steps of Keiko's story.

Teaser Quote:

[33:32] Diane Hammond: "Most doubt her animal connections, but some don't disregard Norton's notion maybe Keiko should stay."

Key Takeaways

• Keiko’s Rehabilitation: Intensive efforts led to significant health improvements, showcasing the dedication of his care team.
• Community Impact: Keiko became a central figure in Newport, driving economic benefits and community engagement.
• Conflicting Perspectives: Divergent views on Keiko’s readiness for the wild sparked a high-stakes conflict between the foundation and the aquarium.
• Emotional Complexity: The story underscores the emotional bonds formed between humans and Keiko, amidst practical and ethical dilemmas.

For those unfamiliar with "The Good Whale," this episode provides a comprehensive look into the multifaceted efforts to rehabilitate Keiko and the ensuing challenges faced by those involved. The narrative combines personal anecdotes, expert insights, and dramatic developments, offering a compelling exploration of human-animal relationships and the pursuit of ethical wildlife rehabilitation.