The Good Whale: Episode 2 - "Can Good Boys Be Wild?"

From Serial Productions and The New York Times

Introduction: Keiko's Journey to Oregon

In January 1996, amidst the harsh weather of the Oregon coast, a significant event unfolded that would capture the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Keiko, the famous orca beloved from the movie “Free Willy,” arrived at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. This relocation marked the beginning of an ambitious rescue and rehabilitation effort aimed at preparing Keiko for eventual release back into the wild.

Diane Hammond introduces the scene:
"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..." [00:48]

Rehabilitation Efforts: Health and Behavior Improvements

Upon arrival, Keiko was in dire condition—underweight, sick, and showing signs of severe distress. The Free Willy Keiko Foundation assembled a team of marine mammal experts, veterinarians, and trainers to rehabilitate him. Led by Nolan Harvey, the team embarked on a rigorous regimen to improve Keiko’s physical health and behavioral skills necessary for survival in the wild.

Nolan Harvey reflects on Keiko’s initial state:
"This animal is not healthy. I mean, he really... it looks like a worm, you know, moving through the water." [09:02]

Through diligent care, Keiko showed remarkable progress. His appetite surged, he gained substantial weight, and his physical condition improved significantly. Additionally, Keiko began exhibiting more natural orca behaviors, such as echolocating and vocalizing—skills essential for hunting and navigation in the wild.

Keiko’s transformation was nothing short of extraordinary:
"Within several months, Keiko's appetite had nearly tripled and he'd put on about 2,000 pounds, grown about 8 inches longer. His papillomavirus had cleared up, and by the end of his first year in Oregon, he could hold his breath for 13 minutes." [13:12]

Keiko’s Impact on Newport and Commercialization

Keiko quickly became the centerpiece of Newport, transforming the small town into a bustling tourist destination. Visitors from around the globe flocked to the aquarium, significantly boosting the local economy. The Free Willy Keiko Foundation capitalized on Keiko’s fame, licensing his image for merchandise ranging from stuffed animals to special edition toys.

Mark Trim highlights Keiko’s charm:
"He was unusually present. We used to say when Keiko looked at you, you were seen." [17:51]

The economic influx was substantial, with estimates reaching around $75 million by Keiko’s second year in Oregon. Local businesses thrived, and Keiko became more than just an attraction; he was a symbol of hope and resilience.

Emerging Conflict: Release vs. Continuation in the Aquarium

While Keiko’s rehabilitation was a success, the question of his future began to create tension. The original plan was "rescue, rehab, release," with Oregon serving as a temporary home. However, as Keiko regained his health, differing opinions emerged regarding his readiness to return to the wild.

Mark Trim expressed his reservations:
"You can't abandon the family dog in the wilderness and expect him to thrive. It just doesn't make sense." [23:02]

Conversely, Nolan Harvey saw Keiko’s progress as a sign that he could successfully be reintegrated into his natural habitat. This divergence in perspectives set the stage for a growing rift between the Free Willy Keiko Foundation and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Perspectives of Trainers: Mark Trim vs. Nolan Harvey

Mark Trim remained skeptical about Keiko’s ability to survive in the wild. He cited frequent illnesses and Keiko’s inability to consistently hunt live fish as major concerns. He likened Keiko’s readiness to that of a domesticated animal:
"That's not a killer whale, that's a golden retriever." [23:02]

In contrast, Nolan Harvey viewed Keiko’s improved health and burgeoning natural behaviors as indicators of his readiness for the ocean. He recounted Keiko's willingness to tackle new challenges:
"Everything I threw at him, he not only took it, he took it further." [27:23]

Their differing viewpoints underscored the complexity of Keiko’s situation, balancing his well-being with the ethical considerations of rewilding a captive orca.

Accusations and Struggle Between Foundation and Aquarium

The disagreement intensified as the Free Willy Keiko Foundation and the Oregon Coast Aquarium clashed over Keiko’s future. The aquarium’s director, Phyllis Bell, argued for more time in rehabilitation, while the foundation pushed for release. Allegations surfaced, including claims that the aquarium had deliberately compromised water quality to hinder Keiko’s readiness for the wild—a claim vehemently denied by both Mark Trim and Dave Phillips of the foundation.

Diane Hammond narrates the escalating conflict:
"By the fall, the feud was national news, getting coverage in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, where it was described as a big money power struggle." [32:21]

The tension reached a boiling point when the foundation severed ties with the aquarium, leading to a national debate over Keiko’s fate.

Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of Keiko

As the conflict persisted, a blue ribbon panel of veterinarians ultimately declared Keiko healthy and fit for release. Legally, the foundation held the authority to decide his next steps. Despite the petition from some, including animal communicators like Bonnie Norton, who claims Keiko preferred staying at the aquarium, the foundation remained steadfast in their original mission.

The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for Keiko’s eventual release to the wild and the challenges that lie ahead in ensuring his survival.

Notable Quotes

• Diane Hammond:
  "Keiko wasn't an organ for the amusement of his human fans. It was quite the opposite. In fact, his human team, 25 staff all together, was there for him." [07:27]

• Mark Trim:
  "When people were there, he didn't just kind of swim by the window casually and go off and do something else. He was unusually present. We used to say when Keiko looked at you, you were seen." [17:51]

• Nolan Harvey:
  "I think he's dead." [36:42]

Insights and Reflections

Episode 2 delves deep into the ethical dilemmas surrounding captive wildlife rehabilitation and release. It highlights the emotional and financial complexities that arise when human interests intersect with animal welfare. Keiko's story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in balancing the desire to save and rehabilitate with the fundamental needs of wild animals.

The narrative also explores the human tendency to anthropomorphize animals, attributing human emotions and desires to them, which can complicate decision-making processes in conservation efforts.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Keiko's path to freedom takes a dramatic turn, testing the limits of human intervention and the resilience of a one-of-a-kind orca.