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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 21, 1997)
r Q TOPIC: Science & Nature COURTESY PHOTO Keiko enjoys being rubbed down by Nolan Harvey and Ken Lytwyn of the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Keiko swims closer to freedom ■ WHALE: Newport’s best loved orca is on his way to complete rehabilitation and a possible 1998 release By Eric Collins Community Reporter When he arrived underweight, out-of-shape and overwhelming ly lackadaisical, his trainer knew he wasn’t ready for the fight. With a viral infection he couldn’t shake and a passive mentality shielding his naturally aggressive tendencies, his comeback seemed more than a few years in the distance. Yet, after only a year’s worth of strength training, cardiovascular workouts and skill drills, Keiko the killer whale, not Tyson or Holyfield, is much closer to attaining the free dom that he once knew nineteen years ago. However, like every great fight er, Keiko has a great trainer in his corner: Nolan Harvey. Harvey, the curator of marine mammals at Keiko’s rehabilitation facility, the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, said major progress in the whale’s mental and physical health since his January 1996 re location has prompted him to speculate on a 1998 move out of his current two-million gallon homestead. Harvey, who was hired by the FreeWilly-Keiko Foundation in 1995 to work with Keiko, spoke in Willamette Hall Friday night about Keiko’s first year in New port and the direction of whale research in a session sponsored by the Eugene Natural History off sunglasses Bring in this coupon for $5.00 off sunglasses $35.00 or more. Expires May 1, 1997. I LAZAR'S I I :Wl ITT! I 57 W. Broadway BEHINp U.S. BANK I [l 687-0159 ]* Society. Keiko, the orca-primer movie star from the film Free Willy, was in bad shape when he arrived in Newport. Keiko’s poor health was due to environmental condi tions in his former home in the Reino Aventura amusement park in Mexico City, Harvey said. Keiko was described as a “pool potato,” and Harvey said the man-made seawater, confining pool and clockwork schedule all contributed to viral infections, weight loss and overall lack of physical health. "They realized he was going to die in Mexico City,” Harvey said. Fortunately for Keiko, the move to Newport brought him COURTESY PHOTO into contact with a trainer willing to whip him back into shape. Part of this process has included untraining the training Keiko has received all his life, Harvey said, which hinges on spontaneity. “Keiko is not a training animal anymore,” Harvey said. “He needs to become a killer whale.” Harvey said the three other marine mammologists assigned to Keiko have tried to constantly stimulate him with “toys," hunt ing exercises and interaction with divers. These toys are worth more than just entertainment, however. Harvey said pushing around his 200-pound water filled ball and frolicking with 55 Turn to WHALE, Page 10 I Our computers pull I all-nighters every night. I Pentiums & Power Macs Scanning Black & White and Color Laser Printing Premier software 1265 Willamette 344-3555 s restaurant Korean & Japanese Cuisine Low Fat Low Calories Brown Rice Available. 1219 Alder St. Across the Street from Sacred Heart Hospital FREE DRINK i ■ with coupon OFF ALL DISHES OVER $3.75* excluding special menu •Expires April 27, 1997 Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-5 p.m. * Receive 500 oft All dishes over $3.75 and a free drink. * No coupon required during happy hour. Do You Want Good Teachers? Help us reward them. If you have had an outstanding teacher this year in an English composition class (any class with a “WR” prefix), nominate him or her for an Outstanding Composition Teacher Award. Leave a note or a detailed letter with the English Department or mail it to Anne Laskava, jL>eparimem or n,ngnsn, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403. Nominations must be postmarked or submitted by Friday, April 25. For information, call 346-3911. Young Adults with Diabetes Group Support and information for you, your family and friends Meets every second and fourth Wednesday April 9, 23 May 14, 28 •^June 11, 25 • 5-6 PM • Upstairs Conference Room UO HEALTH CENTER For more information, call 346-4454 HEALTH CENTER • 13TH & AGATE • 346-2770 http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/ UOSHC/
