Date: Fri, 25 Apr, 1997
Keiko's Progress

from Beverlee Hughes, President
Free Keiko Foundation
Phome 541-867-3540,3544
Fax 541-867-3542
Email: keiko1@pioneer.net

Today, Keiko is a normal healthy teenage killer whale. He is independent, confident and sometimes defiant and aggressive. He has shaken off off his mental slumber and become alert to his environment. His papilloma is externally unidentifiable. Keiko's appetite, energy and playfulness is robust. In general Keiko is in great shape, mentally and physically.

Research

We have contracted with several scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the University of California at Santa Cruz to better understand Keiko and other North Atlantic killer whales. State of the art technology is being installed to monitor and record Keiko's underwater vocalizations, document his swim speeds and respiration periods, assess his ability to detect prey acoustically and also gather physiological data needed. Ongoing research will continue throughout the year.

Release Plans

Today, we do not know when/if Keiko will be released. However, we believe the above mentioned research will indicate if Keiko is a suitable candidate.As soon as we know more about his ability to echo-locate and hunt food , we will make the appropriate determinations. If everything works out the way we hope, release to a sea pen could be in 1998.

Our Approach

Our goal is to engage in scientific research and public education while we rehabilitate Keiko. Developing accredited scientific protocols for reintroduction will be our first contribution to the scientific community. Given the popularity of Keiko in Newport, OR, we can afford to finance the pursuit of pure science and research in hopes of understanding Keiko and other killer whales. This research will not interfere with release plans, but should just increase their integrity.

Next Steps

Upcoming plans include stocking live fish with regular release in the pool, a search for Keiko's pod utilizing his database of vocalizations and development of a long term plan for future usage of our facility after Keiko's release.

Future Communications

Updates will continue every quarter. I apologize for the recent breakdown in communications; the learning curve has been very steep. Please call or email if I can provide any additonal information.



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