MEXICO: KILLER WHALE KEIKO TO MOVE TO OREGON COAST AQUARIUM

Описание: (10 Dec 1995) Spanish/Nat

Shippers are going to have a whale of a time with Keiko.

The three-and-a-half ton whale is moving north to Oregon from its current Mexico home next month.

But before he goes... audiences are lining up to enjoy the whale's splashing good show.

Keiko has performed at the Mexico City aquarium for the past 10 years. But his Mexico days are over and now he's off to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in the United States.

Audiences at a Mexico City theme park are saying their last goodbyes to the 21 foot long, 7,000 lb. star of the "Free Willy" movies.

Keiko will travel next month in a fibreglass, steel and plywood box aboard a C-130 Hercules transport plane. Veterinarians and trainers will accompany him on the 8 and one-half hour plane trip.

For one of his Mexico City trainers, working with Keiko has been a pleasure.

SOUNDBITE: Spanish
"The truth is that he's super-sensitive. He's like a child - capricious, but very likeable because he's always searching out our company, or that of the dolphins. He likes to be scratched - he's very pampered."
SUPER CAPTION: Renata ,Trainer

The whale loves the pampering, but he's sure to enjoy his new surroundings. His new tank will have 2 (m) million gallons of ocean water - about four times the size of the chlorine tank he now lives in.

The whale now suffers from skin lesions, low body weight, and suppressive immune system.

Hundreds of people waited on long lines to see the Keiko perform before his departure. They bought Keiko merchandise in the park store.

Keiko is to arrive at his new home on January 7th. United Parcel Service will ship him for free. The entire package, including whale and water, will weigh 40,000 lbs.

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