AILING ORCA WOWING VISITORS IN OREGON.

Byline: Louis A. Diiorio Boston Globe

On Jan. 7, millions of television viewers around the world saw an ailing, underweight, out-of-shape but much beloved Keiko, he of ``Free Willy'' movie fame, released into the cool, filtered waters of a new 2-million-gallon pool at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Flown here from Mexico City by United Parcel Service, Keiko had been the center of attraction at aquariums in Iceland and in Ontario, and at an amusement park in Mexico City, but this black-and-white orca paid the price. Now, after an avalanche of inquiries (thanks to the movie and a Life magazine article), he's been transferred to Oregon, where under the care of trainers, veterinarians and three full-time marine mammalogists experienced in killer whale care, Keiko is recuperating, and hopefully regaining enough strength, confidence and social graces before being put back out to sea.

The Free Willy-Keiko Foundation and the Oregon Coast Aquarium hope to eventually release Keiko back to his native Icelandic waters. Such a release has never been attempted with a captive orca, and will only be possible if Keiko's health problems and other hurdles can be overcome. It may be several years before his freedom can be assessed.

``He just didn't fare well in Mexico City,'' said one of the volunteer guides.'' ``Warm water and cramped living quarters don't make for the best of times for orcas born in frigid North Atlantic waters.''

``But Keiko is an excellent example of how adaptable orcas can be,'' says Keiko's veterinarian, Dr. Lanny Cornell. ``He's settling into his new life here very well. We're pleased with his progress.''

And after six months in Oregon, one of the Pacific Northwest's most popular attractions is not only alive and well but also is thriving in his new surroundings - as are the 4-year-old aquarium, where attendance has skyrocketed, and the nearby coastal community, where tourism has picked up.

Before hitting the world scene in the box-office smash, Keiko spent a decade in Reino Aventura (an amusement park in the heart of Mexico City) and quickly became a favorite with Mexican visitors, delighting children for a decade with his performances. But at the same time, he developed a number of chronic health problems - low body weight, skin lesions and digestive problems.

Keiko, who is now eating between 230 and 250 pounds of fish a day, including sardines, herring, smelt and squid, is no longer lethargic, lazy and sluggish. He has gained more than 500 pounds, lesions are not as noticeable, and his overall muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness are improving steadily (he can hold his breath for up to four minutes). He also appears to be showing increased involvement in his surroundings, manipulating toys and spending significant amounts of time observing visitors in the viewing gallery.

On Location There is a modern public airport just south of Newport, Ore., but nearly everyone drives here. One of the country's most picturesque rides is the coastal route (Highway 101) from Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River, 135 miles away. Day tripping it from Portland? Take Interstate 5 to the Albany exit, then Highway 20 through Corvallis direct to Newport. The aquarium, open every day except Christmas, is just south of the Yaquina Bay Bridge off Highway 101.

Information: Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, 555 S.W. Coast Highway, Newport, Ore. 97365; phone [phone] or [phone]; or the Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Ore. 97365, phone [phone].

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Photo, Box

Box: On Location (See text)

Photo: Keiko, pictured her e in ``Free Willy,'' is adjusting to his new home in Oregon, gaining weight and interacting with visitors to the aquarium.