Orca Keto, Who Killed Trainer in 2009, Dies at Loro Parque Tenerife After Lifetime of Confinement, PETA Calls It ‘Exploitation’

After spending nearly his entire life in captivity, Keto, a male orca, has passed away at the age of 29.

He died at Loro Parque in Tenerife, where he had lived since 2006 after being transferred from SeaWorld in Orlando.

The zoo reported that Keto had been showing signs of discomfort in recent days before his death, although the exact cause remains unclear.

A necropsy was conducted over the weekend with the participation of 21 veterinarians, but further tests are still being carried out to determine what led to his passing.

PETA Condemns Keto’s Life in Captivity

Animal rights group PETA has strongly criticized the conditions Keto endured throughout his life.

The organization claims that he spent years trapped in small tanks, subject to “exploitation and confinement” at various theme parks.

At Loro Parque, Keto reportedly engaged in abnormal behaviors such as biting on concrete, which wore down his teeth, and floating aimlessly out of boredom and distress.

PETA emphasized that this environment contributed to his physical and psychological suffering.

The Tragic Incident with Trainer Alexis Martinez

Keto’s history also includes a tragic and violent incident in 2009 when he attacked his trainer, Alexis Martinez, during a Christmas Eve performance.

Martinez, a seasoned orca trainer, had been working with Keto for years when the orca suddenly pulled him underwater.

The attack left Martinez with severe injuries, including internal organ damage, fractures, and bite marks.

Before the attack, Martinez had confided in his girlfriend that he feared something like this could happen at any time.

This incident led SeaWorld to temporarily halt orca water work at three of its parks.

Just two months later, another fatal orca attack, this time on trainer Dawn Brancheau at SeaWorld Orlando, made global headlines.

Loro Parque’s Emotional Tribute

Loro Parque expressed deep sorrow at Keto’s passing in a statement, reflecting on the special bond the orca had with his trainers and veterinary team.

Describing him as a beloved ambassador for his species, the park highlighted how Keto had captivated visitors and staff alike with his unique personality and powerful presence.

Despite their best efforts to diagnose and treat Keto’s condition, the park noted that the challenges of caring for such large animals made it difficult to detect illness early.

Orcas, especially larger individuals like Keto, tend to hide symptoms due to their instinct to avoid showing weakness.

The zoo also pointed out that Keto’s life expectancy of 29 years was in line with the average for male orcas in the wild.

His mother, Kalina, was notable for being the first orca born at a SeaWorld park.

Loro Parque concluded their tribute by acknowledging the lasting impact Keto had on everyone who knew him, saying his memory would live on through those who admired and cared for him.

The Controversy Surrounding Orcas in Captivity

Keto’s death has reignited the debate over the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity.

Earlier this year, Loro Parque’s owner, Wolfgang Kiessling, lashed out at groups like PETA and WAP (Whale and Dolphin Protection) for their vocal opposition to captive orcas, labeling them as “eco-terrorists.”

This controversial stance comes amid continued criticism of animal captivity in theme parks and zoos, particularly concerning the welfare of highly intelligent and social animals like orcas.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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