Keto, a 29-year-old male killer whale, spent his life in captivity, becoming a focal point in the debate surrounding the ethics of keeping orcas in marine parks. Born at SeaWorld Orlando in 1995, he was later moved to Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain, where he lived until his death in November 2024. His story encapsulates the complex issues of captivity, breeding programs, and the well-being of these intelligent marine mammals.
Early Life and Transfers
Keto was born at SeaWorld Orlando on June 17, 1995. His mother, Kalina, was the first orca born at a SeaWorld amusement park, making Keto a second-generation captive whale. His father, Kotar, was captured in Iceland in 1978. From an early age, Keto demonstrated independence, often separating from his mother to interact with other whales. However, he was also known for his "rough" behavior, earning him the nickname "punk" among trainers.
Before reaching his fourth birthday, Keto was transferred to SeaWorld San Diego in March 1999, partly to support his mother's third pregnancy and address his disruptive behavior. He acclimated to his new environment and bonded with his full-blooded brother, Keet. However, he displayed aggression towards trainers during waterwork training, limiting his participation in such activities.
In April 2000, Keto, along with Keet and another whale named Sumar, was moved to SeaWorld Ohio. Keto initially struggled to adjust but eventually became a reliable performer in waterwork behaviors. In February 2001, he was transferred to SeaWorld San Antonio, where he quickly acclimated and began performing in shows. He formed a close bond with an older female named Kayla and displayed dominance towards other male orcas, especially Kyuquot.
Life at Loro Parque
At the age of 10, Keto was transferred to Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain, in February 2006, along with three other whales: Tekoa, Kohana, and Skyla. The transfer was ostensibly for breeding purposes, despite the fact that Keto was related to Skyla, his half-sister, and Kohana, his niece. Shortly after arriving, Keto ingested pieces of Metflex, a waterproofing substance used in the tanks, requiring an endoscopy.
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Keto formed close bonds with Kohana and Skyla and often performed with them in shows. However, his life took a tragic turn on December 24, 2009, when he attacked and killed his trainer, Alexis Martínez, during a training session. The incident occurred during preparations for a Christmas Special show, and Martínez reportedly drowned after being struck by Keto and held underwater.
Despite this incident, Keto continued to be used in shows at Loro Parque. He was even considered a "beginner" whale for new trainers due to his calm demeanor. In 2011, a rescued female killer whale named Morgan arrived at the park, and Keto later sired a calf with her.
Breeding and Family
Keto fathered three calves during his lifetime. Adán, born in 2010 to Kohana, remains at Loro Parque. Victoria (Vicky), also born to Kohana in 2012, died at a young age. Ula, born to Morgan in 2018, has also since passed away. It is believed by many that Keto sired Kohana’s two offspring: Adán and Vicky. Over the years, Loro Parque has presented Keto to the audience as an ambassador of his species even though he has never seen the ocean or experienced anything that is natural to an orca.
Death and Legacy
After being "very unwell" for several weeks, Loro Parque announced Keto's death on November 22nd, 2024. A necropsy was performed to determine the cause of death, with the team conducting the necropsy paying their respects to Keto by performing a Māori ritual. Keto was 6 meters long and weighed approximately 4.5 tons at the time of his death. The results of the necropsy are currently pending.
Keto's death underscores the ongoing debate about the ethics of keeping orcas in captivity. Critics argue that captivity deprives these intelligent and social animals of their natural behaviors and social structures, leading to stress, aggression, and premature death. They point to Keto's life, marked by frequent transfers, confinement, and ultimately, a tragic incident involving the death of a trainer, as evidence of the detrimental effects of captivity on orcas.
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The Broader Context of Captivity
Keto's story is not unique. Many orcas in captivity have experienced similar challenges, including early separation from their mothers, frequent transfers between parks, and the performance of unnatural behaviors for entertainment. The documentary "Blackfish" brought increased attention to the plight of captive orcas, raising awareness of the psychological and physical toll of captivity.
The conditions in which orcas are kept in captivity are often criticized. Confined to concrete tanks, they are deprived of the vast ocean spaces and complex social interactions that are essential to their well-being. The boredom and lack of stimulation can lead to abnormal behaviors, such as chewing on the sides of the tank, as evidenced by Keto's worn-down teeth.
The use of orcas in shows is also a contentious issue. Critics argue that these shows promote a distorted view of orcas and do not educate the public about their natural behaviors or conservation needs. Instead, they reduce these intelligent animals to performers, dependent on human keepers for food and attention.
The Future of Orcas in Captivity
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to end the practice of keeping orcas in captivity. Some marine parks have already phased out orca shows and are focusing on education and conservation efforts. However, other parks continue to keep orcas, arguing that they provide valuable opportunities for research and education.
The debate over the future of orcas in captivity is likely to continue. As public awareness of the issues grows, there is increasing pressure on marine parks to improve the welfare of their animals and to consider alternative models for showcasing these magnificent creatures.
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