SeaWorld Orca Who Killed Trainer And ‘Played With His Body’ Dies At 29
A SeaWorld orca who fatally attacked his trainer has died at age 29.
Keto, confined to various tanks throughout his life, died at Loro Parque, an amusement park in Spain.
He began his life at SeaWorld Orlando in 1995, where he was born as part of SeaWorld’s controversial orca breeding program.
This program faced significant backlash from animal rights groups, including PETA, and was eventually discontinued.
While some of Keto’s family members remained at SeaWorld Orlando, he was transferred at the young age of four to multiple other locations, including SeaWorld Ohio and SeaWorld San Antonio.
He ultimately ended up at Loro Parque, where he was used to breed more orcas.
Throughout his life, Keto fathered three calves: Adán and Victoria, reportedly born to his half-niece Kohana, and Ula, born to Morgan.
Most of his offspring did not survive past their youth, though one of his calves, Adán, remains alive and is still held at the amusement park.
A tragic incident in 2009 involving Keto further underscored the dangers and stress of keeping orcas in captivity.
During a training session, Keto fatally attacked 29-year-old trainer Alexis Martinez at Loro Parque, in an incident reportedly supervised by a SeaWorld senior trainer.
Following the tragedy, SeaWorld distanced itself from the park, although it allowed Loro Parque to retain the orcas.
Keto’s behavior is said to have deteriorated under conditions at the amusement park, with reports alleging he exhibited signs of psychological distress, including chewing on concrete in frustration.
This behavior is said to have led to permanent damage to his teeth and became a stark symbol of the physical and mental toll captivity takes on marine animals.
Animal rights organizations have long criticized the practice of keeping whales, dolphins, and other marine animals in captivity for entertainment or breeding.
PETA, who say Keto ‘suffered a lifetime of abuse,’ are using the orca’s death to call for an end to such practices.
The organization stated: “Keto never had the chance to swim great depths in the ocean or forge meaningful relationships with other members of his pod – Loro Parque and SeaWorld denied him any semblance of a natural life.
“Don’t let Keto’s death be just a number on the long list of animals who have died at marine parks – learn his story, and then take action.”
Former senior trainer at SeaWorld and author John Hargrove has previously spoken out about the negative consequences of keeping marine animals in captivity.
He wrote in a blog post for PETA: “Confined in shallow, barren tanks with little physical, psychological, or emotional stimulation, the intelligent, sensitive animals in these parks become distressed and ill.
“Frustrated, confused, unable to choose their own companions or swim free, they can easily turn violent, attacking other animals or severely injuring or killing their trainers.”
According to the Daily Mail, Keto was ‘showing signs of discomfort’ in the days before his passing.
The average lifespan of a male killer whale in the wild is typically around 30 years, though they are known to live up to 60 years or more.
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