Captivity had made her “crazy”, the orca Keto, who had killed her trainer, died

It’s a very sad life that’s coming to an end. The Loro Parque in Tenerife, Spain, announced the death of the orca Keto, a 3,000 kilo male aged 29 years old. A necropsy of the animal was carried out and the results are expected in the coming days, but animal rights defenders are already calling into question a life of captivity.

Keto was born at SeaWorld Orlando in 1995 – to two captive parents – where he performed his first shows, before being moved from park to park, then settling in Tenerife in 2006. There, the animal was exploited for entertain the public, as well as for reproduction: the orca had two calves (yes, that is indeed the name of baby orcas) with his niece. One of them is still alive, the other died at the age of 10 months.

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A life of captivity which had “serious consequences on his mental and physical health” deplores “The Sun”, citing animal rights groups, PETA in the lead. “Unnatural and dangerous” behaviors were observed in the animal during its life, such as “chewing concrete out of frustration”, which seriously damaged its teeth.

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Keto must have spent his entire life being exploited and confined in tiny pools.

PETA in a press release

He had killed his trainer

On Christmas Eve 2009, Keto killed his trainer, Alexis Martinez, 29, during a rehearsal for a show. The orca held the trainer underwater with its mouthpiece, inflicting fatal injuries, including bone fractures and organ damage. Loro Parque nevertheless paid tribute to Keto, a “beloved ambassador” who “captivated everyone with his unique personality”. The orca will never have tasted the joys of the deep sea.