Orca Keto dies after decades of captivity and exploitation
- Keto, a male orca, died at Loro Parque zoo in Tenerife after showing signs of discomfort.
- He was involved in a tragic incident in 2009 where he fatally attacked his trainer during a show.
- Animal rights advocates have condemned his captivity and called attention to the ethical implications.
In Spain, a male orca named Keto died at the age of 29 at Loro Parque zoo in Tenerife, having spent his entire life in captivity. Born on June 17, 1995, at SeaWorld Orlando, Keto moved to Loro Parque in 2006, where he became part of the zoo's animal show. In December 2009, Keto was involved in a fatal attack on his trainer Alexis Martinez during a rehearsal for a Christmas show, highlighting the dangers of keeping such animals in captivity. Despite extensive medical care, Keto's health deteriorated in recent days, leading to his death. The cause is yet to be determined by a team of veterinarians who conducted a necropsy but faced challenges due to the orca's unique anatomy. Following his death, PETA criticized his treatment in captivity, calling it a lifetime of exploitation. The organization has long been against keeping orcas in captivity, citing their need for natural habitats and social structures. Keto's passing has reignited the debate over the ethics of keeping marine mammals in theme parks and zoos, pointing to the limitations of veterinary care available to large marine animals that often tend to hide signs of illness. His legacy continues through those who knew him and others who have learned to appreciate orcas through his story.