Orca Keto that killed its SeaWorld trainer dies after being forced into incest

An orca that killed its trainer and spent its whole life in captivity, has died at a Gran Canaria zoo.

Keto, who killed his owner in 2009, and whose mother Kalina was the first orca born in a SeaWorld theme park, has died at Loro Parque, aged 29.

Keto arrived at Loro Parque in northern Tenerife from SeaWorld, Orlando in 2006. On Christmas Eve 2009, he launched a bloody attack on one of his trainers, 29-year-old Alexis Martinez, who had worked with orcas for several years.

The pair was working together on that year’s Christmas show in a training pool when Keto pulled him underwater. Alexis’ terrible injuries including multiple compression fractures, tears to vital organs and bite marks.

He had confided in his girlfriend before the tragedy “something could happen at any time". SeaWorld briefly stopped water work with whales at three of its parks in the immediate aftermath of Alexis’ death.

Two months later, SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed in front of thousands of spectators at the Orlando attraction in an incident that made headlines around the world.

Keto fathered three calves: Adán and Victoria, who were born to Keto’s half-niece Kohana and are 6.25% inbred, and Ula, who was born to Morgan. Keto was described as a dominant whale.

Loro Parque made no mention of Keto’s former trainer’s death in a long statement confirming the animal had died.

It said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of our beloved 29-year-old male orca Keto.

“Born on 17th June 1995, in SeaWorld Orlando, Keto became part of the Loro Parque family in 2006, where he served for years as an extraordinary ambassador of his species, captivating everyone with his commanding presence and unique personality.

"There are no words to express the depth of this loss for the whole of our Loro Parque team, particularly for the trainers and vets who shared their daily lives with Keto.

“The relationship that develops between our animals and all those who work at Loro Parque goes beyond the professional, becoming a deep bond filled with love and mutual respect."

It went on: "Keto lived for almost 30 years before his sad passing – studies show that the average life expectancy for males in the wild is 29 years, placing Keto within the average for his species.

“For the Loro Parque family, Keto was not just an ambassador of his kind but an irreplaceable being who left an indelible mark on our hearts. His memory will live on in those who were fortunate to know him and in all those who, thanks to him, learned to admire orcas.

“Rest in peace, dear Keto. We will always remember you with the greatest love and gratitude.”

A total of 21 vets took part in the post mortem on the 6,600lb animal, although the cause of death has not yet been made public. Further tests are now taking place which are expected to take around a week to conclude.