Keto, the oldest orca globally, passes away at Loro Parque following several weeks of health issues, as stated by the Tenerife zoo via its social media channels.
The orca, aged 29, was among the first to arrive at the Puerto de la Cruz facility from Orlando to launch the Orca Oceans show in February 2006. At that time, he was just ten years old and joined by Tekoa (five), Kohana (three), and Skyla (two).
As time progressed, the orca’s family grew through natural breeding amongst the cetaceans and the incorporation of Morgan, an orca discovered malnourished in the waters north of Europe.
Nevertheless, losses have also been experienced. The first to pass away was Vicky, Khoana’s offspring, who died before reaching one year of age. Interestingly, her mother was the final one to die, after Loro Parque had to say goodbye to three orcas within a mere 18 months.
Between March 2021 and September 2022, three specimens perished: Skyla, Ula, and Khoana herself. Now, two years later, the Tenerife zoo bids farewell to its oldest orca “with profound sorrow.”
“A bond of affection”
Keto was born on June 17, 1995, at SeaWorld Orlando and became a cherished member of the Loro Parque family, “where for years he served as an exceptional representative of his kind, enchanting all with his grand presence and distinct personality,” the zoo details.
“Words are insufficient to convey the magnitude of this loss for the Loro Parque team, particularly for the caregivers and trainers who shared their daily routines with him,” Loro Parque adds, stressing that “the relationship forged between animals and their caregivers transcends professionalism, evolving into a profound bond of affection and mutual respect.”
According to the zoo in Puerto de la Cruz, the orca began to exhibit signs of distress recently, prompting an immediate response from the veterinary team and international experts. “Despite tremendous efforts and utilising all available resources, this tragic outcome could not be averted,” laments Loro Parque.
Through its blog, the zoo founded by Wolfgang Kiessling announces that a comprehensive pathological anatomy examination will be conducted with specialists from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Ulpgc) to determine the reasons behind his death.
Orcas, especially large individuals like Keto, “pose a distinctive challenge” in terms of veterinary diagnosis. “Their anatomy complicates the use of tools such as ultrasound, which cannot access their internal organs, and their size hinders studies employing technologies like CT,” Loro Parque explains.
three orcas
For the family at Loro Parque, Keto was not only a representative of his species but “a unique being who left an everlasting impression on our hearts.” “His legacy will forever endure in those fortunate enough to have known him and in all of those who learnt to appreciate orcas because of him,” concludes the Tenerife zoo.
With his passing, the facility now has only three orcas remaining: Morgan, Tekoa, and Adam.
Morgan
Was rescued in 2010 on the Dutch coast of the Wadden Sea, where she was found with skin abrasions, inflammation, and severe malnutrition. She was relocated to the Park in 2011, and by March 2012, it was deemed that Morgan had fully integrated into the Loro Parque orca group. Several years later, her first pregnancy was reported, resulting in the birth of Ula (now deceased).
