The veterinary community is mourning the loss of Keto, a 29-year-old male orca from Loro Parque in Tenerife, who passed away on Friday. Keto, a six-metre-long, 4,500-kilogram killer whale, was the focus of an extensive necropsy conducted by 21 vets from the Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA) at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC).
The procedure, necessitated by the sheer size of the animal, began at 11:00pm on Friday and concluded at 6:00am on Saturday. Although the cause of death is not yet known, tissue samples collected during the necropsy have been sent for laboratory analysis, with results expected in the coming weeks.
A Ceremonial Farewell
Before the necropsy, the veterinary team performed a traditional Māori ritual to honour Keto. This unique tribute reflects the Māori view of cetaceans as ancestral guides, deserving of a special status akin to legal personhood. The decision to include this cultural ritual followed a recent trip by IUSA directors to New Zealand.
A Life of Care at Loro Parque
In a heartfelt statement on its website, Loro Parque expressed its sorrow at the orca’s passing:
"Keto began to show signs of distress recently, which immediately activated our veterinary team and international specialists. Despite exhaustive efforts and the use of all available resources, this sad outcome could not be avoided."
Keto was born on June 17th, 1995, at SeaWorld Orlando, USA, and arrived at Loro Parque in Tenerife 18 years ago The park noted that the life expectancy of male orcas in the wild averages 29 years, similar to Keto’s age at death.
While some males have been documented to live up to 60 years old, the average lifespan is significantly shorter than that of females, who can live up to 90 years.
A Complex Challenge in Veterinary Care
Loro Parque highlighted the difficulties of diagnosing and treating large marine mammals like Keto:
"Orcas, particularly large individuals like Keto, present unique challenges for veterinary diagnostics. Their anatomy limits the effectiveness of tools such as ultrasounds, which cannot reach internal organs, and their size precludes the use of imaging technologies like CT scans. Additionally, cetaceans instinctively conceal signs of illness to avoid appearing vulnerable to their group, complicating their medical management."
Keto’s remains were transported to IUSA's facilities in Arucas, Gran Canaria, in a perfectly preserved state, thanks to an impressive logistical effort by Loro Parque. The transfer, completed in just four hours, marked the fourth orca necropsy performed under the supervision of Professor Antonio Fernández, Chair of Pathological Anatomy at ULPGC.
Keto’s passing is a reminder of the delicate balance between the care provided to marine mammals in captivity and the challenges inherent in ensuring their health. As the scientific community awaits necropsy results, Keto’s legacy as a prominent resident of Loro Parque lives on, sparking renewed discussions about the complexities of marine mammal care and conservation.
