Keiko was bought by Marineland Ontario, Canada. He arrived there in December of 1979, only a month after his capture. Keiko came to Marineland with 3 othe whales, females Nootka 5 and Caren and male King. When they arrived they joined two other Marineland's whales, a male named Kanduke and female Knootka. Keiko was re-named from Siggi to Kago/Kego. It was there that his training started and that he first performed in front of the audiance. Many whales came to Marineland only to be trained and the sold to other marine parks.
Keiko was te smallest killer whale at the time among other five Marineland's whales. He was picked on frequantly by other, older animals. His lesions apeared here for the 1st time. Because all of this he was timid in a way and stayed at Marineland longer than he should have. It is thought that he might have been "stored" at Marineland's warehouse (a back pool) for a while but there is no evidence to prove that this is true.
The conditions at Marineland were better than at his previous home but still not good enough, they were quiet poor. The pools vere very small and still are. They were also crowded.
Keiko left Marinelad Ontario in 1985 after being sold to Rieno Aventura Amusement Park in Mexico City for $350, 000.
*Keiko at Reino Aventura
*At the moment Marineland Ontario has seven killer whales to learn more about them click here. |
