07/25/2026
Keet’k’ was a juvenile Alaska Resident orca found dead on Young Island in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. She was named by Łingít elders and Keet’k’ translates to little orca, Łingít have lived in the region since time immemorial. Keet’k’s skeleton went through a multi-year cleaning and articulation process, involving the help of over 60 people and including articulation specialist Lee Post. “I see this articulation project as a way to put a positive spin on a sad event. The sight of a dead whale on a beach is just so shocking that it makes us pay attention and ask questions that would otherwise not be asked, and learn things that would not have been known. This little killer whale has given the people of Gustavus and surrounding areas an opportunity to pause and think about the beauty of this whale in particular and our ocean environment in general. We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and we have much to be thankful for. My hope is that the killer whale skeleton will teach and inspire all people who see it.” Chris Gabriele, whale biologist at Glacier Bay National Park
Researchers did a necropsy to learn more before her bones underwent cleaning to become an educational display. They learned her cause of death was pneumonia and blood poisoning from ingested fishing gear, with underlying malnutrition, and that Keet’k’ had high levels of flame retardants, DDT and other contaminants in her blubber. Along with a fishing hook in her throat, she had hooks, line and a snap in her stomach.
This project was undertaken by many, including: Alaska Geographic, Gustavus School, Gustavus Public Library, Glacier Bay National Park, Lee Post, the City of Gustavus and volunteers
Keet’k’ mural by Jess Mulligan
Orca interact with fishing gear and fisheries in various locations worldwide, in some cases feeding from gear actively being used and other times coming in contact with abandoned, lost and discarded gear. One of the ways we can help mitigate some of the risk associated with fishing gear, for orca and other wildlife, is by regularly checking active gear and removing it when not in use. Derelict fishing gear can continue to catch and kill wildlife and contribute to habitat damage and pollution.
