Lolita, the mainstay orca at Miami Seaquarium, was set to return to the ocean. However, the beloved killer whale was in captivity for over 50 years and died before the planned release.
Lolita, The Orca Dies
Lolita, an orca that had entertained the visitors at Miami Seaquarium for more than 50 years before the park bowed to pressure and decided to prepare its release into the ocean, passed away on Friday afternoon.
The orca, also known as Tokitae and Toki, had displayed "serious signs of discomfort" two days before passing. The Miami Seaquarium suspected that the cause of death was a renal problem.
According to the Seaquarium in a post on Facebook, Toki was an inspiration to everyone who had the excellent opportunity to hear her story, but especially to the Lummi people, who she considered family. Those who had the honor and privilege of knowing her will always cherish the memory of her lovely spirit.
In an update on Tuesday, the Seaquarium stated that Lolita was "very stable and as good as she can be at 50 years of age." She reportedly had a good appetite and ate many pounds of salmon, herring, and squid, indicating her good health. The Seaquarium added that a group of vets was taking care of Lolita and keeping an eye on her physical and mental well-being.
It was unknown how Lolita's condition had declined in the week following the encouraging Seaquarium report. On Friday afternoon, the Seaquarium released a statement stating that Lolita's situation had "rapidly deteriorated."
The institution added that her passing is not entirely unexpected given her senior age. However, it is a huge and overwhelming loss that is felt especially by those who have daily loved and cared for her as well as those who care deeply about her around the world.
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Lolita's Captivity
Lolita was captured on Aug. 8, 1970, in Seattle, Washington's Penn Cove, Puget Sound. She was reportedly only four years old at the time. The Miami Seaquarium bought her. She had a home with another orca named Hugo when she initially came, but he passed away in 1980.
Animal rights organizations have long wished to relocate Lolita to "a protected cove sea pen," where she may eventually be introduced to the ocean.
Officials at the Seaquarium stated in February that they were getting ready to release Lolita back into the water in response to pressure from animal advocates who demonstrated against the facility. A "binding agreement" between the Seaquarium and Friends of Lolita, a nonprofit organization co-founded by environmentalist Pritam Singh, was approved as part of the arrangement to release the whale. The aquatic park's owner, The Dolphin Company, said in March that Lolita would be moved in 18 to 24 months.
The most crucial factor is Toki's long-term health, and together, under the direction of the professionals, they will continue to act in her best interests, Levine Cava stated about the plans to release Lolita to the wild. He added that the beloved sea creature was adored by countless individuals worldwide. They acknowledged that after spending so many years in a small tank, numerous people worried about her health, so they were considering setting her free so she could live the rest of her days on the seas.
Sadly, Lolita passed away before being returned to the water.
Lolita was thought to be at least 57 years old, making her the oldest killer whale in captivity.
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