Lolita, an orca held captive for more than 50 years at the Miami Seaquarium, has died from a renal condition just as plans were progressing to release the killer whale to her home waters.
The Miami Seaquarium, owned by the Dolphin Company, had reached a deal with animal welfare advocates to return Lolita, also known as Toki or Tokitae, to the waters where she was captured.
Plans to release Toki
Confirming her death in a statement, the Miami Seaquarium wrote: “Over the last two days, Toki started exhibiting serious signs of discomfort, which her full Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki medical team began treating immediately and aggressively.
“Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon from what is believed to be a renal condition.
“Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family. Those who have had the privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Last year, the Miami Seaquarium agreed to end shows featuring Lolita after the Dolphin Company took over operations from Palace Entertainment, a subsidiary of Parques Reunidos.
“My heart is truly broken”
Following Toki’s death, the Dolphin Company’s president Eduardo Albor wrote on Twitter: “Not a single effort we made to give Lolita an opportunity was a waste of time and money.
“My heart is truly broken. Lolita captured me since 1st day. Love at first sight. Thank you for making believe in what we do.”
PETA president Ingrid Newkirk also said in a statement: “Kind people begged the Miami Seaquarium to end Lolita’s hellish life in a concrete cell and release her to a seaside sanctuary, where she could dive deep, feel the ocean’s currents, and even be reunited with the orca believed to be her mother, but plans to move her to a seaside sanctuary came too late, and Lolita was denied even a minute of freedom from her grinding 53 years in captivity.
PETA statement
“PETA urges families to honor Lolita’s memory by never visiting marine parks and is calling on the Seaquarium to continue with plans to send the dolphin who was Lolita’s tankmate to a sea sanctuary, along with all of the other dolphins, before the death toll rises, and for SeaWorld to learn from this tragedy and relinquish the orca Corky, who has been imprisoned in tiny tanks for nearly 54 years, before she shares Lolita’s fate.”
Jim Irsay, who owns the Indianapolis Colts, had agreed to pay for Lolita’s release. He wrote on Twitter: “I am heartbroken that Toki has left us. Her story captured my heart, just as it did millions of others.
“I was honored to be part of the team working to return her to her indigenous home, and I take solace in knowing that we significantly improved her living conditions this past year. Her spirit and grace have touched so many. Rest in peace, dear Toki.”
