Tragic Loss: Beloved Orca Lolita Passes Away Before Scheduled Release
Lolita, a cherished orca at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970, tragically passed away on Friday afternoon, as confirmed by the facility Her remarkable journey and life in captivity have left an indelible mark, prompting reflection on the complex relationship between humans and marine animals
The Miami Seaquarium announced that Lolita, an orca whale in captivity since 1970, passed away on Friday afternoon. The facility reported that she had been showing signs of discomfort recently and received immediate and aggressive treatment from the medical team. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to what is believed to be a renal condition.
"Toki's story was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of hearing it, especially to the Lummi nation, who regarded her as family," the post states. "Those of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with her will always remember her beautiful spirit." The Lummi Nation is a Native American tribe situated on the coast of Washington state and southern British Columbia, near the waters where Lolita was captured.
The 57-year-old whale, also known as Toki and SkaliChelh-tenaut by the Lummi people, was planned to be released back into the ocean, as announced by the Miami Seaquarium in March. Advocates have found a natural sea pen off the coast of Washington state, where members of Lolita's family still reside. It is believed that her 95-year-old mother is still alive.
There are plans to release Lolita the killer whale,back to the Pacific Northwest.
Miami Herald/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
Captive orca Lolita set for release into 'home waters' after 50 years at Miami Seaquarium
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava expressed deep sadness at the news of Lolita's passing. "Today, we bid our final farewell to our beloved Toki, who inspired generations of activists around the world and was cared for until the end by dedicated caretakers," Levine Cava said in a statement, reflecting on the many Miamians who grew up visiting Lolita.
“We all hoped to see Toki in her natural habitat, and we are devastated by this unexpected loss,” the mayor continued.
Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company, which runs the Miami Seaquarium, also expressed his grief over Lolita's passing.
Albor expressed in a social media post that every effort made to give Lolita an opportunity was valuable, despite the heartbreaking outcome. Animal welfare activists, Lummi elders, and the non-profit Friends of Toki all campaigned for the release of the whale, as criticism of keeping whales in captivity grows. Lummi advocacy group Sacred Sea also called for the release of the whale, stating "she is family to us, and as such, we must care for her as we do our own." They urged for the safe and responsible return of SkaliChelh-tenauts to the Salish Sea.
Lolita, as per Friends of Toki, was one of the two oldest orcas held in captivity, and the sole orca captured in US waters still in captivity. She was taken from the Pacific Northwest in 1970. The orca ceased performing for the public in 2022 and resided in a tank measuring 80 feet by 35 feet, as per CNNs previous reporting.
A photo taken on Oct. 2, 2018, shows "Happy" the elephant strolling inside the Asia Habitat at the Bronx Zoo in New York. On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, New York's highest court dismissed a petition to release Happy from the zoo, stating that she does not qualify as a "person" unlawfully detained. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
The court has denied the civil rights group's attempt to free the elephant at Bronx Zoo, stating that she does not have the same rights as a 'person.' Friends of Toki had been working to release the animal and were collaborating with the aquarium to prepare her for a cross-country flight and relocation back to the ocean. Lolita's health was regularly assessed by veterinary specialists from the non-profit, with the latest report from July 31 indicating that she was in "relatively stable" condition with consistent energy and appetite, despite experiencing some abdominal discomfort. By August 15, the aquarium reported that she was "very stable" and "as good as she can be at 50 years of age."
Medical teams from the Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki treated her before she died, both organizations said.
CNN has reached out to Friends of Toki for a statement.
