Lolita the Orca, a beloved star attraction at the Miami Seaquarium for many years, has passed away at approximately 57 years old, according to an announcement from the tourist attraction’s officials.
Known by several names including Tokitae and Toki, Lolita exhibited “serious signs of discomfort” a couple of days ago, prompting immediate and intensive medical attention from both Seaquarium medics and the nonprofit organization Friends of Toki. Despite their best efforts, Lolita’s condition deteriorated, and she passed away on Friday afternoon, as shared in a statement on the social media platform X.
In honor of the cherished orca, the park was closed on Saturday as a remembrance of her life.
Earlier in May, initiatives were set in motion to relocate Lolita to a seaside sanctuary in her native Pacific Northwest waters after she displayed signs of illness within her tank last year. This endeavor was a collaborative effort with the nonprofit Friends of Toki, supported by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.
Although the killer whale exhibited signs of recovery in recent weeks, she ultimately succumbed to a renal condition.
Expressing his sorrow, Irsay stated, “I am heartbroken that Toki has left us. I was honored to be part of the team working to return her to her indigenous home, and I take solace in knowing we significantly improved her living conditions this past year. Her spirit and grace have touched so many. Rest in peace, dear Toki.”
In 2021, Lolita shows were discontinued at the Seaquarium amid investigations by the Department of Agriculture and Miami-Dade County into her concrete tank. Furthermore, after the Dolphin Company’s acquisition of the park last year, the new owners declared the permanent cancellation of her public performances, as reported by the Miami Herald.
Critics, including animal rights activists, have long voiced concerns about Lolita’s living conditions. The orca was confined in a tank that some deemed too small for her 7,000-pound size.
In response to her passing, animal rights group PETA issued a statement emphasizing, “She deserved a life in the ocean with her family—a life of freedom and love. We can all honor her memory by never visiting parks that exploit animals like her.”
