Killer Whale Lolita Dies After 52 Years In Captivity At FL Aquarium

MIAMI, FL — Lolita the killer whale died Friday after 52 years in captivity at Miami Seaquarium in Key Biscayne.

Plans have been in the works since March 2022 to return the 57-year-old orca, who was retired from performances at the aquarium in that same month, to her home waters in the Pacific Northwest. Lolita, also known as Tokitae or Toki, was four years old when she was captured and brought to Florida.

“For the first time ever, a private company with marine mammals under human care, and a nonprofit animal welfare organization executed a binding agreement with one goal — return the beloved Lolita to her home waters,” The Dolphin Company, which bought Seaquarium in 2021, said in a statement at the time. “Lolita will receive the highest quality care as the team works to make relocation possible in the next 18 to 24 months.”

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Lolita started showing “serious signs of discomfort” two days before her death, Miami Seaquarium tweeted.

Her medical team, which consisted of Seaquarium staff and Friends of Toki volunteers, “began treating immediately and aggressively,” the aquarium said. “Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon.”

She died from a renal condition. Her body was lifted from her tank using a stretcher and a crane and was placed in a refrigerated trailer, Local 10 News said.

“Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family,” the Friends of Toki said in a statement following the orca’s death. “Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”