Lolita, an orca deemed the “world’s loneliest whale,” died in her Miami aquarium on Friday after half a century in captivity and just days before she was set to be released.
The 57-year-old mammal, also known as Tokitae, was set to be moved by caregivers from the Miami Seaquarium and released into the wild to retire.
The aquarium posted a statement from the nonprofit group Friends of Toki on social media after the whale started exhibiting signs of discomfort over the past two days.
Caregivers began treating her immediately and aggressively but the elderly whale died from a renal condition, the aquarium confirmed.
The statement 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.
“Those who have had the privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Lolita has been in captivity for over 50 years and animal rights activists have been fighting for her to be released from her tank at the Miami aquarium.
In March, the nonprofit Friends of Toki and owner of the aquarium announced that they had potential plans to move her to a natural sea one in the Pacific Northwest.
The $20 million dollar move was expected to get the financial backing of Indianapolis Colts owner and philanthropist Jim Irsay.
After her passing, he said in a statement: “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.”
Last month, on The Pat McAfee Show, he said: “She’s healthy, I’ve got the money, let’s move her.”
Lolita was taken along the Washington state coast in 1970 when she was around four years old.
Soon after her capture, the killer whale was bought by the Miami Seaquarium and moved to South Florida, where she was put on display until she officially retired last March after dealing with health problems.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/ExpressUSNews
