Famous whale Lolita dies after over 50 years in captivity
A famous whale named Lolita has passed away after living in one of the smallest tanks in North America for over five decades. She was supposed to be released from captivity within the next two years.
The Miami Seaquarium revealed the news on Saturday, Aug. 19 (Philippine time) via its social media pages, saying that Lolita, also known as Toki or Tokitae, showed “serious signs of discomfort” in the past few days. Even though she was given the “best possible medical care,” she died on Friday, Aug. 18 "from what is believed to be a renal condition."
“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,” they wrote.
“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 of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit,” Miami Seaquarium said.
Lolita was captured in the waters of Puget Sound of Washington State in August 1970. She was the lone survivor among other killer whales they attempted to capture at that time.
After being sold to the Miami Seaquarium, Lolita spent most of her life performing tricks in scheduled shows in the oceanarium, which is one of the smallest tanks in North America with the size of a hotel swimming pool.
In March, the Miami Seaquarium said that they planned on finally releasing Lolita in a sanctuary in the next 18 to 24 months to let her reunite with her family after more than half a century.
"After 52 years, Tokitae's time languishing in the smallest orca tank is finally coming to an end. Every animal activist who has been advocating for her release can finally breathe a sigh of relief. We can't wait to see her living in the wild under some continued human care, preferably in her home seas where she belongs,” Nicole Barrantes, a wildlife campaign manager for World Animal Protection, said in the statement provided to PEOPLE.
“To quote the singer Lizzo, it's about damn time! Now, we must continue fighting for the thousands of other cetaceans who continue to suffer in captivity for tourist entertainment," she added.
Over the years, animal rights advocates launched various campaigns and protests that called for Lolita's freedom.
In 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a report that Lolita was being underfed and not being given enough water, making her distressed and agitated. They also found that Lolita had to live in dirty water, was lacking protection from the sun, and was being fed rotten fish which led to intestinal issues.
Rest in peace, Lolita.
