FRIDAY HARBOR, WASHINGTON: The beloved orca, Lolita, also called Tokitae, died on Friday, August 18 due to ill health. She had reportedly been in captivity at Miami Seaquarium for over five decades after being caught in Penn Cove in Puget Sound, Washington in August 1970.
A statement by the Miami Seaquarium mentioned that her death reason was kidney failure. It noted, “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.”
Lolita ‘was an inspiration’
The statement went on to mention, “Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon from what is believed to be a renal condition."
It 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 of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Is Lolita's mother still alive?
The current state of Lolita’s apparent mother, named L25 "Ocean Sun," is not known. But last year in July, she was located in Haro Strait Washington, Orca Rescues Foundation posted in a Facebook statement.
As per the post, her age is 93. The statement also said, “Many fans expressed concern after she wasn't accounted for during a recent outing by scientists and Biologists who study the Southern Residents very closely.”
“It was likely that she was far offshore with another few orca who were also not accounted for at the time. Fear not, she is alive and well,” it added.
Lolita was 57
Meanwhile, Loilta’s death at 57 has left her well-wishers heartbroken.
Businessman Jim Irsay shared, “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.”
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava tweeted, “Alongside the many Miamians who grew up visiting her, the generations of activists around the world that were inspired by her story, and the caretakers who remained dedicated to her until the end - today, we say our final goodbye to our beloved Toki.”
She added, “Our collective wish was to see Toki in her native waters and we are heartbroken to learn of this sudden loss.”
