Lolita the killer whale, 57, dies at Miami Seaquarium ahead of her planned return to the wild

Jason Kelly
·2 min read
1

Lolita -- an orca that has lived at the Miami Seaquarium for more than 50 years -- died Friday at the marine-life park ahead of her planned return to her native waters in the Pacific Northwest.

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The Seaquarium said Friday that in the last two days, the killer whale -- who is also known has Tokitae -- began exhibiting “serious signs of discomfort.”

The facility said its medical team immediately began treating the 57-year-old, 5,000-pound whale.

Photos: Tokitae through the years

“Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon from what is believed to be a renal condition,” the park 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.”

Read: Famed killer whale Lolita ends 52-year run at Miami Seaquarium

Tokitae the killer whale, also known as Toki or Lolita, lives at Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne.
Tokitae the killer whale, also known as Toki or Lolita, lives at Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne.
Lolita performed two shows daily at the Miami Seaquarium for more than 50 years.
Lolita performed two shows daily at the Miami Seaquarium for more than 50 years.
Lolita in the 80’ long x 35’ wide x 20’ deep tank in Miami.
Lolita in the 80’ long x 35’ wide x 20’ deep tank in Miami.
GF Default - VIDEO: Lolita/Tokitae captured in Penn Cove in 1970s
GF Default - VIDEO: Lolita/Tokitae captured in Penn Cove in 1970s
Lolita has been performing in Miami.
Lolita has been performing in Miami.
Tokitae the killer whale, also known as Toki or Lolita, lives at Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne.
Tokitae the killer whale, also known as Toki or Lolita, lives at Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne.
A protest for Lolita was held at Alki on Saturday.
A protest for Lolita was held at Alki on Saturday.
<span>FILE -- In this March 9, 1995 file photo, trainer Marcia Hinton pets Lolita, a captive orca whale, during a performance at the Miami Seaquarium in Miami. NOAA is deciding this month whether Lolita is a member of the small endangered population of killer whales that hang out in Washington state waters. But the decision isn’t likely to end fierce debate over what should be done with the whale. (AP Photo/Miami Herald, Nuri Vallbona, File)</span>

Tokitae’s pool for decades drew criticism from animal rights activists because of its size -- it measures 80 feet by 35 feet and is 20 feet deep.

A mission had been planned to transport the whale by plane to Pacific waters off Washington state, where she would swim inside a large net while trainers and veterinarians taught her how to catch fish.

The effort was estimated to cost $15 million to $20 million.

Read: ‘Journey to freedom’: Agreement signed to return captive Florida orca to the Pacific after 52 years

The Seaquarium opened in 1955 on Virginia Key, east of downtown Miami.

It features a variety of creatures including dolphins, sea lions, manatees, reef fish and sharks.

It was the filming location for 88 episodes of the “Flipper” TV series as well as movies in the 1960s.

<span>FILE -- In this March 9, 1995 file photo, trainer Marcia Hinton pets Lolita, a captive orca whale, during a performance at the Miami Seaquarium in Miami. NOAA is deciding this month whether Lolita is a member of the small endangered population of killer whales that hang out in Washington state waters. But the decision isn’t likely to end fierce debate over what should be done with the whale. (AP Photo/Miami Herald, Nuri Vallbona, File)</span>

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.