Autopsy finds Miami Aquarium killer whale died of multiple diseases

Matthias J. Okner/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

• Lolita, the orca whale, went by many names, but died from a variety of diseases.
• These conditions include pneumonia, kidney degeneration and chronic heart disease.
• She also suffers from 17 other chronic illnesses.

The latest autopsy results revealed that Lolita — A 57-year-old killer whale who spent nearly his entire life in captivity died from the progression of multiple chronic illnesses, including pneumonia, kidney degeneration and chronic heart disease.

The autopsy results were miami herald.

Orca Network previously revealed Insider On August 18, Lolita announced on social media that she had died of acute renal failure, a diagnosis that was later supported by an autopsy.

The necropsy also listed 17 other illnesses in the aging killer whales, including gastritis, tongue ulcers and keratitis (an inflammation of the cornea).

The Miami Aquarium has been married for 50 years to Lolita, who goes by many names, including Tokitae and Sk’aliCh’elh (tenant of the Lummi Nation). In March, the aquarium announced plans to release the whale into its native waters in the Pacific Northwest.

“Torkey was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of hearing her story, especially to those of the Rumi Nation who considered her family,” the aquarium said at the time of her death.

Activists have been calling for the release of the orcas for years because of the multiple injuries Lolita suffered health problems Due to her captivity.

The 5,000-pound orca lives in the world’s smallest orca enclosure – just 80 by 35 feet and 20 feet deep.

Representatives for the Marine Aquarium did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.