Lolita, the captive orca and star attraction at the aquarium, died Friday as plans to remove her from the Miami theme park began to take shape. He is 57 years old.
The killer whales are called “Toki,” a name adopted by defenders of freedom. The orca developed health problems in the aquarium’s tank last fall and reportedly nearly died of pneumonia, according to recent interviews with its trainers.
In a social media post, the Marine Aquarium said Lolita had developed kidney problems in recent days.
“Torquay has been an inspiration to all who have been fortunate enough to hear her story, especially the Lumi Nation who count her as family,” the statement said, referring to the dead in natural waters off Washington state. Indigenous people, that’s where she was captured. She is four years old.
A nonprofit organization backed by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Isay has partnered with the Oceanarium to relocate Lolita to a sea pen near Washington state and is training her for her eventual relocation.
“For the past two days, Toki began to show signs of severe discomfort and his entire Miami Aquarium and Friends of Toki medical team began aggressive treatment immediately,” the nonprofit Friends of Toki said in a statement. Despite medical attention, he died Friday afternoon of kidney disease.
Torquay has been an inspiration to all who have been fortunate enough to hear her story, especially those of the Rumi nation who consider her family. Those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with her will always remember her beautiful spirit. “