Autopsy results have revealed the mystery behind the death of beloved killer whale Lolita, also known as Shitai.
The orca died on August 18 at the age of 57 at her home at the Miami Marine Aquarium, and a necropsy (animal autopsy) was performed the next day to determine the cause of death.
An autopsy revealed she died of “the progression of multiple chronic medical conditions, including kidney disease and pneumonia.”
ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Judy St. Leger, a marine mammal veterinarian who performed the necropsy, wrote in the necropsy findings: “Degenerative diseases develop as animals age. This animal showed a clinical progression of multiple degenerative changes, with cumulative effects. Leading to death.” “Chronic valvular heart disease may lead to lung disease (indicated by the presence of “heart failure cells” in the lungs). Ongoing inflammation and immune responses lead to immune protein deposition (amyloidosis) and kidney disease. As well as tubular degeneration and mineralization, which is a typical change of aging. Renal disease may lead to gastritis and pituitary mineralization. Other findings may be important but have (sic) uncertain clinical implications.”
Killer whales, especially female killer whales, can live up to 90 years in the wild.
Lolita’s death came as a shock to her many adoring fans, as just days before her death, Dolphin’s CEO said she was in excellent health. Two former veterinarians at Lolita have criticized the way the killer whales’ health was managed while they were detained at the Miami Aquarium.
Magdalena Rodriguez, chief veterinarian at the Marine Aquarium, said: “She had aged out years ago, but what medications were given to the kidneys and why was an old whale with problems not fed enough?” There is a more detailed autopsy report. More organ specific and more cultures.” Lolita, who has worked closely with her for 23 years, told miami herald. “The whole world knows Toki is old, but what breaks her?”
The Marine Aquarium cut Lolita’s food intake from 160 pounds to 120 pounds in 2021, prompting objections from Rodriguez and colleague Jenna Wallace, who feared the orca would become dehydrated. The aquarium said the reduction was to accommodate Lolita’s reduced physical activity.
“As I have said many times over the past two years, I believe that severe dieting exacerbated Toki’s pre-existing kidney disease and left her vulnerable to pneumonia due to dehydration. The speed swim was a ‘play’ and other recent The video of his activities is likely to be misinterpreted and actually instigated,” Wallace told miami herald. “Combined with her fussy state, underfeeding, stress and fast swimming, gastritis is definitely going to be a problem.” Wallace said she still has a lot of questions. “I believe there needs to be an in-depth investigation into Toki’s death, medications, staff and vets.”
The two veterinarians were fired in 2021, claiming it was a result of their reports about the marine aquarium’s care of killer whales. The pair had previously worked with USDA inspectors who investigated the aquarium’s practices of underfeeding animals and serving rotten food.
Lolita was captured from an orca colony in southern Puget Sound at age 4 and has lived at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970. After her companion Hugo died of a brain aneurysm in 1980, she spent the past several decades living without the company of other orcas. She had planned to eventually return to the Pacific Northwest and live in a sea pen. , but died before this move could be realized.
Michele Eve Sandberg/Corbis via Getty Images
Animal rights group PETA said in a statement on Tuesday: “Had the USDA intervened in 2012 when PETA first flagged her small tank as an animal welfare violation, Lolita might have spent her life in a seaside shelter. More than ten years have passed.”
Lolita’s body was cremated and after an autopsy her ashes were eventually returned to her home waters as part of a traditional ceremony performed by Rumi Nation leaders.
Do you have an animal or nature story to share? Weekly newspaper? Do you have questions about keeping killer whales in captivity? Let us know at nature@newsweek.com.