LolitaThe orca, which spent the last fifty years of its life in captivity at the Miami Marine Aquarium, died of “multiple chronic conditions, including kidney disease and pneumonia,” according to a necropsy report released Tuesday by the Miami Marine Aquarium. disease progression”.
The Miami Aquarium, Lolita’s home, said the studies were conducted by some of the most reputable veterinarians and pathologists in the United States and were led by Lolita. Dr. Judy St. LegerComments from leading experts in the field NBC6 Miami.
The report mentioned autopsy findings related to the cause of death. death of lolita Acute and chronic bronchointerstitial pneumonia, renal degeneration and chronic heart disease with cardiac valve degeneration.
Analysis showed that his death was due to Progression of multiple chronic diseasessome of which are caused by aging.
“Lolita is one of the longest-lived killer whales ever kept in human captivity, living several years longer than the average lifespan in the wild,” the Marine Aquarium said in a press release. “We miss her deeply and we will every day. In memory of her,” they said.
“Shi or Shitai” (also known as killer whales) Passed away at Miami Aquarium on August 18.His body was transported to Washington state in September and turned over to the government Local Lumi tribe.
Lolita was captured in 1970 and sold to the Miami Aquarium for approximately $20,000. According to animal rights activists, it has been living in a pool inappropriate for its size and complexity for more than half a century.
His captivity sparked controversy among animal rights groups, who have been campaigning for years Free orcas from aquarium tanks.
owner of the park, Eduardo AlberDolphin CEO, Miami Aquarium franchisee and nonprofit Friends of Toki announced that with the support of the owners of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, Lolita will be moved to a natural sea pen in the northwestern United Stateslocated in the North Pacific region captured in 1970, between Washington state and the Canadian border.
Lolita was imprisoned until her death in a pool approximately 60 feet (18 meters) long and with a maximum depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters). When the park applied for a new exhibitor license from the USDA, Lolita had to waive that requirement. She has not been seen in public since.