World famous orca whale, Lolita also known as Tokitae, died on August 18, 2023. She was also given the name- Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut by the Lummi tribe. She was the last surviving southern resident killer whale who was held in captivity in Florida’s Miami Seaquarium. Lolita was taken away from her family in 1970. She was located at Whidbey Island’s Penn Cove. One of her closest orca relatives, Ocean Sun or L25, is believed be to her mother. Ocean Sun is still alive.
For How Long Was Lolita Held Captive?
CBS News reported that Lolita, who was estimated to be four years old when captured in 1970. She was removed from her pod in the Puget Sound off the coast of Seattle, Washington. Tokitae then spent over 50 years away from her native environment. The Miami Seaquarium acquired her and kept her with another orca named Hugo. However, Hugo did not survive long and died in 1980 due to a brain aneurysm.
Toki was a member of the L-pod of resident killer whales. She was transported to an aquarium where she was to be used as an entertainer. Her plight moved people to compose songs and launch various campaigns in order to make her dream of being returned to her home waters come true. Millions of dollars were set aside to ensure that she could be housed in a sea pen, where she would be able to communicate with her family and feed on salmon.
How Did Tokitae or Lolita Die?
The Miami Seaquarium made a declaration on its social media platforms concerning the passing of Lolita, citing “a renal condition” as the cause. The statement also noted that over the preceding two days, Toki had begun displaying noticeable signs of distress, which were addressed promptly and vigorously by her full medical team from the Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki.
Over the last two days, Toki started exhibiting serious signs of discomfort, which her full Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki medical team began treating immediately and aggressively. Despite receiving the best possible medical care, she passed away Friday afternoon… pic.twitter.com/hx79OhGn2O
— Miami Seaquarium (@MiamiSeaquarium) August 18, 2023
The post continued to read as follows,
“Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family,” before adding, “Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Once referred to as the “loneliest whale in the world,” the orca whale passed away at 57. She had only recently retired and was preparing to spend time in her native waters. The Miami Seaquarium and the Friends of Lolita revealed an official, legally binding arrangement in March to bring about the relocation of Tokitae to Puget Sound. Both organizations expressed their optimism that the move could be accomplished within an 18 to 24-month span.
Howard Garrett, the founder of the non-profit Orca Network, has been speaking out for Toki’s release for many years. He was greatly saddened by the news of her passing but was inspired by her determination despite the hardships she faced such as being in a confined tank, having to endure unclean water, and years of loneliness.
Credits: Meawww
