Necropsy Determines Miami Seaquarium’s Orca Lolita Succumbed to Old Age and Chronic Illnesses
Lolita, an orca whale that had been held captive for over fifty years, recently passed away due to old age and multiple chronic illnesses, as stated in a report released on Tuesday by the Miami Seaquarium. The beloved orca, also known as Tokitae or Toki, reached the age of 57 before her demise on August 18. Following her death, her carcass was transported to the University of Georgia, where a comprehensive necropsy was conducted the following day. The Miami Herald received an executive summary of the necropsy from the Seaquarium, supporting earlier reports that kidney failure was the primary cause of death. Furthermore, the veterinarian who performed the necropsy discovered that Lolita had been suffering from acute and chronic bronchointerstitial pneumonia, renal degeneration, and a chronic heart condition that indicated the degeneration of the cardiac valves.
For years, animal rights activists had been fervently advocating for Lolita’s release from her confinements at the Seaquarium. In March, The Dolphin Company, the park’s relatively new owner, along with the nonprofit organization Friends of Toki, announced a potential plan to relocate her to a natural sea pen in the Pacific Northwest. This initiative was backed financially by Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts. However, gaining approval from federal and state regulators for the move would have been a lengthy process, possibly spanning months or even years. Despite these efforts, Lolita’s captivity persisted, as she had spent her final years residing in a tank measuring 80 feet by 35 feet (24 meters by 11 meters) and 20 feet (6 meters) deep.
Last spring, as a condition of the Seaquarium’s new exhibitor’s license with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lolita was retired from performing and had not been publicly displayed since then. In recent months, the park had implemented various upgrades to enhance the filtration system and regulate the water temperature in her pool. Nevertheless, her health continued to deteriorate due to the aforementioned chronic illnesses, ultimately leading to her passing.
The news of Lolita’s death has sparked both sadness and renewed discussions surrounding the captivity of marine animals. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing debate regarding the ethics and welfare of keeping such intelligent creatures in confined spaces for human entertainment. As the public mourns the loss of Lolita, it remains to be seen whether her legacy will inspire further action and change within the marine entertainment industry.
(Note: The copyright information for this article can be obtained from The Miami Herald, the distributor of this item.)
