||| FROM WSVN, KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA |||
Lolita, the beloved orca who has spent over 50 years at the Miami Seaquarium, has died.
The killer whale, also known as Toki, died following a battle with a suspected renal condition, according to a social media post from Miami Seaquarium on Friday afternoon.
According to the Miami Seaquarium, over the last two days, Toki displayed severe discomfort, prompting the dedicated medical team from Miami Seaquarium and Friends of Toki to provide immediate and intensive treatment.
Despite their efforts, Lolita passed away on Friday afternoon.
Friends of Toki released the following statement:
“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 from what is believed to be a renal condition. Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family. Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Thanks for your coverage today. In response to Tokitae’s tragic death at Miami Seaquarium, Dr. Naomi Rose, an internationally recognized marine mammal scientist at the Animal Welfare Institute, said: “For the first time in her long life in that horrible tiny tank, she had hope. It is a sad irony that Tokitae died now. Humans failed her.”
Tokitae had hope knowing her next form will be free from man’s selfish diversions. Hope we will find balance living in our true nature.
The Seaprison should be sued for loss of life and violation of her civil rights for decades. They knew full well how dangerous her living situation was and they dragged their feet long enough that they did not have to move her after all. It is a tragedy in so many ways. Indicative to me of the callous nature of our species and how the planet will be better off when we are all done here. Sorry folks, but that is the way I feel. ALL the creatures on earth are suffering from our greed and so called intelligence. But I say we are not so smart, just clever. And we too are running out of time.