Lolita, 57, had lived at Miami Seaquarium for more than half-a-century (Picture: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
A killer whale held captive for more than half-a-century has died after showing ‘serious signs of discomfort’.
Lolita – also known as Tokitae, or Toki – lived at the Miami Seaquarium and her death was announced via social media.
She had been living for years in a tank that measures 80ft by 35ft and is 20ft deep.
The 57-year-old orca died from an apparent renal condition despite the best efforts of Seaquarium and the Friends of Toki medical team.
The Seaquarium posted a statement from the non-profit group Friends of Toki on social media that said: ‘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 who have had the privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.’
Her death comes after activists have been fighting for Lolita to be released from captivity for many years.
There was a plan to possibly move her from to a natural sea pen in the Pacific Northwest – plans which were announced by the park’s new owner, The Dolphin Company, and the non-profit Friends of Toki.
Lolita, the killer whale and the star attraction at Miami Seaquarium for decades, in January 2014 (Picture: TNS)
This received the financial backing of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay who said: ‘I am heartbroken that Toki has left us.
‘Her story captured my heart, just as it did millions of others. I was honoured to be part of the team working to return her to her indigenous home, and I take solace in knowing that we significantly improved her living conditions this past year.
‘Her spirit and grace have touched so many. Rest in peace, dear Toki.’
The Lummi Nation, a Native American tribe based in Washington state, refers to orcas as ‘qwe ‘lhol mechen’, which means ‘our relations below the waves’.
They have spent years trying to secure Lolita’s release and return her to home waters.
Four boys from Ozark, Missouri, from the left, brothers Dennis, 8, Vadim, 10, and Ruvim Kleymenov, and their uncle, Roman Shinkarevich, 11, watch Heather Keenan, training manager, interact with Lolita (Picture: TNS via Getty Images)
‘The Lummi Nation is saddened by the news that our beloved orca relative has passed away at the estimated age of 57 years old,’ chairman Tony Hillaire said.
‘Our hearts are with all those impacted by this news; our hearts are with her family. We stand in solidarity with our Lummi members whom poured their hearts and souls into bringing Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut home.’
She retired from performing last spring as a condition of the park’s new exhibitor’s licence with the US department of agriculture.
Lolita has not been publicly displayed since. In recent months, new upgrades had been installed to better filter the pool and regulate her water temperature.
Federal and state regulators would have had to approve any plan to move Lolita, and that could have taken months or years.
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She had been living for years in a tank that measures 80ft by 35ft and is 20ft deep.