Mumbai, August 19: A killer whale named Lolita, who had spent at least 50 years in captivity, has passed away, according to the Miami Seaquarium. Authorities apparently planned to return her to the seas where she was born. Tokitae or Toki were other names for Lolita.

"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", the Miami Seaquarium said in a Facebook post.

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, the post further added.

Today, we say our final goodbye to our beloved Toki, along with the many Miamians who grew up visiting her, the generations of activists around the world who were inspired by her story, and the carers who remained committed to her until the end, said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. We all hoped to see Toki back in her home waters, therefore we were devastated to hear of her untimely passing, she added.

Lolita was the oldest killer whale kept in captivity and is said to be at least 57 years old. On August 8, 1970, at Penn Cove, Puget Sound, in Seattle, Washington, she was captured at the age of about four and sold to the Miami Seaquarium. She moved in and began residing with Hugo, another orca. Prior to Hugo's passing in 1980, they lived together for nearly ten years.

For many years, animal rights organisations pushed for the relocation of Lolita to "a protected cove sea pen" and her ocean release. Back in March, county officials made public their intention to free her.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2023 01:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).