MIAMI — Tokitae's cause of death was revealed to be the worsening of renal disease and pneumonia due to old age, according to a new autopsy report released by Miami Seaquarium on Tuesday.
Dr. Judy St Leger, from the American College of Veterinary Pathology, led the autopsy.
The report indicated that Tokitae's death on Aug. 18 was due to the progression of multiple chronic conditions, including some that were age-related. Chronic cardiac valvular disease may have contributed to Tokitae's lung disease, while ongoing inflammation led to kidney disease, the autopsy detailed.
In the statement accompanied by the autopsy, Miami Seaquarium wrote, "Lolita was one of the longest-lived orcas under human care to date, exceeding the average life expectancy in the wild by several years. We miss her deeply and honor her memory every day."
Tokitae, also known by the Lumni Nation name, Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, and stage name Lolita, died on Aug. 18 at the age of about 57. The Lhaq'temish, also known as Lumni Nation, considered her "qwe lhol mechen," or relative under the water, according to Jay Julius, former Chairman of the Lummi Nation.
She was captured in 1970 by the Salish Sea Southern Resident Orca Community and sold to the Miami Seaquarium at around four years old.
Photos of orca-capturing operations in Washington State
According to a 2021 USDA report, Tokitae was fed "poor quality" rotten food, had dirty water in her tank and her trainers "disregarded veterinary instructions," forcing her to perform despite having injuries.
According to Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA, female orcas live on average for 46 years, with a maximum of 80 to 90 years. Male orcas live an average of 30 years, with a maximum of 50-60 years.
In March 2023, an agreement was reached by new corporate owners, the Doplin Company, to send Tokitae back to Washington, where she would have spent the rest of her life in the 7,000-square-mile Salish Sea Whale Sanctuary.
Tokitae was held in captivity for over 50 years. At the time of her death, she was living in an 80-foot-long by 35-foot-wide tank. Tokitae measured about 22 feet in length. For five decades, she performed two to three times a day. She stopped performing in 2022 and a team of independent veterinarians started taking care of her.
After her death, the Lumni Nation decided on her cremation and to bring her ashes home by plane.
Her ashes were scattered in a private ceremony on Sept. 23 by members of the Lummi Nation. Tokitae's mother is believed to be L25 or "Ocean Sun" and is still alive in the Salish Sea at around 95 years old.
To read the full executive summary of the autopsy report, visit the Miami Seaquarium site.