Lolita the killer whale confirmed dead after showing serious signs of discomfort.
“Toki was an inspiration to all who had the fortune to hear her story and especially to the Lummi nation that considered her family,” the Seaquarium post said. “Those of us who have had the honor and privilege to spend time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.”
Others also expressed their grief over the whale’s passing. Earlier this week the Seaquarium sent an update about Lolita, saying her pool had received $500,000 worth of improvements and was cleaned three times a week. She received up to 120 pounds of salmon, herring, capelin and squid each day, and had interactive time with trainers “that keep her physically and mentally stimulated and motivated.”
“I think even the people with her day to day will be shocked by this,” Giles said.
Giles spoke through tears from a boat in the San Juan Islands where she was doing research work near L25. The publicity around Toki’s possible return had been a boost of attention for the endangered pods, which struggle for survival against multiple threats, including inadequate food, pollution, and boat disturbance and noise that makes it harder for them to hunt.
Just a few days ago, Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, the son of Ken Balcomb, chronicler of the southern resident orcas, wrote in the Journal of the San Juans that after decades of effort, the last surviving captive southern resident orca may be coming home soon.
Preparations were underway for her return, including getting her used to a sling to move her from her tank. Her health had improved, and she was energetic.
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