ALWAYS & FOREVER
In honour of Tokitae (Lolita)
1966 - 2023
Our inspiration and teacher
Tokitae passed away around 4 p.m. Eastern Time on August 18, 2023. She called for over half a century to her family with no reply, for comfort in the darkness of the night and to anyone who would listen. Millions worldwide have learned of her story; it took too long to hear and to understand who she was and always will be. Toki is a Southern Resident orca.
WE MUST NEVER FORGET
Toki never left the concrete walls that confined her for over half a century for greed, profit, and entertainment. She never saw her home waters again and was denied the chance to heal, to experience the changing tides, and to see the vast open skies.
Please hear the call of the wild, advocate for her kind, pledge never to buy a ticket to a dolphin show. Truly see and care for all beings: the furred, finned, feathered and scaled. Honour, respect, and tread softly upon the earth. 'Until Lolita is Home' will continue to be Toki's voice. We will remember her immeasurable strength, her grace, beauty and perseverance. Toki's spirit is finally home. Tokitae, we love you always and forever. Use your voice for our beloved teacher and give back to her everlasting legacy.
Tokitae & Hugo video by the Miami Herald - NO WORDS - AUGUST 19, 2023 “Archival footage shows Lolita, the orca kept in captivity for more than five decades at the Miami Seaquarium, as she was transported to Miami, introduced to mate Hugo and while she performed in shows during the 1990s. Lolita died on Aug. 18, 2023 as plans to move her out of the Miami theme park were beginning to take shape.” Credit: MDC'S WOLFSON ARCHIVES| MATIAS J. OCNER| MARTA OLIVER CRAVIOTTO
Posted by Until Lolita is Home on Saturday, 19 August 2023
UNITED FOR TOKITAE
Until Lolita is Home is a global movement advocating for Tokitae / Lolita, the orca from the Miami Seaquarium and captive cetaceans worldwide.
Starting in 2015, Until Lolita is Home (formerly Shut Down Palace) held rallies at dozens of locations in the United States and abroad. These events to free Lolita received worldwide coverage and pushed Palace Entertainment to release their first statement EVER regarding Lolita since they purchased the Miami Seaquarium.
With the help of many dedicated volunteers and supporters globally, we have grown into a strong collective voice for Tokitae / Lolita. To date, we have hosted over one hundred rallies, including successful online events, resulting in TV and press articles. Our short film, 'In Solidarity with the Lummi Nation' was screened at Superpod6.