February 21-22
Conflicting reports emerge about Lolita’s health
“Lolita”/ Tokitae is still being monitored 24/7. The Seaquarium admits she has her good days and her challenging days. A recent former employee of the Seaquarium says that situation is critical and that “Toki “ needs to get out of there as soon as her health improves and blames park management for the declining state of her health. This former employee says there’s no transparency with those who run the aging park and that many animals have died there due to gross negligence and mismanagement. – Louis Aguirre. – Article: Local10 News
February 23
Lolita the killer whale has been ill, concerning local and federal officials. The Miami Seaquarium says she’s improving. – NBC 6
February 24
Businessman and environmentalist, Pritam Singh plans to commit $1 million toward Lolita’s care. – Local10
February 25
“As Lolita / Tokitae’s fate hangs in the balance, USDA inspectors back at Miami Seaquarium today & final report could come as soon as the end of this week. This is part of an ongoing investigation after USDA cited numerous animal welfare violations.” – Louis Aguirre – Local10
February 28
Lolita the orca may be moving
“Critical will be the findings on Lolita’s pool and stadium, which according to a June USDA report poses a safety hazard to both the animals and the public after the pools and structure were both found in disrepair, work that can’t begin with Lolita and her dolphin tank mates still living there.
“As soon as we get the USDA findings, we are excited to work with the new management team to make sure that she can be safe in her environment and that she can be safely moved,” Levine Cava said. What’s still unclear is where Lolita will go. There is no other habitat in the Seaquarium where she can live, and The Dolphin Company has never owned an orca before…”
Article: Local10 News
March 3
USDA grants license to The Dolphin Company
USDA grants new exhibitors license to The Dolphin Company which has bought the Miami Seaquarium on the condition they no longer display Lolita / Tokitae or the dolphin that stares her tank. The whale stadium also now permanently closed to the public.
Direct quote from USDA license deal: “Lolita & her dolphin companion are not covered by this USDA license. If, in the future, you intend to exhibit either of these animals or resume using this pool for exhibition purposes, you will need to apply for a new license.”
According to new license, The Dolphin Company will no longer be able to post any social media images of Toki & Li’i. The big question still not answered is what is TDC plans for Toki & Li’i. They can’t repair her crumbling pool or stadium with Toki still in it.
March 4
Shows are over for Seaquarium’s killer whale Lolita, new managers say. 50-year era ends
“The shows are over for Lolita the killer whale. After five decades as iconic star at Miami Seaquarium, the 7,000-pound orca will no longer perform daring dives, splash spectators or serve as mascot for the marine park on Virginia Key, according to the federal agency that oversees animal attractions.”
Article: Miami Herald
March 7
Miami Seaquarium ending shows with aging orca Lolita, who hails from Puget Sound
“She’ll need an examination, a complete thorough and pathological examination to make sure she doesn’t’ carry any diseases, and make sure she’s healthy enough to make the trip safely. But now that the performing days are over, there’s more hope and optimism that Tokitae will be home. It’s a big sigh of relief (and) it’s a turning point, it’s what we’ve been trying to make happen for over 25 years.”
Article: Komo News
