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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Katharine Gammon

Tokitae, the star of Miami Seaquarium, dies after half a century in captivity

Toki performs in her stadium tank. She retired from performing in 2022.
Toki performs in her stadium tank. She retired from performing in 2022. Photograph: Miami Herald/TNS

The whale who began her life in the cold waters of the Pacific north-west only to end up in a small enclosure at the Miami Seaquarium has died. On Friday afternoon, a social media post announced that Toki – who was also known by her performing name Lolita, and the name the Lummi tribe gave her, Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut – had died. She was believed to be 57.

A Facebook post from the Miami Seaquarium reported she died from what was believed to be a renal condition. “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.”

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