Aside from SeaWorld’s killer whales, the life of “Lolita” was perhaps the most famous fate of captive killer whales. As the “loneliest orca in the world”, she made headlines time and time again. For 53 years she lived in a swimming pool that was much too small, of which more than 30 years all alone. Now the whale lady should have been placed in a release program, but she died in Miami on Friday.
“Lolita” had been in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium since the 1970s – “Hugo” kept her company until the 1980s. But the male killer whale developed extreme psychoses and repeatedly slammed his head into the edge of the pool. He eventually died of a cerebral hemorrhage.
Lonely and alone in mini pools
Since then, “Lolita” lived alone in the pool, which was only 24 by 11 meters in size and six meters deep. In between she was given two dolphins as company, but here too aggression between the animals would have taken place. Animal rights activists and whale experts have repeatedly drawn attention to the fate of “Lolita” over the years.
In particular, the behavior of the Seaquarium operators during Hurricane “Irma” in 2017 caused outrage. Because while the park was completely evacuated, “Lolita” was left behind – more or less defenseless and without any certainty whether the concrete pool and building would withstand the storm. elements.
It was eventually decided to place “Lolita” in a reintroduction program to the waters of her birth in the Pacific Northwest. But that must not happen again, the whale lady died – US media reports of kidney failure – at the age of 57.
In the wild, killer whales can age considerably, although organizations like SeaWorld like to argue otherwise. However, scientists have been able to document wild specimens that were over 80 years old. The highly social animals live in large family groups in which the females are in charge.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
