Less than five months after the Miami Seaquarium announced plans to release Lolita, the world’s oldest orca, back into her natural ocean surroundings, she passed away in captivity on Friday.

Lolita, who is said to have been around 57 years old, started showing “serious signs of discomfort” over the past few days, according to the Seaquarium. The orca passed away on Friday afternoon after receiving medical attention to treat what seemed to be a “renal condition.”. On Saturday, the water park was closed so that the personnel could grieve. According to a statement from the Seaquarium, “Those who have had the honor of spending time with her will forever remember her beautiful spirit.” The Seaquarium revealed plans to release Lolita to the Pacific Ocean in March of this year, where she might spend her last days. After years of lobbying from animal rights organizations, the decision was made to permit the elderly orca to spend her last days swimming freely in her native habitat.

But Lolita stayed at the aquarium for many months after that. The Seaquarium’s owner, The Dolphin Company, had previously stated that the orca would be moved between October of 2024 and April of 2025. The CEO of the Dolphin Company, Eduardo Albor, expressed his sorrow at the tragedy and said he fell in love with the orca “at first sight.” Save Lolita, a group that advocated for the orca’s release, claimed that while Lolita may not have ever had the freedom she deserved, she was instrumental in raising awareness of the moral dilemmas associated with imprisonment. “Her story will forever remind us of the urgent need to protect our oceans and the magnificent creatures that call them home,” the organization said in a statement.

Animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called Lolita’s abuse “unforgivable.” You were a shelter away from freedom, but time ran out. On Twitter, currently being rebranded to X, PETA posted: “Now you’re free from all the anguish and suffering. Lolita’s death was devastating to many. Hopefully will help everyone understand the effects of animal captivity. This death should open eyes to the ugly truth behind all of the tricks, fun, and treats. “