An orca named Lolita who had been in captivity since 1970 died at the Miami Aquarium on Friday and is expected to be released in the coming months.
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The animal reportedly began showing signs of discomfort on Wednesday, according to an Instagram post from the Miami Seaquarium.
“Although she received the best possible care, she passed away on Friday afternoon from what is believed to be a kidney problem,” the post read.
The aquarium announced in March its intention to release Lolita into the wild and noted that a habitat would be found for her “within 18 to 24 months.”
The 57-year-old whale was one of the two largest whales ever to live in captivity.
She had stopped performing since last year, but was still in the 24 by 10 meter pool.
Aboriginal and animal rights groups had been campaigning for his release for many years.
The Miami aquarium remained closed Saturday to allow its employees to “reflect on the life and legacy of Lolita,” according to the Florida foundation on Instagram.
