MIAMI, FL – Sad news out of the Miami Seaquarium Friday as they announced beloved orca whale Tokitae has died.

Tokitae was captured out of the Puget Sound in 1970 and had just gained her freedom this past March when it was announced she would be returned to her home in the Salish Sea.

Plans were in place to transition the orca from the Seaquarium, where she spent over 50 years in captivity, when her health took a turn this past Wednesday.

In a social media post, the Seaquarium said their medical team began aggressive treatment immediately, but Tokitae succumbed to what is believed to be a renal condition on Friday afternoon.

They said Toki was an inspiration to all familiar with her, especially the Lummi nation that considered her family.