‘Humankind failed you.’ Thousands mourn the loss of Lolita the orca on social media

Lolita the orca’s death has sent a massive community, reaching far wider than Miami where she called home, reeling as they try to come to terms with the loss of a more than 50-year-old animal.

Social media erupted with thousands of comments Friday night reminiscing on past experiences seeing Toki, her newest name adopted by advocates, at Miami Seaquarium and genuine sorrow for the beloved creature.

Just a few hours after the announcement of her death, “RIP Lolita” was the eighth most trending topic across the country on X (formerly Twitter).

The Seaquarium said Lolita developed a renal condition in recent days. She had already suffered health problems in her tank last fall before recovering.

READ MORE HERE: Lolita, the Miami Seaquarium orca, died Friday as hopes grew she would leave for the sea

A plan to relocate her to a Washington sea pen were in just in the infant stages, mostly aspirational.

Activists, Politicians, Citizens Come Together in Mourning

It seemed as if every corner of the internet’s vast community came together to grieve.

From activists to politicians to everyday people, “RIP” messages and memories were shared.

However, accompanying the condolences were hundreds of calls to end killer whale captivity.

“Anyone who grew up in Miami in the last 50 years knows Lolita and was soaked head to toe by her!” one X user wrote. “I hope they build a monument to her at the entrance of Key Biscayne.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava posted, “Alongside the many Miamians who grew up visiting her, the generations of activists around the world that were inspired by her story, and the caretakers who remained dedicated to her until the end — today, we say our final goodbye to our beloved Toki.”

She went on in a statement to say, “Our shared goal has been to increase transparency, create accountability, and strengthen collaboration at the Miami Seaquarium for the benefit of the animals in their care.”

Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts and whose nonprofit was helping move Lolita to her sea pen, posted, “I am heartbroken that Toki has left us. Her story captured my heart, just as it did millions of others.”

Former Indianapolis Colts player Patrick McAfee posted, “RIP Lolita. I wish you could’ve experienced life in the open waters.”

PETA, the animal activist group that staged many protests and petitions against the Miami Seaquarium, posted, “She deserved a life in the ocean with her family — a life of freedom and love. We can all honor her memory by never visiting parks that exploit animals like her.”

Former Florida Senator Annette Taddeo posted, “RIP Lolita. Humankind failed you. You deserved freedom.”

X user Silvia Ramirez wrote, “She was captured and separated from her pod. She was kept in a small container and forced to entertain for the amusement of others. She was on her way to freedom after so many years. But she died without being free.”

X user Cesar wrote, “Lolita is finally free. May she finally rest in peace. The [Miami Seaquarium] needs to be closed. RIP Lolita.”