Orca Tokitae's remains return home to Washington, Lummi Nation to scatter ashes in Salish Sea
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - The remains of the beloved orca Tokitae have returned to her native Washington state and the Lummi Nation held a private event to commemorate her homecoming.
Tokitae's sudden passing at the Miami Seaquarium in August marked the end of her more than 50 years in captivity, during which she was initially captured off Whidbey Island.
Tokitae died as plans were being made for her return home to Puget Sound.
On Saturday, Lummi Nation police will escort the cremated remains of Tokitae to Fisherman's Cove in Bellingham, where a traditional water ceremony will take place to scatter her ashes.
RELATED:
- Tokitae aka Lolita dies before she was set to be transported back to Puget Sound
- Tokitae remembered in vigil on Whidbey Island
- Recreational boaters to see new rules for Southern Resident killer whales soon
The chairman of the Lummi Nation, Tony Hillaire, expressed the community's desire for privacy during this solemn weekend ceremony.
"Her entire life, she was taken from us and showcased in a small tank," Hillaire said. "We don't want her to be on show anymore. We'll be spreading her ashes throughout the Salish Sea, and I'm not sure what specific area or areas that will be yet. We're going to follow the guidance of our elders."
Tokitae aka Lolita dies before she was set to be transported back to Puget Sound
Tokitae, or known by her performance name Lolita, has died in the Miami Seaquarium just months ahead of her possible transport back to her home Puget Sound waters. She was the oldest orca in captivity captured in the wild.
While the Lummi Nation is planning a public event to celebrate Tokitae's life, the details of that gathering have not yet been released.