If The Dolphin Company was really concerned about Toki’s welfare, they would have asked SeaWorld for help. They would have asked SeaWorld to please care for Toki, for the rest of her life, as they clearly had no intentions to repair her home or the Whale stadium. It appears that finding people to pay your bills, while launching a deceptive PR move, is a lucrative way to take all the heat off of your poorly run company.
In January 2023, two members of Friends of Toki were escorted out of Miami Seaquarium amid accusations of harassment of MSQ trainers.
January 18, 2023 – Miami-Dade County received a letter [from TDC structural engineer] stating that the structure [whale stadium] is safe for continued occupancy based on updated capacity (10 persons). The letter has been evaluated by the Building Official and is insufficient.
During this time, scaffolding was put up over stairs leading up to the stadium for entrance and egress of staff. At this point, The Dolphin Company had succeeded in postponing permanent repairs to the whale stadium for over one year.
March 30, 2023 - TDC CEO Eduardo Albor, FOT Pritam Singh and Charles Vinick, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, hold a press conference stating an agreement had been made for relocating and possible release of Toki.
April 3, 2023 - A group of Toki’s advocates officially form Truth4Toki to speak on her behalf as it is now crystal clear that TDC’s intent is to relieve themselves of all responsibility and Toki’s welfare is at risk.
On April 19, 2023, less than one month after the press conference, TDC’s attorney “elects to withdraw” the extension request for the required repairs to the whale stadium at the Unsafe Structures Board Hearing.
Building officials visited Miami Seaquariums on April 21, 2023 and posted photos to the Miami-Dade County website from the site visit. Comments on the website stated that “shoring systems not meeting the minimum requirements of the code“.
Coincidentally, the following week, Jim Irsay Tweeted that he was working hard with Singh, Vinick, and Albor to expedite Lolita to a sea pen. Goal of 6-9 months.
May 15, 2023 - TDC CEO, Eduardo Albor, Tweets that he would be happy to meet with people experienced in killer whales to at least show that he is open and tolerant. Truth4Toki responds to this tweet with no answer from Albor.
When you see the big picture, it is clear that money is the driving factor behind all of the decisions made by The Dolphin Company. The truth is that not once have they prioritized the welfare of Toki, Lii or Loke.