Lolita, the killer whale will return after 50 years in the waters of the Pacific

The killer whale known as Lolita, which for decades performed at a tourist attraction in Miami, is expected to return to its natural habitat, in the Pacific Ocean, writes the BBC.

She was taken from the ocean in 1970. But after a long dispute over who owns Lolita, officials from different parties announced a pact to return Lolita to her home waters.

"Lolita will receive appropriate care as the team works to make the move possible over the next 18 to 24 months, " the Miami Seaquarium said in a statement Thursday.

"I know that Lolita wants free waters. I don't care what anyone says. She has lived this long to have this opportunity. And my only mission is to help this whale get released, " said Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

He said the cost could reach "eight figures".

" We are here because we all care deeply about the health and well-being of this beautiful creature, and I am very happy to be here for this historic announcement to begin the process of returning her to her native waters," officials said .

The orca has not performed since last year, but remains in its tank, which is 24 miles long and 10 miles wide. It can live up to 90 years, weigh up to 11 tons and grow up to 9.7 m, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.