Lolita's Story

(From Orca Network)

In 1970 a capture team using speedboats and airplanes and lobbing explosives forced a group of escaping female and young Southern Resident orcas into a narrow inlet called Penn Cove. The other members of the community soon followed, where they were all corralled. 

The young ones were shipped to marine parks around the world. One, first called Tokitae, was delivered to the Miami Seaquarium. She was given a new name, "Lolita," and against all odds she has survived these many years in a tiny tank that is illegal by the letter of the Animal Welfare Act.  Lolita's longevity in a tank is extraordinary even by orca standards. All the other 44 captive Southern Resident orcas were dead by 1987. Studies have shown that orcas in captivity live far less than half their normal lifespan.

Working with others around the globe, we've made a lot of progress toward convincing people that it is simply wrong to confine large, family-bonded, long-lived and far-ranging whales to bathtub-sized tanks. Captures have effectively ended worldwide. 

The deeper problem all along has been to convince people that orcas are capable of returning to their home habitat if provided with companionship and care. It may also be possible to return them to their families. Orcas are much stronger and far more adaptable and capable than is generally understood. Their strength is partly due to their cultural traditions and family bonds, and the durability of those memories. By returning Lolita to her family she could regain the strength that comes from rebuilding those lifelong family bonds.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP!

September 14th will be the 39th anniversary of the day Lolita began her imprisonment at the Miami Seaquarium. Even at only two shows per day, she has performed for an audience 14,235 times. That's almost twice as many times as Cats played on Broadway! It's time for Lolita to retire!!!

September 13th has been designated as a day for marine mammal supporters everywhere to add their voices in protesting Lolita's lengthy captivity.

Please add your name to send an email to Carolina Perrina, the Public Relations Manager of the Miami Seaquarium.

Also, you can call the Miami Seaquarium at (305) 361-5705. Just keep trying until you get through!

At any time, you can leave a comment in the park's mailbox by clicking HERE