Dear friends, fellow activists for Tokitae / “Lolita”,
As an update in brief are excerpts from “A picture can say a thousand words.” Blog & Call to ACTION*
In response to the recently released USDA inspection report on Miami Seaquarium (from early June 2021), Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) posted a petition which states:
“The facility’s attending veterinarian told management about all of these problems and urged changes, but the vet was ignored by MSQ management and eventually terminated. Several of the problems at MSQ represent blatant and extreme infractions of the regulations governing care and handling of captive marine mammals. Yet MSQ still has its USDA license to operate and hold these animals.”
“From The Dolphin’s Point of View” blog in response, authored by one of the most respected experts on cetacean captivity Dr. Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist from Animal Welfare Institute, begins with: “It is, without equivocation, one of the worst inspection reports I have ever seen for a US marine mammal facility.”
Reading the USDA inspection report on Miami Seaquarium feels as gravely disturbing as a fictional horror story, but is sadly the reality of Tokitae/Lolita’s captivity since 1970.
• dilapidated tank surfaces with peeling or sloughing paint, exposing dolphins to hazardous materials, rusted surfaces leading to unsanitary conditions
• poor water filtration management leading to an increase in bacteria and algae in several tanks and pools, including parasites identified in at least one pool
• chemical levels causing irritation to skin, eyes, and lungs
• marine mammals were fed poor-quality fish which could result in illness and/or death
• reduction in food quantity, leading to possible malnutrition and dehydration
• insufficient shelter to protect the mammals from direct sunlight leading to apparent eye damage
• potentially placing incompatible animals together resulting in the injuries and/or deaths of cetaceans and pinnipeds
• inappropriate and potentially dangerous routines demanded of Lolita, the solitary orca held at the facility since 1970
We have so many privileges and choices; and Tokitae’s only choice has been to continue living as she has now over 51 years under conditions that I think no human could tolerate. Despite such tragedy, isolation, and poor treatment her inner strength and grace inspires me and thousands across the world. Let’s give our all for her long overdue return to her family and home waters.
* Please find in full with sources “A picture can say a thousand words.” Blog & Call to ACTION, from Peggy Oki, Origami Whales Project Founder & Director
https://www.facebook.com/OrigamiWhalesProject/photos/a.154422874662318/4342526695851894/
Promote the AWI and our petition through Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/OrigamiWhalesProject/photos/a.154422874662318/4290108531093711
Thank you
Peggy Oki (Origami Whale Project) https://www.facebook.com/OrigamiWhalesProject
Women of the World united against Taiji https://www.facebook.com/groups/women.against.Taiji