After spending 52 years in captivity, Lolita, the killer whale also known as Tokitae or Toki, may have the opportunity to return to the ocean and potentially reunite with her aging mother. Activists have been working tirelessly for decades to secure the release of Lolita, who was taken from the wild and transported to the Miami Seaquarium in 1970.
Throughout her captivity, Lolita has resided and performed in what is considered to be the smallest tank for captive killer whales in North America. Despite the challenges she has faced, the 56-year-old orca has remained remarkably resilient. Lolita has outlived her tank-mate Hugo, who tragically passed away in 1980 due to a brain aneurysm caused by repeatedly hitting his head against his enclosure.
Lolita’s health has fluctuated over the years, but experts describe her as being in surprisingly good shape, defying the odds of captivity. Howard Garrett, a whale researcher and activist with Orca Network, has been advocating for Lolita’s release since 1995. He believes her mental well-being has played a crucial role in maintaining her physical health.
In a recent report from the USDA, the care provided by the Miami Seaquarium to Lolita was criticized. It was revealed that she was being fed less than the recommended amount and was not receiving enough water. Concerns were also raised about the incorporation of demanding training sessions and shows, potentially causing over-exertion and injury to the aging whale.
The combination of the USDA report’s findings and the willingness of the facility’s new owners to consider releasing Lolita has sparked hope among activists. They are optimistic about her eventual return to the open waters. While there are risks involved in reintroducing Lolita to her former habitat, there is a chance for her to be reunited with her mother, a 93-year-old whale known as L25 or “Ocean Sun.” Reportedly, Lolita’s mother still roams the waters of the Salish Sea near the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound, leading a pod of southern resident killer whales.
The potential for Lolita to be released and reconnect with her mother represents a significant step towards acknowledging the importance of freedom and natural habitats for these magnificent creatures. However, careful considerations and planning must be undertaken to ensure the well-being and successful transition of Lolita if and when the release takes place.
