The National Marine Fisheries Service has finally granted Lolita—the lonely orca who’s being confined to a cramped tank at the Miami Seaquarium—the protections that she’s entitled to under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Aerial photography shows Lolita in her cramped tank.
The new rule—which becomes effective in about 90 days—now includes Lolita in the endangered listing. So, what does this mean for her?
Now that Lolita has been given additional protection from “harm and harassment,” PETA, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, Orca Network, and two concerned individuals have announced their intent to sue the Miami Seaquarium on behalf of Lolita and are seeking her freedom from the facility!
A protected coastal sea pen off Washington’s San Juan Islands would allow her greater freedom of movement and the opportunity to see and communicate with the orca believed to be her mother and the rest of her long-lost family members, who still spend much of their time in the area.
How You Can Help
Remember: Every aquarium ticket purchased directly contributes to captive animals’ misery. Never go to any theme park that uses animals—and urge your friends and family members to stay away, too.
Tell Palace Entertainment (Miami Seaquarium’s buyer) to give Lolita her freedom and immediately release her to a coastal sanctuary that can provide her with a more natural environment.
