Lolita Update #93
More Lolita News
April 18, 2008

Dear Friends of Lolita~

Lolita's story on Seattle TV
Friday, April 18, 7:30pm

There will be a story about the capture of Lolita tonight, Friday at 7:30pm on KCTS Channel 9. It was filmed at the Captain Whidbey Inn, the scene of her capture, and includes some of the witnesses of the capture in Coupeville. It is the first story in the show so at 7:30 sharp. It airs again on Sunday morning at 10:30am.

Hosted by Enrique Cerna, here's the synopsis of the show:

Saving Lolita - Captured in the waters of Puget Sound, Lolita has spent the last 37 years performing at the Seaquarium in Miami. Now 40, Lolita is already well beyond the age at which most captive orcas die. One Whidbey Island man has been working for Lolita's release for more than a decade says time is running out. And he's getting support from some major Hollywood heavy hitters, including Harrison Ford, Johnny Depp and others who want to see Lolita swim free once more. But is this killer whale worth saving? And after four decades in captivity, is she even equipped to survive?

The answer to those two questions are Yes!, and Yes! For background, please have a look at:

DRAFT PROPOSAL FOR RETIRING THE ORCA KNOWN AS LOLITA TO HER NATIVE HABITAT IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

and

Letter to supporters of Lolita's retirement

Lolita is still amazingly healthy. Photo by Peter Pijpelink.
Lolita was also featured on MSNBC in Celebrities rally to free killer whale, which is based on a story in Grist, Hollywood Heavies, which includes some comments I wrote, and there's a new blog about Lolita, at Official Lolita The Whale Blog.

So much effort and activity, so much attention to Lolita, all of it raising important questions about her sad situation. Most of this coverage makes the statement that she deserves to return to her home, but seldom are the central points clearly stated that 1) she is fully competent to survive and thrive back in her native habitat, and 2) that there is no real risk involved in any phase of the proposal to retire her. These points need to be made because the park industry continually repeats the claims that she would not survive the transport or would be harmed by the waters she was raised in.

We will of course spread the news far and wide just as soon as there are definite steps made to start planning for her return to her home and family.

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Responses or inquiries are welcome. Please contact Orca Network.

Much is going on to help bring Lolita home and to inform and advocate for her and her family Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to help Orca Network continue this work. Thank you!