http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/t...orca-whale-forced-live-35-foot-wide-tank.html The video in this article came up on my facebook feed a couple of days ago and I just did a quick google search to try and find it again. It was taken from a drone flying over the park and shows just how small Lolita's tank is. There are large groups of people on both sides of this argument but I've not heard or read any convincing arguments for the pro-captivity party. They all seem set on rebutting any arguments for her release or relocation but have no suggestions for improving her quality of life.
The sad reality of the pro-wild factions / animal welfarist community remains that they are hell bent on achieving an unrealistic goal - releasing a whale maintained in captivity for a considerable period of time with no real prospect of being able to survive on her own in the wild - without ever looking at or supporting improving her animal welfare situation in captivity. Once more, I feel this tunnelvision / fundamentalist view borders on the criminal. Reciprocal alas surely equal to it appears the facility / local administration being set on rebutting this with no improvement in captive exhibit and care situation. Both positions are untenable in my humble view ...
I found this story about Lolita, and why it is not such a good idea to release her back in to the wild. Good intentions for Lolita may kill her | The Miami Herald The Miami Herald
Unfortunately those wishing to "Free" Lolita/Tokitae never seem to be aware that there are multiple reasons that she isn't a candidate for release. Either that or they claim that every bit of evidence that indicates she isn't a candidate is made up by someone who's just in it for the money. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. That said I'm so glad Mark Simmons is speaking out on this matter.
The NMFS has chosen to include Lolita in the Endangered Species designation, however they have also said that this will not affect her status at the Seaquarium, and the Seaquarium says they have no plans to give her up. I sincerely hope she stays. Any kind of release effort would be a death sentence for her I believe. Killer whale at Miami Seaquarium to receive endangered status | News - Home I found out about this last night but I try to wait at least half a day before posting about news that really upsets me.
A lawsuit that was dismissed last year is having its dismissal appealed. The lawsuit claims that the facility's license renewals have been "rubber stamped." Unsurprisingly the lawsuit regards Toki. Appeals court hears arguments over license for orca 'Lolita' : News
Yes, the facility for "Lolita"is small...but the whale is in remarkably good health - just look at her dorsal fin,its one of the few Ive seen remain erect in captivity..of course so many people "know" what is good for animals on the basis of perceptions of their own lives - these include huge amounts of room (like the park they go to,but not the flat they live in) and a "friend"/"husband"/"wife",and ,probably, a holiday.Sadly these people are able to waste huge amounts of time and money pursuing these notions of behalf of creatures they don't really understand..its the downside of democratic opinion.
Trainers will not longer be preforming waterwork with Lolita. This is due more to osha than Toki's behavior. Frankly I am disappointing as I understand that waterwork is something that she enjoys immensely. Miami Seaquarium trainers won’t perform in water with killer whale | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune
This makes me both incredibly sad and irritated. Water works were seemingly the main source of stimulation she had in such a bleak setting. Tragic.
Another court has thrown out a lawsuit related to Lolita. It feels like 80% of the news about Miami Seaquarium is about some kind of lawsuit these days. In happier news former cancer patients recently had a day out at the Seaquarium. Photo Gallery: National Cancer Survivors Day at Miami Seaquarium | June 7, 2015 | Miami Herald Miami Herald
There is a new orphan Baby Manatee at the aquarium; the public has been invited to help name her. Baby Manatee Introduced at Miami Seaquarium
Two Sea Lions who were involved in the recent unusual mortality event have been relocated to the Seaquarium: Rescued Sea Lions Find Home At Miami Seaquarium CBS Miami Also, a Manatee has been returned to the wild following rehabilitation. She was previously trapped in a drain pipe: Rescued manatee returns to wild | Ocala.com
According to one of my sources yes from Li'i and Ohana, on July 18 of 2015. It is a male. It kills me to put up a link that will eventually be out of date. Cetacean Cousins: Miami Seaquarium
Unfortunately, that is inbreeding if my memory serves correct that Li'i is Ohana's sire. Hopefully not intentional.
Two pieces of news. First, the annual free pass promotion has returned. Florida residents can buy a one day admission get a free pass good for the rest of the year: Free annual pass promotion returns to Miami Seaquarium Sully the Manatee has returned to the wild following rehabilitation. He was previously cold stressed: Miami Seaquarium's rescued manatee released - WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miami Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco
African Penguins have arrived at MSQ: African Penguins Move To Miami Seaquarium -- MIAMI, Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
