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Authorities announced Thursday plans to return Lolita, a killer whale kept at the Miami Aquarium for more than 50 years, to its home in the Pacific Northwest.March 9, 1995, during a performance at the Miami Aquarium in Miami. , trainer Marsha Hinton petting Lolita, an orca whale.
Nuri Balbona/AP
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Nuri Balbona/AP
Authorities announced Thursday plans to return Lolita, a killer whale kept at the Miami Aquarium for more than 50 years, to its home in the Pacific Northwest.March 9, 1995, during a performance at the Miami Aquarium in Miami. , trainer Marsha Hinton petting Lolita, an orca whale.
Nuri Balbona/AP
Almost 50 years after being captive and housed at the Miami Aquarium, Lolita the killer whale is finally able to return to the Pacific Ocean to spend the rest of her life.
At a press conference Thursday, the Miami Oceanarium announced plans to relocate the nearly 5,000-pound killer whale (originally called Tokitae or Toki) to its original home in Pacific Northwest waters.
And after years of mounting pressure from animal rights activists who have called for Lolita to be released from the Miami Aquarium, officials have announced plans for a “return process.” [Lolita] to her home waters. “
The press conference was hosted in part by Jim Irsay, philanthropist and owner of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, Florida non-profit Friends of Lolita.
“Today is a very special day,” Dolphin Company CEO Eduardo Arbol said at a press conference. “It’s amazing to see how much can be accomplished in a year when actions replace words.”
Seaquarium signed a contract with Friends of Lolita to move the killer whales and received financial support from Irsay.
“I’m thrilled to be part of Lolita’s journey,” said Irsay. [of] their power, their greatness, and their kindness. “
Irsay told reporters that Lolita’s relocation costs could be “a significant amount” as authorities have not disclosed specific budgets or numbers related to her move. , Lolita’s plan is to set up a net to create a marine sanctuary where she can receive constant care from her trainer.
“She has lived this long to have this opportunity. My only mission…is to help this whale break free,” said Irsay.
Lolita was captured on the Pacific coast near Seattle about 50 years ago when she was four years old. The killer whale, believed to be 57 years old, was finally able to retire from the exhibition last spring under an agreement with federal regulators.
She is currently the oldest orca in captivity.
Over the past decade, animal rights groups have demonstrated and filed lawsuits to improve conditions for Lolita in marine aquariums. Members of Seattle’s Lummi Nation have even threatened to file a lawsuit seeking her release.
NPR’s Ali Daniel contributed to this report.
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