It's been nearly four decades since Lolita the killer whale was snatched from her family in the waters of Puget Sound. Now activists want to bring her home.
Comment: The only way to create awareness is to have a way for people to related to the animal- going to the seaquarium gives people that...
Comment: I feel she should be released. lolita has a much better chance, as said in the letter above, at leaset they know who her family is. i feel if all goes well with her family then she will stay away from humans.
hertz has the money to build a new tank hes just to stuck up and wonte spend the money on her.
i want to help with her freedom i just dont know were to go to help. anyone know???????
Comment: My feelings about Lolitta are complex and mixed. Since I grew up living on Miami Beach, i have wonderful memories of going to seeing Lolita and falling in love with her. At my most recent visit to Miami Seaquarum about 5 years ago, it was obvious that it could not compare too the better conditions of a larger operation like Sea World. I have no doubt she is well cared for but in need of a larger pool. But setting her free may not be the answer either. Given the reason in the article. (ie, hunting, length of travel, keeping up with pod, use to people) Why dont they raise funds for a better pool
Comment: She needs to be set free it is wrong what they have done and makes me very angry and up set to see her like that. She is a wild animal and therefore should be released or put into a pen like keiko at least to give her the taste of freedom she deserves.
Why cant she be put into the tank keiko was put into, the big one they built for him to help build his strength up? thats another option if being released isnt approved.......don't you think?......
Comment: i think the people should set her free her best friend killed him self hundreds of orcas died while they were being captured triing to help oneanother HER CAGE IS 18 FEET DEEP AND SHE IS 22FT LONG she only lives with a couple of dolphins and when she is retired her owner will probaly sell her for money and then they will kill her and they promised a bigger tank but i dont see eany thing PLEASE SET LILITA FREE hang in there Lolita
hang in there Lolita
Comment: I think it is obvious as to what is right in this particular case and that is to release that poor orca back to home and her family. Yes it has been a long time for her and she is going to have a tough road ahead, but if Lolita could talk I bet allshe would say is, "I want to go home!" When I first heard of the Free Lolita Campaigne and about the the circumstances surrounding her capture I cried; to think that people could do this to these magnificent creatures and never look back is horrible beyond belief to me. The spokes people for the marine parks say that it would wrong to release and subject her to unhealthy situaltion, but if you ask me isn't that what they have already done? If these people really care about the health and well being of this orca then why didn't Lolita have a bigger tank a long time ago? Orcas in captivity don't live as long as orcas in the wild and there is a reason for that and aside for all the scientific health reasons, I believe simply that
they die of a broken heart. I look forward to playing a part and doing all that I can do to hopefully one day be a part of Lolita's healthy and safe return to her family!
Comment: Comment:
Mr. Hertz you are the most "GREEDY" person that exists, "LOLITA" has generated over 100 million for your pocket do the right thing let the poor whale go , the whale will die will never grow and it is better to die in the ocean to die in that smelly tank.....be the Hero do something good for the animal !!!!
Comment:
Mr. Hertz you are the most "GREEDY" person that exists, "LOLITA" has generated over 100 million for your pocket do the right thing let the poor whale go , the whale will die will never grow and it is better to die in the ocean to die in that smelly tank.....be the Hero do something go
Comment: Lolita you are very close to be home just hang !
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Comment: Lolita is an Orca Whale surviving at the Miami Seaquarium. She lives in the smallest and oldest tank built for killer whales and she has been there for nearly 40 years, the past 25 years she has been alone. Her previous mate killed himself 25 years ago, by thrashing his head against the wall of their tiny tank. Lolita is a 20 foot long Orca whale living in an 18 foot deep tank, imagine living inside a bathtub all your life. She has no protection from the hot Miami sun, and other than two performances a day, no exercise. Lolita often spends time in between shows expressing signs of boredom and depression. This petition aims to bring Lolita to a better, more suitable home.
Comment: Lolita is an Orca Whale surviving at the Miami Seaquarium. She lives in the smallest and oldest tank built for killer whales and she has been there for nearly 40 years, the past 25 years she has been alone. Her previous mate killed himself 25 years ago, by thrashing his head against the wall of their tiny tank. Lolita is a 20 foot long Orca whale living in an 18 foot deep tank, imagine living inside a bathtub all your life. She has no protection from the hot Miami sun, and other than two performances a day, no exercise. Lolita often spends time in between shows expressing signs of boredom and depression. This petition aims to bring Lolita to a better, more suitable home.
Comment: Lolita is an Orca Whale surviving at the Miami Seaquarium. She lives in the smallest and oldest tank built for killer whales and she has been there for nearly 40 years, the past 25 years she has been alone. Her previous mate killed himself 25 years ago, by thrashing his head against the wall of their tiny tank. Lolita is a 20 foot long Orca whale living in an 18 foot deep tank, imagine living inside a bathtub all your life. She has no protection from the hot Miami sun, and other than two performances a day, no exercise. Lolita often spends time in between shows expressing signs of boredom and depression. This petition aims to bring Lolita to a better, more suitable home.
Comment: I should note that the information below on pilot whale releases was included in a list of all known cetacean releases compiled in 1995 by Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research. Balcomb is the primary biologist studying the Southern Resident orca community, which is Lolita's extended family.
The list can be found at http://www.rockisland.com/~orcasurv/releases.htm.
Comment: Orky, you may have a point about Bubbles. Pilot whales are much like orcas in their lifelong matrilineal family bonds and group-specific vocalizations. I don't know if Bubbles is in good health like Lolita, or if the location of her capture is known, as Lolita's is. If so I'd recommend you start a campaign to do just that, and I'll support you.
Following rehabilitation from stranding events, pilot whales (Globicephala melaena) have been reintroduced to the ocean environment on numerous occasions throughout the world (Robson, 1984 lists six successful pod rescues around Australia and New Zealand). Rarely has there been any followup. Below are a couple of examples where there has been followup, and we would would appreciate learning of any others.
1991. Two pilot whales were rehabilitated by the Miami Seaquarium from a stranding which occurred on the Florida coast in 1991. They were satellite tagged by Dr. Bruce Mate and released in the vicinity where they had stranded. These two whales were resighted off the coast of Florida in February 1994 by the US Coast Guard, and their tag harnesses were still attached, although the batteries had died.
1987. Three pilot whales were rehabilitated at the New England Aquarium in Boston, MA from a stranding which occurred on Cape Cod in December, 1986. They were released at sea off Cape Cod on June 29, 1987. One whale was fitted with a Telonics-built Argos transmitter (satellite tag), and one was fitted with a conventional radio tag. "The satellite-monitored whale was tracked by Argos for 95 days, as the whale swam at least 7,600 kilometers. Just three weeks after tagging, this Argos-equipped whale was spotted in a group of more than 100 pilot whales, suggesting that its movements and dive patterns were typical of normal pilot whales." (Mate, 1989). Three whales; Captive 6 months; followup successful.
In 1967, after almost eight years of captivity at Marineland of the Pacific, a twenty year old pilot whale named Bimbo was successfully reintroduced to the wild. Captured in 1960 at a length of 17' 6", he performed well for about three years. When his female pilot whale and dolphin companions died, Bimbo's behavior changed drastically. "One day he would be as friendly as ever, the next in a wildly agitated state or apathetic and apparently depressed" (Valentry, 1969). It was decided to keep him as an attraction whether or not he performed. After four years of treatment including antidepressant drugs and tranquilizers, Bimbo smashed into a window, flooding spectators. He was released in August, 1967 at a length of 20' 6", "...after much planning and weeks of isolation in a tank for physical tests to make sure he was fit for fending on his own at sea" (op. cit.). He was resighted in 1969 near Santa Barbara, CA by a U.S. Navy collector, and again in 1974 near San Clemente identified from photographs by L Cornell and J. Prescott (pers. comm., John Prescott.) Captive 7.5 year
Comment: Mister Garrett,
Since Doctor Mukhametov doesn't have the guts to answer my question...how about you?
Why do you have no interest wanting to free Bubbles the Pilot Whale from Sea World in San Diego? She has been in captivity longer than Lolita. What makes Lolita any more special than Bubbles? It sure looks good in the public eye to free an attractive looking animal like a killer whale and not waste effort with a pilot whale that's not attractive looking. That shows how shallow you activist are. Why is there no Free Bubbles Group? Why isn't the Hollywood communitiy rallying to free Bubbles?
Can you answer me please?
Orky
Comment: to Mr. Arthur Hertzt, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: to Mr. Arthur Hertzt, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: Orky, Mr. Hertz business has nothing to do with the humanity of giving Lolita a larger tank. Lolita is healthy...no one disputes her good health, due entirely to the Seaquarium management and Lolita's human companions - pod, if you will.
I'm sure he has tried in the past to increase her tank size... and if permits are hung up in red tape, who is the person responsible for eliminating the red tape problem? We can all write to her/him.
If Lolita gets a larger tank, will she grow faster to fit into it?
Does anyone know how she compares in sized to other Orcas her age?
Thank you.
Comment: It should be noted that the Seaquarium will not build a new tank for Lolita because they know she will be gone soon, one way or another, and they will not be able to find a new performing orca, so the management has made the business decision to avoid the expense of a new whale tank. Red tape is not the issue.
Comment: Since there seems to be no updates here...I guess I will have the last word. I do want to address this to Andrew Hertz.
Mister Hertz,
You really do need to build a bigger facility for Lolita. With more room, and where she can be displayed properly. Is the issue with building permits with the Miami City Council? I know that they can stand in the way of trying improve your business.
Also the issue of getting Lolita another orca companion. Sea World just recently sent 4 young orcas to a new marine park in the Canary Islands: Loro Parque Park. If Sea World can send 4 extra orcas to another facility, there are companions available for Lolita.
What most people don't realize is the Miami Seaquarium is one of only four aquariums that have Pacific White Sided Dolphins. The only other places are Vancouver Aquarium, Sea World - San Antonio, and the Shedd Aquarium - Chicago....that is what makes the Seaquarium unique. I think this would be a another incentive to build a bigger facility for Lolita and the Pacific White Sided Dolphins.
The only way you are ever going to get these people off your back Mister Hertz...is to build Lolita a state of the art bigger tank.
Orky
Comment: Doctor Mukhametov you seem to hold the Hollywood community in such high esteem. Let me tell you this: I work for one of the major movie studios here and there is nothing but animosity within Hollywood. With the writers on strike, a lot of people got laid off from their jobs. The technicians, cameramen, grips, support people like me are struggling to survive. Not to mention all the outside services, restaurants, stores that depend on Studio business for income also. The Stars are still living well, and telling everyone else how to live their lifes while we are still trying to feed our families. Don't think for a moment that we who work in the entertainment industry hold the Stars in high esteem.
Also Doctor Mukhametov: While do you have no interest wanting to free Bubbles the Pilot Whale from Sea World in San Diego? She has been in captivity longer than Lolita. Can you answer that question for me? Is it because you can't make a name for your self in wanting to free Bubbles? Or get the Hollywood, and activist community interested also? It shows how much you activists are hypocrites when it comes to causes. It sure looks good in the public eye to free an attractive looking animal like a killer whale and not waste effort with a pilot whale that's not attractive looking.
You activists are all cowards and don't have the guts to address my question. You failed trying to get Corky out of Sea World, and will fail trying to get Lolita from the Miami Seaquarium.
Comment: Doctor Mukhametov you seem to hold the Hollywood community in such high esteem. Let me tell you this: I work for one of the major movie studios here and there is nothing but animosity within Hollywood. With the writers on strike, a lot of people got laid off from their jobs. The technicians, cameramen, grips, support people like me are struggling to survive. Not to mention all the outside services, restaurants, stores that depend on Studio business for income also. The Stars are still living well, and telling everyone else how to live their lifes while we are still trying to feed our families. Don't think for a moment that we who work in the entertainment industry hold the Stars in high esteem.
Also Doctor Mukhametov: While do you have no interest wanting to free Bubbles the Pilot Whale from Sea World in San Diego? She has been in captivity longer than Lolita. Can you answer that question for me? Is it because you can't make a name for your self in wanting to free Bubbles? Or get the Hollywood, and activist community interested also? It shows how much you activists are hypocrites when it comes to causes. It sure looks good in the public eye to free an attractive looking animal like a killer whale and not waste effort with a pilot whale that's not attractive looking.
You activists are all cowards and don't have the guts to address my question. You failed trying to get Corky out of Sea World, and will fail trying to get Lolita from the Miami Seaquarium.
Comment: The Orca Network has long been on the right track in trying to bring Lolita back. That goal looks more achievable than ever with Hollywood star power behind it. Already signed on as interested in helping are Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and 50 Cent, among others. They???re capable of making the plight of Lolita a national story and raising whatever money it takes to bring her home.
Scientific minds are already planning how best to reintroduce Lolita to her home waters. It will be done slowly, meticulously, and under expert supervision. It???s certainly worth the effort. It will be a great day on Whidbey Island when Lolita comes home. We never thought we???d be saying this, but good luck, 50 Cent!
Comment: Bringing Lolita back to the polluted waters of Puget Sound isn't an issue. Keeping her alive in the polluted waters is the issue. You will have destroyed the 38 years of good health she has enjoyed as well as the human relationships she has formed. But, you, Dr. M...don't seem to mind. After all the Hollywood folks are on the right track and you support them. Golly gee...they no doubt feel they're doing a good thing for a whale...romancing the grim realities of her life in the waters where she was born. after destroying her 38 year lifestyle and breaking her bond to humans and warm water...is the problem. None of you folks (experts) mention keeping her alive, only turning her loose, giving her 'freedom' to die in Puget Sound.
YOU know the odds of her survival are slim or you would be sure enough to take my $10,000. bet payable to Harrison Medical Center. Pulmonary Department, if she dies within a year after leaving Florida.
.Lolita should not die in vain...her death should mean something worthwhile ..just as she has been living the past 38 years interacting with humans and re bonding, forming her human 'pod'...
COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S., 5th in the world Let her death benefit others, if she is moved and dies within a year.
My offer is good until midnight of 14 February 2008. The Kitsap Sun could hold the money for safekeeping, if they would be so kind....or Newsweek, if the KS is unable.
Comment: The Orca Network has long been on the right track in trying to bring Lolita back. That goal looks more achievable than ever with Hollywood star power behind it. Already signed on as interested in helping are Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and 50 Cent, among others. They???re capable of making the plight of Lolita a national story and raising whatever money it takes to bring her home.
Scientific minds are already planning how best to reintroduce Lolita to her home waters. It will be done slowly, meticulously, and under expert supervision. It???s certainly worth the effort. It will be a great day on Whidbey Island when Lolita comes home. We never thought we???d be saying this, but good luck, 50 Cent!
Comment: Like the Orcas, this issue is black and white. Humans took Lolita against her will from her home and family,
humans need to return her to her home and family. We are all going to die, wouldn't it be better to die in your home with your family than in a too small, sub standard tank? Lolita was captured in Penn cove, is anyone aware that none of the Puget Sound Orcas will go near that location? Transient Orcas swim by it but not the local Orcas.
Sure, the way humans are going the oceans and most likely the rest of the planet will no longer be able to support life years down the road, but we are speaking of just one Orca, that is what the article
is about. Shame on this aquarium for not making Lolita's life a bit better, filleted fish? They couldn't spend a few bucks and get her some live salmon to catch on her own?
Comment: The Orca Network has long been on the right track in trying to bring Lolita back. That goal looks more achievable than ever with Hollywood star power behind it. Already signed on as interested in helping are Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and 50 Cent, among others. They???re capable of making the plight of Lolita a national story and raising whatever money it takes to bring her home.
Scientific minds are already planning how best to reintroduce Lolita to her home waters. It will be done slowly, meticulously, and under expert supervision. It???s certainly worth the effort. It will be a great day on Whidbey Island when Lolita comes home. We never thought we???d be saying this, but good luck, 50 Cent!
BY ERIC HERTZ
Comment: Comment: Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hertzt, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: Its amazing how everyone gets so worked up here. Yet everyone is missing the point:
Jacques Cousteau said it himself: There's no point in saving the whales...if they don't have an ocean to live in. Whale Biologist Roger Payne also brings up another point: When you get rid of zoos and aquariums...you condem an animal into extinction.
In the Seattle Times they quote it would take 50 million dollars to save the current pods of orcas that reside there. Are going to waste another 20 million dollars like they did for Keiko to try to release Lolita? Not cost effective in my opinion.
I am going to keep asking this question until I get an answer: Why don't you animal rights activist rally to free Bubbles the Pilot Whale at Sea World in San Diego. Why is Lolita any more special then Bubbles?
Orky
Comment: In reference to Dr. Richard Trickle's comment below:
Again we have someone who hyprocritically scolds or demeans someone else. You are mocking AnnieCycle2 by saying "You are speaking for.... the Whale??? " and then you yourself presumptuously and arrogantly say "If given the choice, I'm sure the Orca choose to return to its normal habitat rather than remain in a tank 80' in width and 20' in depth." Really? And what makes your judgement right over hers? How much more of a hypocrite can you be? You wanna make her feel bad for speaking on the whale's behalf, when you do so yourself and then claim people are presumptuous and arrogant for doing so? You are basically mocking yourself!
The truth to the matter is that we have no way of knowing what the whale wants and we have no business claiming to do so. You think because of how you feel and think that assumably so shall the whale. You think that your opinion and judgement are the right ones, although you have no way of actually being able to know or prove so. Meanwhle disclaiming and degrading all others.
As a Doctor, you assumably at some point in your studies took Biology, and probably dissected an animal or two. Those animals sacrificed thier lives so that you could learn and broaden your knowledge. Shouldn't they too have been free? What about the goldfish in the tiny glass bowls...aren't their small little "tanks" inhumane too? How about all of your pets? Just because humans have domesticated these animals over a long period of time...they too were once a species that roamed free and possibly even considered humans as predators or competition for food. Shouldn't they too remain free?
Is it the size or the intelligence of the animal that gives you the feeling of connection so that you "think" you know exactly how she feels? I don't hear much argument for rats or snakes. If you are relying on intelligence and brain size, then how about squid or octupus? What about keeping them in tiny tanks in aquariums? Where is the argument for them?
It is quite ridiculous the ignorance and arrogance people are portraying when they want to place judgement on and for others. Try placing judgement on only yourselves and see where that road takes you.
Comment: Lolita should be allowed to return to her waters and her family. Sure Puget Sound is polluted, but the Orcas do not have to stay in the Puget Sound. Last summer they were seen less frequently than years before.
The Orcas at least have the choice to leave the area if they so choose. Right now members of L pod were spotted off Monteray, CA. Please don't use the quality of Puget Sound as an issue. Lolita deserves to be reunited with her family. If any Orca would be able to survive, it would be Lolita, she at least deserves the chance.
Comment: i am all for setting lolita free, but after so many years in captivity, is she equipped to survive in the ocean. Can she catch prey? She deserves to be free, but will that put her in peril?
Comment: I believe that lolita should be free, but is she equipped to handle the ocean? for example, Will she be able to hunt prey? She deserves to be free, but after so long in captivity, will she be able to look after herself?
Comment: Part 2: Dr.Mukhametov . . . ??? . . . conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family . . . ???
Whales are smarter than you give them credit. ???...hope of freedom and reconnection . . . ??? has kept her alive is nonsense. She has reformed her ???pod??? and environment, accepted her situation . . . nothing else would have kept her not only alive, but healthy and happy . . . a quality life. It IS her life now. To rip her from her life again, toss her into the now unhealthy waters of the cold Puget Sound to live with her unhealthy whale pod stretches the bounds of reality to imagine Lolita will remain healthy and survive. Her old environment is UNHEALTHY.
???...My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue....???
Is a comment below your stature, sir. The ???Hollywood community??? are actors...they support this from the goodness of their hearts, not knowledge of whales under these exact circumstances.
How about working to clean up Puget Sound, make it a healthy environment for our sea creatures?
Work/petition to the Florida aquarium to enlarge Lolita???s pen to give her more freedom of movement?
The only condition that should matter is Lolita...not keeping someone from making money on her...Lolita???s welfare only.
THEN, when the conditions are healthy and right move her home, giving her the optimal chance of survival..
Comment: Part 1:SpunkyPup . . . Lolita???s Florida tank is cooled to only 65 degrees according to Howard Garrett, Orca Network. ???...her tank is reportedly cooled to 65 degrees . . . ???
Puget Sound 40 degree water temperature would be a nasty shock to her system. How could you think otherwise?
Thirty-eight years ago, they stole Lolita from Puget Sound waters and robbed of living with her Orca family pod when she and 45 other whales were rounded up and sold to aquariums around the country. Of the 45 whales, she is the ONLY one still alive. If she were unhappy, she could not have survived 38 years in Florida.
Thirty-eight years ago Puget Sound waters were not polluted. The sea ???critters??? evolved around their gradually increased polluted waters. Lolita would have no such slow introduction to pollution. They would shift her from clean, healthy water to the polluted Puget Sound waters.
You equate people of slavery to Lolita???s situation, and I agree to the point that the freedom robbers of people and the whales share the same arrogant, ugly mentality.
The Harriet Tubman???s of the world helped bring an end to people slavery, but whales have a different situation. New business hounds the Orcas still surviving in Puget Sound, the loud whale watchers boat motors are - as someone else pointed out here, ???loving them to death . . . ???
The whales overall, Orcas in particular, form tight family pod bonds, apparently never broken no matter how many years pass.
It seems to me then that unless Lolita felt attached to another form of ???pod??? she could not have lived these 38 years as she has.
She may remember her whale pod, but that is not the issue. Thirty-eight years have passed and she has formed a new life, formed other attachments - she is a proven survivor.
In Puget Sound, those 38 years have polluted the waters and creatures. The Orcas are fighting for their lives . . . living in unfit waters AND hounded by money making whale watching boat businesses . . . both conditions created by humans.
.It is not right that we have allowed misguided do-gooders to - again - turn Lolita???s life upside down . . . trade her healthy and happy existence for ill health and early, miserable death. Haven???t we humans done enough damage to our wild creatures and environment?
When do we say ENOUGH and stop interfering with nature? How about starting now, with Lolita?
Comment: In response to AnnieCycle2 @ 01/27/2008 2:48:26 PM:
"Puget Sound's polluted waters and 40 degree temperatures? "
What temperature do you think Lolita's tank is? Orcas need cold water. And to respond to the whole pollution argument, so, do you think that because humans polluted the oceans that we should take all the criters out and put them in tanks? With Orcas, the number one problem with living in polluted water would be the fish that that they eat. The fish they feed Lolita are wild caught so there's really no getting around that one.
"successfully formed attachments to her human trainers"
That's a pretty bold statment. Assuming that she would rather remain in captivity because she has "trainer friends". Let's time travel back to the days when in America, people of color had "trainers". Sure, some of the "trainers" were nice to their slaves and had friendly relationships but, I guarantee if given the opportunity, they would not want to live under the conditions of their "trainer".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Andrew Hertz
Enjoy driving your yellow Hummer while you can. Once Lolita is gone, daddy won't be able fill your gas tank up anymore.
Comment: Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hertzt, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: Why would any group claim to love whales yet insist on subjecting a healthy whale who has lived in Florida 38 years and successfully formed attachments to her human trainers back to Puget Sound's polluted waters and 40 degree temperatures?
As noted below, what is left of Lolita's pod and others are among the world's most highly toxic marine mammals'.
Leave her alone, people...respect her right to continue an involved, healthy life...what she won't have in her home waters of Puget Sound.
********************
"...An estimated three-quarters of the sound's salt-marsh tidal habitat has been lost since the region was settled in the 1800s. Across the sound, 10 wildlife species are listed as threatened or endangered, including three salmon species.
The sound's famous orcas, or killer whales, swim at the top of the food chain and are among the world's most highly toxic marine mammals because their fat stores so much pollution.
The three pods that roam the sound, delighting tourists on excursion boats, have declined to 82 from 97 since the late 1990s. A female orca's first calf usually dies from the poison dose it gets through its mother's milk...."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-05-10-puget-sound_x.htm
********************************
Comment: "[S]uccessfully formed attachments to her human trainers"???? You are speaking for.... the Whale??? The Orca needs to returned to the waters off the Washington Coast. This is a relatively clean area still. While there is evidence of pollution, it is not justification for maintaining an injustice against this animal. Humans are such a presumptuous and arrogant species. If given the choice, I'm sure the Orca choose to return to its normal habitat rather than remain in a tank 80' in width and 20' in depth.
Comment: Continued from below:
Had to leave for a minute...
My problem is that people who claim themselves animal rights' activists are usually hypocritically doing so. In regard to those people who believe animals have no business being in labs or in captivity, they aren't so easy to give up the luxuries in their lives or are naively thinking they are. For example...shampoo, soap, toothepaste, ointments and medications are ALL at some stage in their making tested on animals. The only way companies can claim they do not test on animals is by purchasing a product after it has already been tested and putting their label on it. It is a Federal Law that all products that are to be put on the market for public use must be tested on animals to be deemed safe. Otherwise people would be going around sacrificing there skin, hair, teeth, etc on products There is a whole process that involves the making and testing of products for human use. Most people don't even have minimal knowledge about it. Things are changing. The future is now holding a possiblity of testing on living cells cultivated in petri dishes, which is still at some point derived from live animals.
I truly believe that people fighting for the rights of animals have the right intentions but sometimes they are ignorantly and righteously doing so. It frustrates me that people feel the need to think and feel on behalf of these animals without really taking into consideration the magnitude of their responsiblity to do so.
Lastly flpantherlady7, I'd like to educate you on the difference between fact and opinion. Fact is reality where opinion is judgement.
In regard to stating that the website www.miamiseaprison.com is all " facts, nothing but facts" shows your blissful ignorance and naive way of thinking. The following statement, among many others, are simply opinion based...and I might add making a mock of the animals they claim to be so strongly figthing for.
"Watch these beautiful animals make complete fools of themselves under the hot Florida sun"-www.miamiseaprison.com
That is tragic way of depicting support and concern for those animals....in my opinion....yes I clarified...OPINION.
Comment: Regardless if you read this or not flpantherlady, you still need to be corrected...I won't even go into the serious grammar or mispellings of your comments, the majority of which aren't making much sense.
Again you are using your narrow-minded views and thoughts to try and make statements that presume how right you are.
First and foremost if you paid actual attention to anything I stated then you will recall my first statement in my original comment stating that I do not agree with taking animals out of the wild to use for entertainment purposes.
Next, again feeling as though you are the only one in the world that deserves to have an opinion or at least indicate that your's is the only right opinion, this discussion is all about people's opinions and presumably those that are "for" and "against." Therefore making a statement claiming that someone who is a "fan" of aquariums doesn't have a place in this discussion really embellishes your narrow mind. Oh, and i never made any claim whether I was for or against aquariums but just so you know....I am all for giving a home to animals that cannot survive on their own in the wild and taking that opportunity to educate the public in a way that teaches conservation and knowledge of animals and their evnironment. Whether it be a zoo, aquarium, sanctuary, etc.
Comment: There is no stage of Lolita's proposed retirement to her home waters that presents any risk to her health or safety. Dr. Pete Schroeder was misquoted in this article. He tells me: "I pointed out in great detail that the actual transport was the most clear cut and safe segment of the total process...with the proper cooperation of all parties, that was a fairly standard and straight forward procedure."
Lolita is not too sick to travel, and there is zero chance that she will be provided a larger tank, which would not solve her problem of separation from home and family anyway. The theory that she has become habituated to her tank and to human care ignores her lifelong cultural identity and her memories of her habitat and family members, many of which are still alive. She is nearly past her reproductive years, but female orcas often live decades longer. The benefit to her family comes from the widespread public involvement in her life and welfare. People will want to make sure she's eating enough and her water is clean. The main problem for environmental efforts is public reluctance to maintain interest and commitment. Lolita can provide huge motivation to take care her home, and ours.
Comment: intrigued808: Thanks for the attack, but it doesn't irk me in the least bit. I am used to know it alls in this part of animal rights work, and you are just one of many. I beg to differ, MiamiSeaprison.com is not based on opinion, but on facts collected over many, many years. One of the founders is Ric O'Barry, ex-Flipper trainer and now an activist for freeing these wonderful animals. I guess he knows nothing either. May I ask how you know I know nothing about anyone's expertise when you know nothing about me? To being with, I was living in Miami when Lolita arrived, so you can be sure I know a lot more about this situation than a lot of others. You are not teaching me anything about cats and dogs, in fact that is a truly ridiculous comparison. Whales, dolphins, and any oceanic mammal do not belong in captivity, they are not made for tanks. Don't assume things, and if you are as smart as you want people to think you are, then you what comes after those two words. It's easy to spot a "fan" of aquariums as soon as they open their mouths, I don't think this is the place for you. And Orky, I know only too well the frustration you feel, I am involved with those still in the wild as well as those that are "incarcerated". It is not an easy fight, but we can never give up, for them. Don't bother snapping back "intrigued808", I won't be back here to read anymore of your nonsense.
Comment: Again I ask: Bubbles the Pilot Whale has been in captivity for over 50 years currently residing at Sea World in San Diego.
Why is there no "Free Bubbles" campaign with celebrities? Is it because pilot whales don't look "sexy" or Hollwood doesn't have an interest?
There are species of dolphins that has gone extinct: "The baija" - The Yangtze River Dolphin in China.
The "Vaquita" - Gulf of California porpoise is down to 150 individuals.
You are wasting money and effort on another "Free Willy" fiasco when there are whales, dolphins, porpoises in danger of going extinct. now.
Comment: In response to flpantherlady7's comment:
Again someone making themselves look extrememly ingnorant by stating things that you have no real knowledge about. You're commending someone for thier expertise when you have no actual knowledge of what his expertise is. Your blissful ignorance claims the website miamiseaprison.com contains "nothing but facts" when the majority of the statements on the website are opinion's of certain events....lets try next time to actually know the meaning of the word fact before throwing it around so much.
Now my question to you, do you now have or ever have had a pet...dog, cat, mouse, gerbil, bird, lizzard, etc.?
Before cats and dogs became domesticated over thousands of years they were too wild and free. How is that different? Dogs are highly intelligent animals with very similiar cognition patterns as marine mammals. I am really tired of people so eager to make statements and claims on Lolita's behalf..."deserve thier freedom" when they are being nothing but hypocritical in their own lives and have no business saying anything on that whale's behalf.
Comment: posted by wmsonr@verizon.net Having been a friend of Howard Garrett and his wife Susan Berta for years, I know they have dedicated their lives to orcas. Their continuing battle to free Tokitae is an inspiration to us all. Female orcas in the wild can live to be 100, males into their 60's. So think of a captive orca having a lifespan of less than half that of a free one. Reports of Lolita's tank indicate that she is living in unsuitable conditions, yet the Hertzes have for years shown an inability to accept the truth of the cruelty to t his intelligent mammal.
Comment: Friends: Lolita, as much as her tank mate(s), deserve their freedom. These are not pet dogs or cats, these are wild and intelligent animals. This fight to free her has been going on for many, many years, at this time in her life, with all her confinement caused illness, she could never survive a trip to Puget Sound. What is needed is a plan to retire her to a MUCH larger tank where she can spend what little time she has left with room to swim, which in her life she really has not had the opportunity to do. If you want the facts, and nothing but the facts, please visit MiamiSeaprison.com, which is dedicated to ALL these wonderful animals kept prisoner by the owner, Arthur Herman Hertz, CEO, and the parent company, Wometco Enterprises Inc.
Dr.Mukhametov, I highly commend you for your most knowledgeable comments, it is truly refreshing to have someone with your expertise comment on such an important and contraversial issue. It is truly sad that there are so many out there who choose to close their eyes and ears to the truth, and instead choose to believe that it is "educational" keeping these incredible animals in captivity. How true it is to be blissfully ignorant.
"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty."
Albert Einstein
Comment: Its beyound cruel keeping that poor whale in that tank its inhumain
Comment: Friends: Lolita, as much as her tank mate(s), deserve their freedom. These are not pet dogs or cats, these are wild and intelligent animals. This fight to free her has been going on for many, many years, at this time in her life, with all her confinement caused illness, she could never survive a trip to Puget Sound. What is needed is a plan to retire her to a MUCH larger tank where she can spend what little time she has left with room to swim, which in her life she really has not had the opportunity to do. If you want the facts, and nothing but the facts, please visit MiamiSeaprison.com, which is dedicated to ALL these wonderful animals kept prisoner by the owner, Arthur Herman Hertz, CEO, and the parent company, Wometco Enterprises Inc.
Dr.Mukhametov, I highly commend you for your most knowledgeable comments, it is truly refreshing to have someone with your expertise comment on such an important and contraversial issue. It is truly sad that there are so many out there who choose to close their eyes and ears to the truth, and instead choose to believe that it is "educational" keeping these incredible animals in captivity. How true it is to be blissfully ignorant.
"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty."
Albert Einstein
Comment: Lolita has been allone for almost 28 years she has not scene anouther orca scence 1980 what the seaquerium is doing to her is Inhumain its Beyound animal cruelty
Comment: If we need to capture these animals for learning purposes, why can't they be kept for a limited time and then re-introduced to their pods? Why do they have to live out their lives in enclosed spaces and do trained repetitive movements day after day?
Comment: Can you activist explain why you don't show any concern for the Pacific White Sided Dolphins that share Lolita's tank? Seems that if you want to release Lolita...wouldn't you want to also release her tank mates?
Also there is another animal that has been in captivity longer than Lolita. Bubbles the Pilot Whale has been in captivity for over 50 years currently residing at Sea World in San Diego.
Why is there no "Free Bubbles" campaign with celebrities?
Let me tell you this Doctor Mukhametov. I work in the entertainment industry and Hollywood only gets involved in causes that makes them look good. The bottom line...they are mostly in it for the money.
Comment: Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hertzt, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: let the whale go. why does man have to have it all. maybe the whales should keep us in a pool and make us perform for the sea creatures. it is and always willbe about the money.. GREED!
Comment: It's a nice thought to leave animals in their natural habitat, but the cold hard truth of the world is mans selfish spread across the land. Cities are building out more and more instead of redeveloping or going up. We polute the oceans as if no one lives there, acting as though we are the most important beings this plant has ever seen. Lolita and all the others wrongfully taken from the seas are paying a harsh price for the pride of man, but we must remain rational and understand that she cannot be released into the ocean at this stage in her life as though she had never left the open seas. Now we need to ban together and find a way to improve her life as it is so that she can find a natural way to live more like a whale. If a larger, deeper tank was provided and then add ...slowly other aquatic animals for her to share her environment with would be a greater gift then putting her on a cross country trip(which she may not survive due to stress) and into an ocean she has no skills to survive in. Please push for a better home. In a larger, deeper tank with others wouldn't it be nicer to see her just swimming then performing? Remember, freedom is ideal but is it practical ? We need to be responsible and do the best the way things are.
Comment: A landscape (or ocean) barren of facts is a fertile environment for anthropomorphic fantasies. The story, in this case, puts Lolita under the potentially deadly self-delusion of a Hollywood endorsed animal do-gooder. The irony is that???under Mr. Gattett???s plan???Lolita still doesn???t have a choice, since he???s determined what is in her best interests. Maybe, if Hollywood hadn???t written Keiko???s happily-ever-after ending, he???d still be with us toady. And now they want to help Lolita?
Comment: I had to send the comment in two entries due to size cap. Both comments below are in response and directed to Dr. Musthaveglasses...oops I mean Dr. Mukhametov.
Comment: In response to Dr. Mukhametov's comment:
First, I am assuming that you are referring to Mr. Andrew Hertz in your comment where you stated his name incorrectly, "in response to Mr. Arthur Hertzt" and also called him "Mr. Hearst." I think it is extremely irnoic Dr. Mukhametov how incistent you are about anthropomorhisizing for Lolita from Mr. Hertz calling him ignorant, while you are clearly and ingnorantly doing so yourself. You have no way of knowing that Lolita "has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family."
You are surprisingly naive to think that your studies, all of which I presume had to be on captive orcas in order to closely monitor and record such data needed in any findings of which you allegedly claim , can in any way know how an animal thinks, feels, or wants. That is simply impossible at this day and age. Until we are clearly able to communicate with these animals and have the defined measure of asking them...then we simply DON"T KNOW and don't have any authority (regardless of stature, credentials, studies, or plain arrogance) to claim to know so. I seriously doubt that you have the awesome power to speak for all colleagues in the aquatic science and marine biology field. I can speak for myself, and I have no agreeance with your thoughts and feeltings in regard to Orcas or Lolita. You are also severely incorrect in stating that "Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process as human beings." I might ask you, how in the world did you obtain that theory? Did you conduct the research necessary to come up with those findings yourself? Either way, I can guarantee those findings weren't from a study of wild "free" Orcas.
Comment: How dare you point the finger and degrade someone who is housing a captive Orca, when you yourself seem to forget the opportunities you've had from study, learning, and experiences that were all made available to you because of the capture and housing of other marine mammals. You wouldn't have the degree you have if you did not partake in supporting those practices by buying the books, supporting the studies, and who knows what other means you have yourself participated in...that all were made possible by the study of captive marine mammals. You have no business calling Mr. Hertz's speech ignorant concerning that he never said anyting about her being content...if you want to rip apart what he said then try and do so on something he actually did say. But, because you are becoming quite infamous now for thinking and feeling on other animal's (and now) people's behalf, you should know that if anyone in this world has any idea of what that animal thinks or feels, it would be the people that see her and interact with her everyday. Go to her trainer's that care for her everday and spend hours with her on end, communicating the best way they know how, and ask their experienced opinion. They have no real obligation to the Miami Seaquarium that would hinder them from saying their honest feelings and opinions about Lolita and her situation. They aren't there for the money, if you had any clue what these trainers make then you would be in complete shock. I seriously doubt this place has really made hardly a fraction of the amount you are claiming. Do you have any idea how much it costs to feed a 7,000lb animal everyday? Do you have any idea how much it cost to treat the water, and maintain the tank...the cleaning involved? The cost of veterinary care, staffing, and multiple upkeep of records and logs. In order for them to make a serious profit then they would more than likely have to fill the park everyday of people and hope they all buy souvenirs and photos. In any case, the point is, that until you can come up with something that tells me you have spent countless hours with Lolita, getting to know her, and strongly believe that you know how she feels and thinks, don't bother speaking on her behalf. Try asking someone who does have the most credible credentials and knowledge about the animal in question, someone who has spent countless hours with her, and has the best position of anyone else to speak for her.
Comment: I believe that we need to leave the animals in their natural habitat. Animals just don't do these types of tricks naturally so why are we forcing them to do things for our entertainment. Next time you look in the mirror ask yourself if you like your freedom or would you rather be placed in a cage and forced to do tricks for someone else's entertainment.
Comment: Incidentally...why don't we request that Lolita have a larger area built for her. I don't doubt she is better off where she is with her 38 year good health and human pod...but she needs more room.
If the powers that be in Florida really care about her, they will expand her living area.
How about it?
Comment: Well, Sir, since you support the Movie Stars helping your scientific crusade to experiment further in the desire to move a healthy Lolita to a environmentally unhealthy Puget Sound... you shouldn't mind betting $10,000. that she will live beyond one year of the move. The check to be made out to Harrison Medical Center, Pulmonary Department, Bremerton, WA...that Lolita will live on in the name of COPD (Chronic Oppresive Pulmonary Disease) the 4th leading killer in the U.S., 5th in the world.
Comment: AFTER READING SOME OF THE COMMENTS BY OTHERS I THINK PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO DO A LOT OF INDEPENDENT RESEARCH BEFORE BEING SO OPENLY JUDGEMENTAL ON BOTH SIDES. THE SIMPLE FACTS ARE THESE LOLITA IS IN CAPTIVITY, HAS BEEN MOST OF HER LIFE, AND JUST BECAUSE SHE IS A WHALE AND IT IS KNOWN WHERE HER FAMILY IS DOES NOT MEAN THEY WILL ACCEPT HER. DOES SHE DESERVE THE CHANCE? SURE, BUT THE HARSH REALITY IS THAT SHE HAS SPENT TO MANY YEARS IN CAPTIVITY TO BE ABLE TO BE JUST TURNED LOOSE AND EXPECT EVERYTHING TO BE PEACHY. FOR ONE THING THE MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT SHE NEEDS TO KEEP UP WITH OTHERS IN THE OCEAN WOULD TAKE MONTHS IN A DEEP WATER SITUATION TO DEVELOP, SHE HAS TO LEARN TO HUNT AFTER YEARS OF BEING HAND FED, AND THEN THERE IS THE SAD TRUTH OF PUTTING AN ANIMAL WHO HAS LIVED THE MAJORITY OF ITS LIFE IN A CLEAN INVIRONMENT INTO OCEAN WATER THAT HAS FOR YEARS BEEN POLLUTED BY THE HUMAN POPULATION. THESE ARE JUST THREE REALITIES THAT LOLITA WOULD FACE. LET ALONE NOT UNDERSTANDING EMOTIONALLY WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO HER. AT THIS POINT ADVOCATION FOR A LARGER, DEEPER TANK WITH MORE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT WOULD BE BEST. IF THAT WERE TO HAPPEN, THEN IN THE FUTURE WHEN SHE HAS REAQUIRED SOME OF HER NATURAL INSTINCTS PERHAPS FURTHER, BETTER PLANS FOR HER COULD BE ADVANCED. IT IS ARROGAT AS HUMANS TO JUST SAY, "FREE HER". SHE SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN CAPTURED IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT GREAT A TIME HAS PASSED TO JUST PUT HER BACK IN THE OCEAN. THAT WOULD BE AS CRUEL AS HER CAPTURE.
Comment: IF ITS FELT THE RISK TO HER HEALTH IS TO GREAT FOR A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP, AND THE UNSURITY OF HER BEING ABLE TO BE STRONG ENOUGH IN THE WILD, COULDN'T SOME OF THIS "HOLLYWOOD" MONEY BE SPENT TO BUILD HER A LARGER, DEEPER TANK SO THAT HER LIFE COULD BE AT LEAST IMPROVED IN HER LATER YEARS. ALSO, COULD THEY INTRODUCE FISH INTO SAID TANK TO SEE IF SHE COULD LEARN TO HUNT FOR HER FOOD AGAIN, OR AT LEAST GIVE HER THE STIMULIS OF A MORE NATURAL LIFE. KELLY IN AZ
Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hertzt, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hearst, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Dr.Mukhametov
Russia
Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hearst, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hearst, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Comment: In response to Mr. Arthur Hearst, orcas are not pets. No matter how long Lolita has been imprisoned, she will never fully acclimate to being confined to a small tank in comparison with her natural habitat. It is extremely arrogant for humans to think that we are the only ones who can be rehabilitated back into our own societies. Orcas are the mammals most closely aligned with the same thinking process of human beings. It is a reasonable conclusion to me and my fellow colleagues of aquatic science and marine biology, that this magnificent creature has willed herself to live based primarily on the hope of freedom and reconnection to her natural family. This mammal is not part of your family; she was forcibly removed from her natural habitat and she has her own family waiting for her. Your ignorant speech about Lolita being content in such a confining environment is frivolous. It appears your main concern is monetary profit. You have already amassed over one hundred million(100,000,000 ) dollars from her forced captivity. How much more do you want? We, the leading scientists in this field of study, concur that the abuse of solitary confinement to this mammal needs to cease. We don't believe any animal deserves to be confined for the rest of their life in such conditions. Mr. Hearst, with all due respect, you are a greedy man. My colleagues and I 100% support the Hollywood community who have spoken out on this issue.
Comment: A small correction first off, the bottom right photo should be credited to my self, Sean Jacob.
I had once visited the Miami Seaquarium a few years ago ona faily regulare basis, providing Howard, et al with postings of my observations. I may only be a layman but she did seem well cared for and changes were made that I could see, at least in the public viewings for the better.
Over the time I spent visiting the Seaquarium (late 2003 till mid 2005) Iw as able to watch Lolita and develop a small idea of her personality and over all being. To me she seemed like other have said "adjusted", but at the same time some days showed a lack of life about her when compaired as I see know to her "cousins" at Sea World. I'm not one to advocate her release but, at the same time feel that upgrades to the current facilty are warrented.
Thank you,
Sean
