MIAMI SEAQUARIUM DISCOUNTS ORCA NEED TO RETIRE - SAVE LOLITA!

Japan Dolphin Day-Miami (protest for whales and dolphins)

Shelby — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:50:31 +0000

Time	October 14 · 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Location	In front of the Japanese Consulate 80 SW 8th St Miami, FL

Hosted By: Save Japan Dolphins and Oceanic Defense

This is a worldwide protest for the thousands of dolphins and whales that are killed every year from Japanese drive fisheries and commercial whaling. The Japanese kill over 23,000 dolphins per year and they are funded by the entertainment industry, by giving the fishermen thousands of dollars for a fine specimen, the others are brutally murdered and sent to a slaughterhouse to be harvested for their mercury tainted meat. Comme…rcial whaling is no better with a quota of almost 1,000 whales per year, hiding behind the mask of lethal scientific research the Japanese loose money each year as the practice of eating whale meat declines rapidly. Come stand up for the thousands of intelligent, sentient beings that are being slaughtered each year purely for monetary gain and the others that are put into solitary confinement for the rest of their lives.

www.savejapandolphins.org

www.oceanicdefense.org

Participating Cities and nonprofit organizations:

Earth Island Institute-
-Trixie-Philippines
Orca Network, Nancy, DJ-EcoElements-Seattle
reEarth-Bahamas
NY4Whales-New York City
WEF-Argentina
Ente Nazionale Protezione Animali-Rome
CFN/Nora-Oklahoma
Save Japan Dolphins and Oceanic Defense-Miami

Marine Connection-London

Animal Welfare Institute and Humane Society of the United States/Humane Society International-Washington DC.

many more cities to come so keep checking back and if you want to be included on the list email me @ shelby@savelolita.com!

2nd Annual Walk for Lolita

Shelby — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:41:01 +0000

Time	August 8 · 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Location	Outside the entrance to the Miami Seaquarium parking lot Rickenbaucher Causeway Key Biscayne, FL

Created By	Orca Network and SaveLolita.com

More Info	The Second annual “Walk for Lolita” hosted by Orca Network and SaveLolita.com is coming up on the 40th anniversary of her capture, August 8,2010. The Miami Chapter of this event will be a demo ending with a peaceful demonstration outside the entrance to the MSQ parking lot that will go on until at least 2PM. We are asking for everyone to promote and show up to this event. As the Deep Horizon oil spill makes it’s way towards the waters of Biscayne Bay, Lolita’s life, along with the other animals residing at the SQ are in jeopardy. The Seaquarium uses an open water system that directly pumps its water from Biscayne Bay into the tanks of its marine mammals, this could spell disaster for Lolita and the others WHEN the chemical dispersants and oil plumes reach Miami waters. So, this year the urgency for Lolita to be retired back to the waters of the Pacific Northwest has reached a level of life or death. Let’s show Miami and the world that Lolita would be much safer in a bay pen by her family than living in an illegally sized tank that will be pumped full of petroleum hydrocarbons and other harsh chemicals. Please pass this info along to all that you think will be interested, and keep checking back to see other chapters of the “Walk for Lolita” to be popping up all over the country. If you are interested in hosting an event where you live send me an email to: Shelby@savelolita.com.

Sign up for the Miami Event: http://www.facebook.com/shelby.proie?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=136760476345475&index=1

Sign up for the Seattle Event: http://www.facebook.com/shelby.proie?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=136595916360589&index=1

Sign up for the Vallejo, Cali Event: http://www.facebook.com/shelby.proie?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=138662836162781&index=1

Sign up for the Victoria, BC, Canada Event: http://www.facebook.com/shelby.proie?v=app_2344061033#!/event.php?eid=140242236001682&index=1

Newly added event in Memphis, TN: corner of Germantown Parkway and Cordova Road this Sunday (8/8) around noon. contact: bluebunneh@aol.com for more info!

Or attend The Penn Cove Orca Capture – 40th Anniversary Commemoration on Whidbey Island : http://www.orcanetwork.org/news/events.html

For info on how the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will impact Lolita: http://www.orcanetwork.org/news/oilhitslolita.html

Marine Mammal Captivity: the good, the bad, and the beautiful

Shelby — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:37:19 +0000

Time	July 24 · 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Location	Pro Dive International (and Oceanic Defense) 429 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL

Created By	Samantha Whitcraft, Nikole Ordway, Shelby Proie

More Info	Join us for a presentation and panel discussion of marine mammal captivity with three presenters experienced in the fields of marine mammal training, advocacy, and conservation: Nikole Ordway — former trainer with the US Navy’s Marine Mammal Program and current FL Reef Check Cour…se Director Shelby Proie — community activist with the Orca Network and current Director of SaveLolita.com Samantha Whitcraft — former harbor seal rescue/rehab technician at the New England Aquarium and current Director of Conservation Biology, Oceanic Defense.org Join the panel, afterward, for a NIGHT DIVE at 6 pm! (Reserve the night dive at 800-PRO-DIVE)

Oil Spill Endangers Lolita and other Miami Seaquarium Animals

Niki — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:05:40 +0000

Dear Friends of Lolita,
Please tell USDA & APHIS to enforce the Animal Welfare Act! Beyond allowing Miami Seaquarium to house orca Lolita in an undersized, illegal tank, MSQ has no plan to protect their marine mammals when the gulf oil spill contaminates their waters in August. The USDA & APHIS are doing nothing about it!

We know that Miami Seaquarium is pursuing a 3-5 million dollar claim against BP to upgrade/update their filtration system as water may become contaminated from the Gulf spill. Miami Seaquarium and its owners Andrew and Arthur Hertz have no plans for the wellbeing of Lolita or their other marine life, including 30 dolphins, about 15 seals/sea lions, dozens of reptiles, fish, sea turtles, and at least eight manatees. They are merely interested in protecting their profits. These animals will be in grave danger if they are not moved or protected immediately. It is time to tell United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) & Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to enforce the laws and regulations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Please cut and paste the following letter, sign your name and send to the email addresses shown below. Feel free to edit, personalize & share any way you see fit. Thank you for your support! Special thanks to John Kielty for writing this entry.

Send to:
USDA-APHIS-Animal Care: ace@aphis.usda.gov
USDA-APHIS-Animal Care East: aceast@aphis.usda.gov
USDA-APHIS-Policy & Programs: aphis.web@aphis.usda.gov
Abbey Shaffer- Legislative Teams Leader: abbey.l.shaffer@aphis.usda.gov
Christopher Needham- Legislative Affairs Specialist: christopher.needham@aphis.usda.gov
James Ivy- USDA-APHIS: james.c.ivy@aphis.usda.gov
Bethany Jones- Deputy Administrator of Legislative and Public Affairs: bethany.x.jones@aphis.usda.gov
Edward Avalos- Under Secretary for Marketing & Regulatory Programs: ed.avalos@usda.gov
Kathleen Merrigan- Deputy Secretary of Agriculture: kathleen.merrigan@usda.gov
Tom Vilsak- Secretary of Agriculture: agsec@usda.gov

Comma separated if you’d prefer a single bulk mailing:
ace@aphis.usda.gov,aceast@aphis.usda.gov,aphis.web@aphis.usda.gov,abbey.l.shaffer@aphis.usda.gov,christopher.needham@aphis.usda.gov,bethany.x.jones@aphis.usda.gov,ed.avalos@usda.gov,kathleen.merrigan@usda.gov,agsec@usda.gov,james.c.ivy@aphis.usda.gov

Also, please cut and paste this letter into the contact forms of these Senators:
Senator Maria Cantwell: http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Patty Murray: http://murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactMe
Senator Bill Nelson of Florida: http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

RE: Miami Seaquarium disaster contingency plan & safety for orca Lolita

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Animal Care (AC)

To whom this may concern:

As you may be aware, Andrew Hertz, General Manager of Miami Seaquarium, a small aquarium in Miami, Florida, has recently stated his intention to file a $3 to $5 million dollar claim against BP citing his requirement to upgrade the marine park’s filtration system should the waters of Biscayne Bay become contaminated from oil resulting from the Deep Water Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico (www.justnews.com/news/23910898/detail.html). By this action, the Hertz family has admittedly demonstrated that they are not prepared, equipped or otherwise capable of carrying out a disaster contingency plan to provide emergency sources of water and/or arrangements for relocating marine mammals as is required by APHIS Regulation 9 CFR section 3.101(b). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an 80% chance that the oil will hit the Miami area in August and I am deeply concerned the Miami Seaquarium wildlife is in jeopardy. In addition to Killer Whale Lolita the lives of 30 dolphins, about 15 seals and sea lions, dozens of reptiles/fish, sea turtles, and at least eight manatees are in peril. Your immediate action is required to ensure their safety.

Should the Hertz family be successful in securing funds for this major reconstruction effort, it is my contention that Miami Seaquarium be required by USDA-APHIS to bring ALL provisions of animal welfare, including marine mammal housing size, into compliance with current APHIS Regulations under the Animal Welfare Act.

Since the brutal capture of killer whale (orca) Lolita in 1970, she has been kept in a tank that is illegal by current APHIS standards for space requirements as provided in Regulation 9 CFR section 3.104. Now 43 years old, Lolita is approximately 21 feet long and 7,000 pounds. Her tank is 20 feet deep at the deepest point, a mere 12 feet deep around the edges and 35 feet wide. Lolita’s life of misery in these substandard confines has continued long enough. The Hertz family has been profiting from Lolita’s exploitation for more than 40 years and the time has come to end her suffering and provide her the protection and quality of life she deserves. They should not be allowed to continue operating with no emergency contingency plans, under outdated regulations, and making piecemeal improvements aimed solely at protecting profits. Now is the time to act on Lolita’s behalf. Time is running out!

As a part of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at the USDA, I know that you are concerned with the future of marine mammals in captivity and the urgent crisis developing at the Miami Seaquarium. Please do your part and ensure immediate action is taken and provisions are provided that require Miami Seaquarium’s compliance with all current APHIS Regulations under the Animal Welfare Act for this emergency and any future construction and/or upgrades at their marine mammal park. If the Hertz family finds that complying with all current APHIS Regulations is not cost feasible, alternative viable solutions are under development to provide a safe retirement for Lolita in her native habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Details of this proposal can be found here: www.orcanetwork.org/captivity/2007proposaldraft.html. There are many wonderful people and knowledgeable organizations willing to work with the Miami Seaquarium and are ready and waiting to move forward with a rehabilitation/retirement plan for Lolita and the other animals, including dolphins, that may be in danger currently at Seaquarium.

Sincerely,
(Your name)

Killer Whale Taima and calf die at Sea World Orlando

Niki — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:23:18 +0000

Taima, a 20 year old killer whale, died while giving birth Sunday, June 6, in the afternoon at Sea World Orlando, Florida. She was impregnated by Tilikum, the same orca who killed trainer Dawn Brancheau in February 2010. Taima and her calf did not survive the birth. (The calf was a stillbirth) Sea World’s “Shamu Show” was temporarily shut down, though guests were not told that the animals had died.

Taima was known for misbehaving and was sometimes aggressive to the other orcas. She was born at Sea World Orlando in 1989 to Gudrun (died 1996), a female orca captured from Iceland. Taima was about 18 feet long and over 6,500 pounds when she died. She is survived by three calves — Sumar, Tekoa, and Malia. Her youngest, Malia, is only 3 years old. Wild orcas remain with their mothers for life, so we’re hoping for the best for this little one.

Taima died at age 20. Keep in mind that many wild female orcas live well into their 60’s – and some live even longer than that! Please boycott marine parks, such as Sea World, Miami Seaquarium, Six Flags, etc. if you disagree with the practice of keeping large, intelligent marine mammals in captivity for human amusement.

Katina, a 35 year old killer whale at Sea World Orlando, is expected to give birth shortly to another of Tilikum’s calves.
Only time will tell what will happen to her.

Save the Whales Rally Sunday May 23 3PM in South Beach

Jackie — Sat, 22 May 2010 17:26:37 +0000

As you probably know, the Obama administration has proposed lifting the ban on commercial whaling in what appears to be a misguided attempt to regulate whaling rather than keep it illegal. On June 3, the International Whaling Commission will be meeting to decide whether to keep the ban in place.

We want the US to support the whaling ban, not illegal whalers. Greenpeace has been collecting public comments to deliver to the White House on June 3, along with photos from rallies and events from all over the over the country, to show that America still wants to save the whales.

Join Greenpeace, Emerge Miami, Big Blue & You, Blue Climate Solutions and other local organizations this Sunday for a rally and photo shoot to Save the Whales!

WHERE:
Miami Beach, on the sand at 5th St, by the lifeguard stand.

WHEN:
Sunday, May 23, 3:00-4:30 PM

Please RSVP online here
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/OPQFVVMJEXGBVCRXCZND/savethewhales

or contact:

Erik Ofengand
Greenpeace Miami Lead Activist
305-979-0247
greenpeacemiami@yahoo.com

Thanks for your work to save Lolita!

Details on International Protest locations for May 15, 2010

Shelby — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:45:16 +0000

All these events are rain or shine held on Saturday May 15, 2010 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, please make your own posters : )

if you want the official shirts of this International Day of Protest for Lolita’s Retirement you can go to:

Remember you can get your T-shirts for the International Day of Protest for Lolita’s (and other captive cets) Retirement here:

http://www.zazzle.com/babydoll_lolita_worldwild_protest_shirt-235393074909694373

http://www.zazzle.com/mens_lolita_worldwide_protest_shirt-235550262779094454

http://www.zazzle.com/lolita_worldwide_protest_day_tanktop_tshirt-235597237603719318

No pressure to buy them, we just thought they looked cute : )

http://www.zazzle.com/unisex_retire_lolita_to_kanaka_bay_shirt-235215203582121269

MIAMI, FLORIDA: Shelby
Saturday May 15, 2010
12-2 PM in front of the Miami Seaquarium
Contact information on www.SaveLolita.com
Pleae bring or make a poster, if you can (if not we’ll have some on hand)
Leaflets will be provided. This demo will run rain or shine.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Niki
Saturday May 15, 2010
1-3 PM at the Watertower at Chicago and Michigan Ave
Call or email Niki for further information
Nikilotyl@sbcglobal.net or 312 351 2647
Please bring or make a poster, if you can (if not we’ll have some on hand)
Leaflets will be provided. This demo will run rain or shine.

WHIDBEY ISLAND, WASHINGTON: ORCA NETWORK
Kayak for Lolita in Penn Cove on May 15th
Park at DNR lot just west of Capt. Whidbey Inn and launch about 5pm, when the tide is coming up, it should be at about 10′ at 5pm, coming up to 11′9″ at 8:11pm.
The idea is to paddle out to the actual scene of the capture, between the Capt. Whidbey and the Penn Cove shellfish dock, with a banner or two between kayaks.
Canoes or small boats could also join us.
For more info contact: Howard@orcanetwork.org

KEY WEST, FLORIDA: Kathy Watkins
May 15th
Mallory Square 12-2pm
305-890-6887
kathy.watkins@comcast.net
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Hailey Bleau
Outside of Seaworld San Diego
When: 10AM-12PM
Contact Info:
Cell number: (951) 318-9851
Email: hailey_bleau@yahoo.com.
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

PORTLAND, OREGON: Rae Marie Wilson
Waterfront Park at Saturday Market location 12-2
Raemarie.wilson@comcast.net
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA: Wendy Cooke
Demo will be in Berkeley CA from 12-2pm
We will walk from the Berkeley Marina to Civic Center Park
Contact Wendy @ 510-375-1143 or withoutmethereisnou@yahoo.com or myspace.com/withoutmethereisnoyou
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

PITTSBURGH, PA: Amanda Young-Comstock
Saturday, May 15, 2010
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Point State Park – Pittsburgh, PA
Contact Info: amndayoung@gmail.com or facebook Amanda Young-Comstock
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS: Ingrid van Dam
A quarter to 12 the people will gather at the train station and we will walk towards the ambassade of the USA. There we will demonstrate until 2, and will reach out flyers in the centre of The Hague until 4.
The best way to contact me is by e-mail: snowyziggy@gmail.com, also when people want to join, I really would like to know if they are interested.
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Gwen Williams
Demo held in: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Event Details: 15th of May, 1pm to 2pm, Federation Square
Best way to contact: Email asuka.12@hotmail.com
Please bring a sign with you! :-]

OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON: Pat Rasmussen
Demo: Olympia, WA USA
Park on Water Street, across the street from Traditions Café
10 AM to 2 PM
Contact: patr@crcwnet.com
Cell phone: 509-669-1549
Please bring a sign or poster with you!

TORONTO, CANADA: BOB TIMMONS
Ocean Activists United:
When: May 15th, 2010
Where: Yonge-Dundas Sqaure
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Contact OAU Leader: Bob Timmons & Helen Prancic at timmons.animal.artist@gmail.com
Please bring protest signs!

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: ROBYN PRICE
Time: May 14, 2010 from 11am to 1pm
Location: Central Train Station
Street: cnr Edward and Ann streets
City/Town: brisbane
Organized By: Robyn Price email: mokie485@optusnet.com.au
Please bring protest signs!

BONITA BEACH, FLORIDA: BLAKELEIGH MCEWAN
May 15, 2010 from 12-2PM
Bonita Beach
email: blakeleigh.mcewan@gmail.com for more info.
Please bring a sign with you!

(a big thank you to Vicky Cruz and Nathalie Torres from the UPS store for donating 100 flyers each, and to Cecil’s Copy Express for donating 1000!)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: DIANA COMSTOCK
May 15, 2010 from 12-1PM
Westlake Park Downtown Seattle, corner of 4th and Pine St. by the fountain
for more info contact: dianacomstock@gmail.com
Please bring a sign!

ALBANY, NEW YORK: JESSICA RYLE
NOTE: This demo is on MAY 16 – NOT MAY 15! This is on SUNDAY!
Sunday, May 16th
12pm – 3pm
Capitol Building Lawn
Corner of State St and Eagle St. Albany, NY
Contact info: adkanimalrights@gmail.com
Please bring your own signs!

SARASOTA, FLORIDA: CANDACE GEE
Saturday May 15th from 12-2PM
on the corner of Marina Jacks near the Huge Sailor Statue in Sarasota. A high Traffic tourist area.
For more info contact “Candace Gee” on facebook or at 941-539-9609
Please bring your own signs!

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY: Tetiana Demchuk
Saturday May 15, 2010 (time and location within the city): 12 -17 pm, downtown (to be confirmed)
best way to contact: Facebook – Tania Demchuk; tdemchuk@hotmail.com
Please bring signs.

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY: TYPO ZONIES
Saturday May 15th from 12-1PM
Atlantic City Boardwalk in front of Tropicana Casino
I will pay your parking fee if you park in Tropicana Hotel and Casino if you see me and give me your email address and carry a poster.
For more info contact: lynchickle@aol.com or Typo Zonies on facebook.
Please bring posters that you’ve made!

TOLEDO, OHIO: Amber Sadowski
Saturday May 15, 2010 from 12-1:30PM
Start point: 647 dearborn Ave.
For more info contact amber @ lilamber411@gmail.com
Please bring your own demonstration board signs

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Kim Flaherty
Saturday May 15, 2010 from 12 – 2 pm
Pier 39, at the entrance near Embarcadero and Stockton St.
For more info contact kflaherty@pacbell.net or 415.279.8997
Posters/signs will be provided, but hand-made signs are also encouraged.

WAIMANALO, HAWAII: WILD DOLPHIN FOUNDATION
www.wilddolphin.org
In front of Sea Life Park
41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy
Waimanalo, HI 96795
May 15th from 10AM-12PM
for more info contact Tori Cullins @ tori@wilddolphin.org
Please make a sign to bring!

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: DIANE MCNALLY
Saturday May 15th from 12-2PM
Place: street corner in downtown Victoria (traditional “Stop the Seal Slaughter” corner)
Intersection of Government and View Street:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=victoria%2Bbc&spn=.563567,1.292885&hl=en

My gmail for this event is freecaptiveorcas@gmail.com
Victoria is on Lolita’s home waters, home to the Southern Residents.
Please make a sign to bring!

FRIDAY HARBOR, WASHINGTON: Debbi Fincher
Saturday May 15th from 9:30am-12 noon
Spring Street Landing area – Rain or Shine!!
My email is fincher@rockisland.com
Make a sign, if you can or just come to show your support! Some extra signs will be on hand.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Andrea Gauzza-Langlie
Saturday May 15th from 12-2PM
On the plaza in front of the Baltimore (National) Aquarium
My email address is andrea@langlie.com cell number# 301-641-4606
Please make a sign to bring!!

ORLANDO, FLORIDA: TOMMY MASON
Saturday May 15th from 12-2PM
In front of SeaWorld Orlando Entrace
teamblueflorida@gmail.com and (727)213-7163
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: EDDA NESS
Saturday May 15 from 12-2PM
At Union Square Park at 14th Street, NYC.
more info: ecness@legal-aid.org

HOUSTON, TEXAS: AMANDA PETRIE
May 15 SAT 2:00 pm
Sedition Books Screening of Orca Captivity Film “LOLITA: SLAVE TO ENTERTAINMENT”
on International Protest Day for her Retirement
The award-winning documentary film, LOLITA: SLAVE TO ENTERTAINMENT, explaining the cruelty behind marine mammal parks, will be shown Saturday 2 pm at Sedition Books – 901 Richmond Ave, as part of an International day of protest against captivity and a call to retire the longest held Orca whale back to her family in the wild. Learn the whole story at SaveLolita.com and come out to view the the film Saturday 2 PM at Sedition Books. For details visit houstonanimalrights.com or call (832) 380-HART.

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: DIANA MCNALLY
Saturday, May 15
Government and View Street
12-2 pm
Victoria BC
contact: dmcnally@pacificcoast.net

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: BRIGITTE BARD

Saturday May 15th from 12-2Pm

Santa Monica Pier Entrance – Northwest corner of Ocean Ave at Colorado Ave.

Directions to the Santa Monica Pier:
http://www.santamonicapier.org/location.html

for more info contact: Brigitte Bard on facebook

PS: If you attend lease be sure to take photos!!
**MORE LOCATIONS TO BE ADDED SOON**

I will keep this post constantly updated as I get more info in!

International Day of Protest for Lolita – May 15, 2010

Shelby — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:42:07 +0000

International Protest Saturday May 15, 2010 for Miami Seaquarium Orca Lolita Retirement –

May 15th starting at noon a protest will be held all over the world with a division here in Miami, Florida to raise awareness about Seaquarium Orca, Lolita. Over thirty different cities and countries have signed up to be part of the massive collaboration to show the Miami Seaquarium along with other marine mammal parks and the world that Orcas do not belong in captivity. One of our protests held on October 11, 2008 generated national media attention for the Orca when a four minute segment was aired on CNN Headline news. In collaboration with Orca Network invite fellow residents and media to come out and support this cause. We hope to see Lolita retired back into a sea pen in her native Pacific North West waters where she will be taken care of for the rest of her life unless she chooses to rejoin her pod that lives there as well.

She has been living in an illegal tank at the Seaquarium for the last 39 years, and has taken a backseat to the newly developed swim with the dolphins program. This backseat has raised controversy as to why she shouldn’t be retired, because the Seaquarium is not allowed and won’t build her a bigger tank. Surrounding the controversy with the rising number of orca attacks at Sea World, she could be the first of a new generation of orcas being retired back to their natural habitat

If retired she will initially reside in a generously sized “bay-pen” where she will be fed, taken care of and slowly reintroduced back into the wild. After rehabilitation it will be her choice to continue to live in the “bay-pen” or leave to rejoin her pod.

In 1970 Lolita was captured in Penn Cove. Since then, much controversy has surrounded the safety of the Seaquraium’s actions with their animals. Hugo, an Orca captured 2 years earlier from the same pod as Lolita, killed himself at the Seaquarium in 1980 by bashing his head off of the illegal tank; after showing strong signs of depression. Many have offered more than what Lolita’s insurance policy is worth for her retirement, but Owner Arthur Hertz of the Seaquarium has yet to agree. The concern is from coast to coast on an animal that has done her time in living quarters to small and arguably unsafe conditions for patrons to view in this dated arena.

INFO ABOUT MIAMI PROTEST:

Saturday May 15, 2010 from 12PM-2PM in front of the parking lot entrance to the Miami Seaquarium.

Makes signs if you can, leaflets and signs will also be provided. This event will go on rain or shine.

Also, here’s a list of city captains. If your city isn’t listed or you need contact information for your city leader, contact me at Save Lolita!

City Captains for Lolita:

Chicago: Niki -niki@savelolita.com
Miami: myself
NE Florida: Venus Hurst-jasonshursttilecollc@yahoo.com
Whidbey Island, WA: Howard and Susan-howard@orcanetwork.org
Olympia, WA: Pat Rasmussen-patr@crcwnet.com
Vancouver: Rachel Palmer-rachelbronwyn@gmail.com
Denver: Lauren Kimball-solaceskiesproductions@yahoo.com
Berkeley, CA: Wendy-aokincade@yahoo.com
Amsterdam: Ingrid van Dam-snowyziggy@gmail.com

10. Pittsburgh, PA: Amanda Young-amndayoung@gmail.com/Michellebuzas@gmail.com

11. Whakatane, New Zealand: Emily-taimamoana@gmail.com

12. Toledo, Ohio: Amber-lilamber411@Gmail.com

13. Philadelphia, PA: Shannon-sodlpn@comcast.net

14. San Diego, CA: Hailey-hailey_bleau@yahoo.com

15. Stockholm, Sweden: Ewakajsa Werngren-ewakajsa1@hotmail.com

16. San Fransico, CA: Kim Flaherty-kflaherty@pacbell.net

17. Toronto, Canada: Bob Timmons-timmons.animal.artist@gmail.com

18. Vancouver Island: Tarah.millen@hotmail.com

19. Glen Falls (Albany), New York: Jessica Ryle adkanimalrights@gmail.com

20. Belgian: Noortje noortjevanvlasselaer@hotmail.com

21. Budapest, Hungary: Tatiana tdemchuk@hotmail.com

22. Orchard Park (Buffalo), New York: Kimberly kgalanti@roadrunner.com

23. St. Lois, Missouri: Sarah Garvin sgarvin314@gmail.com

24. Key West: Kathy Watkins kathy@marketsharecompany.com

25. Portland, Oregon: Rae Wilson raemarie.wilson@comcast.net

26. Traverse City, Michigan: Bailey Hanson Bhanson.np@gmail.com

27. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Christine Swindell whalerider36@comcast.net

28. Melbourne, Australia: Gwen Williams asuka.12@hotmail.com

29. Indianapolis, Indian: Leighann Shropshire shrop87@sbcglobal.net

30. Seattle, Washington: Dianna Comstock dianacomstock@gmail.com

31. Houston, Texas: Amanda and Brian Petrie AmandaMPetrie@gmail.com

32. Sarasota (Bradenton), Florida: Candice Gee (contact via Facebook)

33. Fort Meyers/Naples, Florida: Blakeleigh McEwan blakeleigh.mcewan@gmail.com

34. Brisbane, Australia: Robyn Price mokie485@optusnet.com.au

35. Rome, Italy: Ilaria Ferri (contact via Facebook)

36. Akron, Ohio: Rick Ashline ashlinejr.richard@yahoo.com

37. Waimanalo, Hawaii: Wild Dolphin Foundation tori@wilddolphin.org

38. Victoria, BC, Canada: Diane McNally: freecaptiveorcas@gmail.com

39. New York City, New York: Edda Ness: ecness@legal-aid.org

40. Friday Harbor, Washington: Debbi Fincher fincher@rockisland.com

41. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: Andrea Gauzza-Langlie andrea@langlie.com

42. Orlando, Florida: Tommy Mason teamblueflorida@gmail.com

The Cove Wins an Oscar!

Niki — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:59:59 +0000

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard on saving dolphins from the brutal annual slaughter in Japan! THE COVE was awarded an Oscar tonight, March 7, 2010!

Please consider buying or renting this fantastic documentary (available on iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon.com) to see for yourself the cruelty surrounding the hunt of 23,000 dolphins per year and the marine park captivity industry.

Copy and paste the URL’s into your URL bar to link:
iTunes: http://is.gd/5g2Ie
Netflix: http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Cove/70112741
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/yzmufuf

“Academy Award® Award-winner for Best Documentary of 2009, THE COVE follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and freedivers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. Utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, including hidden microphones and cameras in fake rocks, the team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The result is a provocative mix of investigative journalism, eco-adventure and arresting imagery, adding up to an unforgettable story that has inspired audiences worldwide to action. THE COVE is directed by Louie Psihoyos and produced by Paula DuPré Pesmen and Fisher Stevens.”
^ Text from www.TheCoveMovie.com

If you liked THE COVE, you may also be interested in:
- Lolita: Slave to Entertainment (dolphin/orca captivity): http://tinyurl.com/yj8ww9u
- A Fall from Freedom (dolphin captivity): http://tinyurl.com/y9q9uss
- The End of the Line (about the fishing industry): http://tinyurl.com/yc6pamn
- Fowl Play (about the egg industry): http://tinyurl.com/yjlpfd5

*Please copy and paste the URL links below into your URL bar to link*

SeaWorld

Niki — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:54:23 +0000

While many of you have already heard, a 30 year old captive male orca, named Tillikum, grabbed and drowned his trainer, 40 year old Dawn Brancheau on Wednesday morning, February 24, 2010, at Sea World in Orlando. She had been standing in knee-deep water with the 12,000 pound, 23 foot long orca, right after a performance, when he pulled her from the platform by her long ponytail and took her into the water. Park guests, who were quickly ushered out of the area, described it as “violent.” When paramedics arrived, the trainer had died.

Tillikum, captured at age 2, from Iceland in 1983, has a rough past though and even before this incident, trainers were not allowed in the water with him. He is the largest orca in captivity. In 1991, he was accused of drowning his trainer, 20 year old Keltie Byrne, at Sealand of the Pacific (now closed). Then, in 1999, the body of a young man was found floating in Tillikum’s tank one morning.

It is unknown what Tillikum’s fate will be but according to Sea World press conferences, within a few days, the shows will resume as usual. However, even as of July 2010, trainers are still not allowed in the water with the killer whales, even during training sessions and performances.

HERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO:
1. You may send a comment to Sea World, regarding the attack and the possibility of retiring Tillikum at the link here: https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2945

2. You may also wish to take 2 minutes and comment on this new article about Sea World, Seaquarium, and Lolita:
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/What-About-Lolita-85394102.html

3. Please vote in this poll (the second option) to say that Orcas belong in the wild, not at Sea World:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-poll-killer-whale-seaworld-022510,0,6354939.poll

Thank you for your time and check back for updates.

This Saturday, February 27th, we are having a peaceful PROTEST for Lolita’s retirement from noon to 2 PM outside of the Miami Seaquarium. Banners and leaflets will be provided. Please come to show your support for retiring captive orcas around the world!