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News Archives July, 2002 The cry to "free Lolita" is being sounded once more Many months ago, WSPA, joined the Orca Network in bringing you Lolita's story, a sad tale of a lone captive orca and a prime example of the greater tragedy of keeping marine mammals in captivity. Since that time not much has changed in Lolita's life: she still swims in endless circles, is unable to interact or communicate with members of her own species and performs mindless tricks for park visitors. The beacon of hope has been lit once again, however, as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), under the USDA, has proposed rule changes concerning the minimum space requirements for captive marine mammals. If the size regulations are changed, the Miami Seaquarium will be forced to give up Lolita. That's why we need your letters today! Hopes are high that she'll finally be allowed to retire and maybe even be able to find her way home, back to her original pod. The deadline for public comment is July 29th so please act now! The inadequate size of Lolita's tank is the issue that supporters have long hoped would bring about her release from captivity. Lolita has lived in the same tank at the Miami Seaquarium since her arrival over thirty years ago, during which she has grown to be 22 feet long and weigh over three tons. The size of her tank, at 80 feet long (divided in half by a work station and platform) by only 20 feet at its deepest point, provides a wholly inappropriate living space for a marine mammal capable of swimming up to 35 miles an hour and diving up to 500 feet under the sea. APHIS regulations stipulate that the primary enclosure for a killer whale must have a minimum width of no less than 48 feet. Despite the fact that the Miami Seaquarium tank is clearly illegal under even these minimum standards, APHIS has consistently failed for decades to enforce its own regulations and the Animal Welfare Act. APHIS's decision to open up current regulations to review and public comment presents a rare opportunity for positive changes to be made for captive marine mammals, and hopefully, for Lolita to gain her freedom. For an animal that routinely travels 75 to 100 miles day, current requirements of a tank width of 48 feet is grossly inadequate and can lead to serious health risks for the orcas. Urge APHIS to increase the minimum tank requirements to a horizontal width of 300 feet or a straight-line width of 300 feet for any tank holding an orca. Remember, you don't have to be a killer whale expert to weigh in on this issue. Your letter on Lolita's behalf could make all the difference in her world. Writing letters to help animals: Be sure to include your name and address with your comments and reference Docket No. 93-076-17. Send letters to: Dr. Barbara Kohn
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