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Island orcas in captivity: Free them or not?
Not for a million bucks, say aquariums, contending it would be irresponsible




Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist
Published: Sunday, January 27, 2008
The answer is no. No to a million dollars, no to pressure from celebrities and no to the romantics who believe a fairy-tale ending is possible.

That's what Miami Seaquarium and SeaWorld San Diego are telling groups pressing for release of the only two surviving captured killer whales from waters in B.C. and Washington state -- despite support from actors such as Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford.


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Lolita the orca leaps out of the water tank at Miami’s Seaquarium. The aging killer whale, who was a member of the endangered southern residents, was captured near Whidbey Island, Wash., in 1970, when she was three years old.
Photograph by : Orca Network


Lolita raises memories of Free Willy

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Each whale has its own group of supporters. The campaign to free Lolita, which is at Miami Seaquarium, is led by actor-producer Raul Julia-Levy and the Washington-based Orca Network. And the bid to free Corky, in San Diego, is led by Paul Spong of OrcaLab on Hanson Island, about 20 kilometres east of Port McNeill.

"It's really painful to see that beautiful animal contained in that stinky little tank," said Julia-Levy, who plans to lobby the U.S. Senate and use movie-industry contacts to get television exposure on The Oprah Winfrey Show and other programs.

The tale starts almost four decades ago.

Lolita, a member of the southern residents -- now classified as endangered in Canada and the U.S. -- was captured near Whidbey Island, Wash., in 1970 as a three-year-old. About 85 whales were driven into the cove, with boats, explosives and aircraft.

Four baby whales and a female drowned. Seven young whales were captured and sold to aquariums.

Corky, a member of the threatened northern residents, was captured in Pender Harbour in December 1969, along with five other orcas.

From 1967 to 1975, more than 60 whales were captured in B.C. and Washington waters. As many as 13 died during the captures; most of the others died in captivity.

As Lolita and Corky approach old age, groups are trying to bring them back to home waters. Orca Network, for instance, has a net pen ready for Lolita in a San Juan Island bay, where her family, L Pod, hangs out in summer. "We would do it in the most conservative and professional way," said Howard Garrett of Orca Network, who has worked for Lolita's freedom since 1995.

Garrett hopes an offer of $1 million might sway Anheuser-Busch, owner of the Seaquarium. "We have a billionaire lined up," said Julia-Levy.

Spong would like to see Corky in an ocean net pen on northern Vancouver Island where she "can hear the natural sounds of the ocean again." "If they looked at Corky as an employee who has put in years of incredible service, they could give her the equivalent of a gold watch," he said.

"I think it would be long-term care in the ocean, but, my sense is, if she did come back to an ocean halfway house where she could hear the sounds of her relatives, it would be a transforming experience." But the aquariums say there is no chance either whale will be released.

There is no scientific evidence that Lolita could survive in the ocean, said Andrew Hertz, Miami Seaquarium general manager.

"It would be irresponsible for us to treat her life as an experiment and jeopardize her health and safety." Hertz said that Lolita will remain at the aquarium, "surrounded by people who love and protect her." Fred Jacobs, SeaWorld spokesman, said it will not consider the proposal. "We would consider it an act of cruelty" he said.

"She has spent virtually her entire life being cared for by humans and has none of the fear and natural suspicion she would need to survive in the wild. She's never had to hunt for food." jlavoie@tc.canwest.com

Celebrities Unite to Free Whale from Years of Solitary Confinement


Celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Hayden Panettiere, 50 Cent, Raul Julia-Levy call for the release of Lolita from a Miami Seaquarium by joining forces with the Orca Network. The exploitation of Lolita has continued for over 30 years as she lives in solitary confinement at the seaquarium. The celebrities are giving a voice to Lolita's plight.

Hollywood, CA (PRWEB) January 4, 2008 -- Celebrities from all facets of the entertainment industry pool together to fight for the release of a captive L pod orca whale named Lolita.

According to the Orca Network, actors, producers, singers and philanthropists have volunteered as spokespersons for the campaign to release of Lolita from the Miami Seaquarium to her native habitat in the Pacific Northwest after 37 years of captivity.

This cause for Lolita deserves immediate attention. We can also ask the authorities to prevent this from occurring in the future. The release of Lolita will help establish awareness in Congress. The list of celebrities and philanthropists for Lolita includes Johnny Depp, Hayden Panettiere, Lindsay Lohan, 50 Cent, Jean Claude Van Damme, Raul Julia-Levy, Bokeem Woodbine, Harrison Ford, Robert Downey Jr., Jonathan Silverman, Jennifer Finnigan, Billy Zane, Bob Barker, Francesco Quinn, Gladys Portugal, Joan Fontaine, Mekhi Phifer, Mike Amato, Sticky Fingaz, The Game and Truth Hurts. Prominent producers who support Lolita's release are Ed Elbert and Jonathan Sanger, along with director Isaac Florentine.

Leading the campaign to free Lolita is the co-founder and president of the Orca Network Howard Garrett and philanthropist Raul Julia-Levy. Garrett has drafted a proposal for the safe retirement of the captive orca whale and has submitted it to the Miami Seaquarium where Lolita currently lives in a confined man-made pool that is not as deep as her body's length.

When Julia-Levy heard of Lolita's plight, he contacted Garrett to lend his support by rallying the celebrities for her release.

"Lolita's already made her captives millions of dollars. How much is enough? Greediness has its limits and it is time Lolita goes back to her family," said Julia-Levy. "We need to make Lolita's voice heard," Julia-Levy pleaded.

Executive director and research biologist for the Center for Whale Research Kenneth Balcomb III mirrored Julia-Levy's sentiments. Balcomb III said, "Lolita deserves to retire in her home waters. She's made millions for the marine park. It's past time she had a chance to retire and enjoy the rest of her life."

In a letter to supporters of Lolita's release, Garrett explains Lolita's history and describes the distinct culture and complex languages of orca whales. The letter also addresses the fact that although Lolita has lived in captivity for 30 years, she will be able to recognize her family and will remember her lifelong membership as a Southern Resident orca.

Bokeem Woodbine, known for his role as Fathead Newman in the major motion picture Ray, understands the parallels between orca whales and humans. He believes that no animal of that size should be held captive for so long just to entertain people.

"No one has the right to kidnap these animals. Imagine if one of your sons gets kidnapped to entertain people in another country. In my world that's a high crime," said Woodbine.

Evidence gathered through the intensive study of killer whales shows that these mammals are family-oriented creatures who maintain family bonds and patterns that have been established from generation to generation. In 1995, Lolita made national television when Dateline NBC played a recording of Lolita's family to her. Based on her reaction, Lolita recognized her family's distinct call.

Along with the celebrities, a handful of politicians support Lolita's speedy release. U.S. Senators supporting her release include Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. U.S. Representatives include Rick Larson, Norm Dicks, Jim McDermott, Adam Smith and Linda Smith. The Island County and San Juan County Board of Commissioners and King County (Seattle) Executive Ron Sims also want Lolita released.

Martial arts extraordinaire Jean Claude Van Damme called for more help from the government. He said, "We live in the most powerful country in the world. It's time to urge Congress to create laws to protect and ensure the freedom of the whales. We must let this animal go free."

In the draft proposal for retiring Lolita, Garrett details the procedures for her release and dispels many objections held by representatives of the Miami Seaquarium and other individuals. For example, a feeding and care station will be provided should Lolita need man's help for a smooth transition.

"Lolita can go home without any risk to her. We cannot guarantee that she will successfully rejoin her family," said Garrett, "However, the best place for her is her native home."

With the support of prominent actors, producers and philanthropists, Gar...

U.S. aquariums refuse to release aging B.C. whales



Judith Lavoie, Canwest News Service
Published: Sunday, January 27, 2008
VICTORIA, B.C. -- The answer is no.
No to a million dollars, no to pressure from celebrities and no to the romantics who believe a fairy-tale ending is possible.
Answers from Miami Seaquarium and SeaWorld San Diego to groups pressing for release of the only two surviving captured killer whales from waters in B.C. and Washington state are unequivocal, despite a high-profile campaign that lists supporters such as actors Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford.



The campaign to free Lolita, which is at Miami Seaquarium, is led by actor and producer Raul Julia-Levy and the Washington-based Orca Network, while the campaign to free Corky, in San Diego, is led by Paul Spong of OrcaLab on Hanson Island, near Port McNeill, B.C., at the north end of Vancouver Island.
"It's really painful to see that beautiful animal contained in that stinky little tank," said Julia-Levy, who promises to lobby the U.S. Senate and use movie-industry contacts to get exposure on TV programs such as Oprah.
The tale started almost four decades ago.
Lolita, a member of the southern residents - now classified as endangered in Canada and the U.S. - was captured near Whidbey Island, Wash., in 1970, as a three-year-old. About 85 whales were driven into the cove, with boats, explosives and aircraft.
Four baby whales and a female drowned, and seven young whales were captured and sold to aquariums.
Between 1967 and 1975, more than 60 whales were captured in B.C. and Washington waters, including 40-year-old Corky, a member of the threatened northern residents. Between 11 and 13 died during the captures and most of the others died in captivity.
As the two surviving whales approach old age, groups are making a last-ditch attempt to bring them back to their home waters.
Orca Network has a net pen for Lolita in the area - near the southern end of Vancouver Island - where her family hangs out in summer.
"We would do it in the most conservative and professional way," said Howard Garrett of Orca Network, who has worked for Lolita's freedom since 1995.
Garrett hopes an offer of $1 million might sway Anheuser-Busch, owner of the Seaquarium. "We have a billionaire lined up," said Julia-Levy.
Spong wants to see an ocean net pen on northern Vancouver Island and is begging for Corky's retirement.
"If they looked at Corky as an employee who has put in years of incredible service, they could give her the equivalent of a gold watch. Make her a generous offer and let her hear the natural sounds of the ocean again," he said.
"I think it would be long-term care in the ocean, but, my sense is, if she did come back to an ocean halfway house where she could hear the sounds of her relatives, it would be a transforming experience."
But the aquariums say there is no chance either whale will be released.
There is no scientific evidence that Lolita could survive in the ocean, said Andrew Hertz, Miami Seaquarium general manager.
"It would be irresponsible for us to treat her life as an experiment and jeopardize her health and safety," he said.
"Lolita will remain at Miami Seaquarium, surrounded by people who love and protect her."
Fred Jacobs, SeaWorld spokesman, said the aquarium will not consider the proposal.
"We would consider it an act of cruelty," he said.
"She has spent virtually her entire life being cared for by humans and has none of the fear and natural suspicion she would need to survive in the wild. She's never had to hunt for food."
jlavoie@tc.canwest.com


http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=28d46c73-ab93-4227-b0f0-f7c6b057cea0&k=15944

Free Lolita! A Whale Story



For more than a decade, Howard Garrett has worked tirelessly out of his home on Whidbey Island, Wash., to return an orca whale named Lolita to her native waters. In 1995--inspired by the campaign to release Keiko, the "Free Willy" whale--he teamed with local politicians, offering the Florida aquarium where Lolita works a million dollars to reunite her with the pod of whales she grew up with, off the coast of Washington state. In 1997, he spent two years in Miami--unpaid--working to garner public attention for Lolita's cause; after nearly four decades in captivity, she's served her time, Garrett believes. Every year since then, his organization, the nonprofit advocacy group Orca Network, has held a beachside commemoration of the day Lolita was plucked from her family in the icy waters of Puget Sound.

But 12 years is a long time for anyone to stay committed--even in the Pacific Northwest, where the orca is treated as an icon. "There have been times I've wanted to give up," Garrett says. "Everyone keeps telling us it's hopeless, and even when there's a surge of enthusiasm, eventually it dwindles."

In late November, however, Garrett got a call that, in spite of his usual doubts, stirred the fight inside him. Raul Julia-Levy, the Hollywood producer and son of actor Raul Julia, wanted to sign on to help free Lolita, and with him, promised to bring every last Hollywood contact he could persuade. He immediately put Garrett on the phone with the wife of Jean Claude Van Damme, and within days, had a list that included Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and even 50 Cent. Now Levy says he's got a benefit concert in the works that will include R&B singer Truth Hurts, Snoop Dogg and 50 (who did not return NEWSWEEK requests for comment, though Levy says "the man loves animals like you have no idea"). Nearly a dozen local politicians have signed on, as well. "We have some of the most powerful Hollywood producers behind this campaign, and I have spoken with some of the most prominent scientists in this field," Levy says. "This beautiful animal does not deserve to die in a stinky little tank, and we are not going to take less than a full victory."


The problem, of course, is that not everyone feels the way Levy and his Hollywood buddies do. The debate over Lolita has at times divided the Puget Sound community, and many scientists have been hesitant to endorse Garrett's cause. The Miami Seaquarium, where Lolita has lived for the past 37 years, has long been unwilling to consider the idea of releasing her and is calling the latest campaign a "publicity grab" by uninformed activists. The park's general manager, Andrew Hertz (the son of the park's owner, Arthur Hertz), contends that Lolita is healthy and happy--performing two shows a day--and quips that "you can't make a 7,000 pound animal do what she doesn't want to do."

Hertz says Lolita receives daily checkups, and that--despite criticism of her living conditions in the past--she receives the "best care of any orca in the world." He points to a 2004 inspection report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that says Lolita "appears to be healthy and well-adjusted to her environment" despite a pool that "appears small." (The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service states that the primary enclosure for a killer whale must have a minimum horizontal dimension of no less than 48 feet in either direction. Lolita's tank is about 35 feet on either side of its sizable middle island--which means it meets the specifications when the total space is tallied.) "Lolita is home," says Hertz. "This is where she lives, where she's with people who care for her and love her, and wouldn't ever do anything to hurt her."

That may be the case, but the story of her capture is an easy tear-jerker. On Aug. 8, 1970, at the age of about three, Lolita (then called Tokitae) and her extended family of more than 100 orcas--her pod--were gathered in Puget Sound when capture boats and aircraft began hurling explosives into the water to herd them into a small cove. The orcas had been through this before, and split into two groups: the females and their young stayed underwater and tried to escape to the north, while the rest acted as decoys and headed east. At first the distraction worked--until the first group had to come up for air. While the rest of her family watched, Lolita and six other babies were lifted onto rubber mats on flatbed trucks; they were sold to marine parks and aquariums across the country.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/98193

Actor and Philanthropist Raul Julia-Levy's Passionate Quest for Lolita's Freedom Gains Momentum




The Free Willy Foundation, under the umbrella of the Earth Island Institution, joins Hollywood's elite calling for the release of a captive Orca whale.



Hollywood, CA (NEWSWEEK) March 4, 2008 -- Imagine roaming around in an eight by ten room for the rest of your life, receiving the same food day in, day out, at the same time, performing the same routine over and over again. Feeling claustrophobic? Depressed? That's how Lolita feels as she swims in an 18 feet deep, 35 feet by 80 feet tank, only a fraction of the vast ocean she once explored, eating the same ration of fish and jumping through the same hoops.

Lolita is the orca whale held captive at the Miami Seaquarium for the past 37 years. Recently her story has made international news as celebrities have stood behind the campaign for her release. On January 23, Newsweek ran an article about Lolita titled "Free Lolita! A Whale Story" that explains in detail the whale's inhumane plight.

Recent media coverage has compared Lolita's story to that of Keiko, the orca star of the Free Willy movies, directed by Richard Donner. In 1994, the Earth Island Institution (EII) established the Free Willy Keiko Foundation (FWKF) that eventually realized its mission of successfully rehabilitating Keiko to his oceanic home in the volcanic Westman Islands of Iceland.

For the Keiko Project, the Free Willy Keiko Foundation received generous assistance from the Earth Island Institute and numerous other foundations. According to EII's website, the organization "works for solutions to environmental problems by promoting citizen action and incubating a diverse network of projects."

The rehabilitation of Keiko involved many steps. First the FWKF negotiated the donation of Keiko from the Reino Aventura amusement park to the project. After successfully transporting Keiko from Mexico City to Oregon, the rehabilitation team built a rehab pool, and eventually a sea pen when Keiko was returned to Iceland to assimilate to his native waters. When Keiko lived in the sea pen, the team re-taught him to eat live fish and other skills to live in the wild.

Keiko's story gives scientists, activists, philanthropists, and Hollywood producers, directors and actors inspiration to forge ahead with the efforts to free Lolita. The latest coup for the campaign to retire Lolita is the recent involvement of the Earth Island Institution: The Keiko Foundation.

Raul Julia-Levy, celebrity spokesman for Lolita's release, said, "Having the Earth Island Institution aligned with our efforts brings a one-two punch to our campaign. We now have the experience of Richard Donner in our quest to free Lolita."

Donner, also the executive producer of Free Willy, raised money and assembled a cast of thousands for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Keiko. Knowing the controversy surrounding the release of a whale held for entertainment purposes, Donner brings to the equation his compassion and inspiration.

Another high-powered individual to join the campaign is music legend Elton John. In an article published in the Times Colonists, Elton John stated in a letter found on his website, "I have been deeply moved by efforts to free Lolita and wish to add my name to the campaign to return her to home waters, where she can hopefully reunite with her family."

"She has spent most of her life performing daily in a small tank and I wish to add my voice to those others who are attempting to see her either freed or fully cared for in retirement in a sea-pen within the waters where she was captured almost 30 years ago," said Julia-Levy. "A powerful group has been meeting the past two weeks to strategize for the campaign. The Miami Seaquarium won't know what hit them."

Adding to the humanitarian efforts are recent recruits David Permut who produced the 1996 blockbuster Face/Off and Steve Longi who co-produced the recently released Charlie Bartlett. Permut and Longi join Oscar-winning producer Jonathan Sanger, best known for producing Vanilla Sky and Mission Impossible, and Anna and the King and The Martian Child's producer Ed Elbert in the battle to free Lolita.

"With Permut, Longi and Donnor on board, we maintain of unwavering confidence and hope in releasing Lolita from her exploitative existence at the Miami Seaquarium," said Julia-Levy.

Julia-Levy encourages private citizens concerned about anthropomorphic mammals like Lolita to contribute to the campaign for Lolita's release by donating to the Keiko Foundation.

Further information about the Earth Island Institute may be obtained from their website or by contacting:

David Phillips
Earth Island Institute
300 Broadway, Suite 28
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 788 3666 X 145