One of the worst things you could do to any person, animal, creature, etc. is strip them away from their family. Many people fail to realize that is what is being done when you take an orca out of the ocean to put it in a sea park or aquarium. Orcas have families too, and when you take them from their family to hold them captive in a park it is cruel.
Lolita is an orca that has been held captive in Miami Seaquarium for 40 plus years now. It is also said that she lives in the “smallest tank in North America” (Miami New Times.) Everyday people push and petition for Lolita’s release from the aquarium. There are many different organizations, people, and activists out there who want to help Lolita get back to her family.
There are organizations such as PETA, Save Lolita, and The Orca Network who all have the common interest of saving Lolita. A little over two years ago, PETA released an advertisement with Adriana de Moura, Real Housewives of Miami star, speaking out about the harsh realities of Lolita’s life in Miami Seaquarium.
Although the advertisement doesn’t say much, it depicts the harsh reality Lolita faces in Miami Seaquarium. In a way, PETA is blaming the aquarium for the harsh life they have given her. PETA is trying to make their audience realize what the orca goes through. The statement “Could you live in a bathtub for 40 years?” is meant to open people’s eyes, and want to make a change. PETA want readers to take action and change Lolita’s future. Jay Heinrichs declares in his book Thank You for Arguing, “If you want to make a joint decision, you need to focus on the future” (p. 30.) PETA shares the same values as many animal activists do. This helps petitioners know that they have support from an organization as big as PETA.
The advertisement is from years ago, but people are still fighting for her release to this day. As of this past Tuesday, September 22, 2015, protests outside of Miami Seaquarium are now allowed. The Seaquarium had an animal activist arrested for holding a sign saying “Free Lolita,” outside of the aquarium. After the court case, protests outside of the aquarium are allowed without the chance of being arrested (Miami New Times.) |
To this day, activists and various organizations are still trying to get Lolita released from Miami Seaquarium. Animal activists wish Lolita had a better life in the wild where she could be free and be with her family. It is unfair and cruel that she has to spend every day of her life in a small and enclosed concrete tank.
Get involved and do everything you can to help save Lolita and end captivity for good. Help return her to her family where she belongs.
Get involved and do everything you can to help save Lolita and end captivity for good. Help return her to her family where she belongs.