On February 22, 2023, Until Lolita is Home wrote to the USDA and Miami Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, in regards to concerns that images and references of Lolita and Li’i continued to be used by the Miami Seaquarium and that Google Reviews as recent as mid-February 2023 show that a number of the paying public continue to be under the assumption that they can see Toki and Li’i perform and are purchasing tickets in which to do so.
Today, March 6, we received a letter from Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department (cc. Miami Dade Gov.) stating that they have looked in to the issue and the Seaquarium have removed images of Toki from its website, has removed the Killer Whale & Dolphin show from its park map, and has ordered new park maps which will no longer show Tokitae or the whale bowl.
We are pleased that we received a quick response from the authorities, and action was taken rapidly by the Miami Seaquarium. Toki and Li’i should not be used as attractions ever again.
Re: License Number: 58-C-1252 Customer ID Number: 6011009
There are concerns that images and references of Lolita (hereinafter “Toki”) and Li’i continue to be used by the Miami Seaquarium.
It is our understanding that in accordance with the USDA license (License No: 58-C-1252), the Miami Seaquarium (Customer No: 6011009) is prohibited from showing any images or receiving any monetary gain from the orca, Toki or the Pacific white-sided dolphin, Li’i.
“If, in the future, you intend to exhibit either of these animals (including posting any image of these animals on social media with the expectation of economic benefit), or resume using this pool for exhibition purposes, you will need to apply for a new license.”
FINDINGS
Miami Seaquarium uses an image of Toki inside the Whale Bowl on their website.
Miami Seaquarium has not updated the park map.
The Whale Bowl, and a description of the show, are on their website and in the printed park guide. There is also an image of an orca on the front of the printed guide that could confuse paying public.
Text: “Killer whale & dolphin show. Be amazed and delighted by Lolita the Killer Whale and exotic Pacific white-sided dolphins as they show off their grace and natural abilities.”
CONCERNS
Google Reviews as recent as mid-February 2023 show that a number of the paying public continue to be under the assumption that they can see Toki and Li’i perform and are purchasing tickets in which to do so.
Ref: “Because (1) MS Leisure has made the decision not to exhibit Lolita/Tokitae and the Pacific white-sided dolphin within the Whale Stadium, (2) the Whale Stadium is inaccessible to the public and the animals contained therein are not visible to the public”
GOOGLE REVIEWS (October 2022 – February 2023)
“…Also the orca exhibit was closed. Kind of disappointed there.” – Joseph Powell
“…Website says they have Orca show, but when we went there, they said 2 years ago that show cancelled. Misleading commercials!” – Bilgehan Taner
“There is no longer the whale and the show…” – Christopher Cavanna
“Overrated, too small, so sad not enough animals, not whales anymore, too expensive for the value.” – Hussien Alameldin
“Dated and dirty; urgent renewal. The ticket price (about $50 per person) is not justified. Closed orca tank. Sharks absent.” – Carlo De Alessandri
“The Whale Show is not there and they do not inform before paying the tickets….” – Patty Corredor
“Very hot with few shaded areas. Outdated website about retired attractions” – Monica Raineri Martin
“In reality, the functions are few, the Orca is no longer among the functions, it seems to me that more information is needed from the employees.” – Oscar Miguel Serrano Martinez
“A total disappointment, entrance cost 50Usd app per person…the orca show is no longer there…” – Jennifer Bello
“…When you opening Google map, the first picture you see is Killer Whale. EVERYONE NEED TO KNOW Killer Whale IS NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE!!! …” – Vas Kost
Allowing photos and videos of Toki and Li’i for solely informational purposes; for example, Toki’s medical reports; would be beneficial. However, we understand that under no circumstances should material be used for monetary gain or to bring people into the park, whether by intention or by an accidental oversight.
We would like to know whether or not images and videos used on websites are prohibited, and we await clarification on this matter.
