Thanks to everyone’s giant wave of emails and calls we have a response! Your voice matters!
”As the new operators take over the Miami Seaquarium, they granted my request to visit Toki the orca and the other animals to check up on their health and understand more about their daily care. I will be bringing legislation to continue the open and transparent approach to ensuring that these animals are well cared for in perpetuity.
Commissioner Regalado
There are serious concerns for the health and safety of the orca Lolita/Tokitae at Miami Seaquarium. We desperately need an independent third party to come in and assess Lolita’s health. Please take a moment to send an email to the following:
- NOAA, Southeast Fisheries Science Center: sefsc.webmaster@noaa.gov
- Mayor Levine Cava: mayor@miamidade.gov
- USDA Florida Field Station: bryan.kluever@usda.gov
- Maria.Nardi@miamidade.gov
- Jimmy.morales2@miamidade.gov
- County Commissioner District 7
- Raquel Regalado: district7@miamidade.gov
You can use the following example text in your emails:
Dear (add recipient name here),
I am sure you are aware of the growing concerns about the well-being of orca Lolita/Tokitae at Miami Seaquarium. A whistle-blower has revealed that Lolita is ill with pneumonia and is not doing very well. Drone footage from a few days ago shows the terrible state Lolita’s tank is in. All this follows the recent report from the USDA about all the ways in which Miami Seaquarium is failing to look after the animals properly. Miami Seaquarium is outdated, it is in disrepair and public opinion is turning against keeping cetaceans in captivity. There has long been a plan in place to safely move Lolita to her home waters of the Salish Sea, where her family still roams free. She would have her own safe sanctuary there to live out the rest of her days. It’s been 52 years since she was captured as a young orca. Brutally stolen from her family and the ocean. Isn’t it about time we give back to her what was so viciously taken from her? First and foremost it is of the utmost importance that her health is checked by an independent third party. Miami Seaquarium has kept her hidden for the past 6 months and is not very forthcoming about the state she is really in. She is not safe at Miami Seaquarium and we call for an immediate third party assessment of her health and the retirement of Lolita to her home waters!
Best wishes,
(add name)
