So they're going to release Lolita

[midlander79]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article273738455.html

Over two years, teaching her how to catch fish etc again
She was kidnapped in the 70s. She's ageing and has been stuck in that awful, tiny pool for 50 odd years.
So cruel but will she even survive the pollutants and realities of the ocean? Could she find her own pod again?
I'm glad because she must be the loneliest orca in the world but what does 50 +years in a tiny enclosure do psychologically to such an intelligent animal :(

It breaks my heart what they've done to her and I really hope she can enjoy some freedom back in the ocean. Her life has been prison for far too long.

How on earth will she survive in the wild? She’ll still be alone, how can she possibly find her original pod? She’ll be vulnerable to any pathogens orcas in the whale been immune to forever. I think, brutally, I’d rather see her pts. Will she know how to hunt/fend for herself?

I'll try find some more information on how they're going to do it. Ric O'Barry (I'm a lesbian and I'd chuffing marry that man, his work is so admirable) campaigned for years to get her life improved and get her retired to a seapen but her owner would not budge, no matter how much money Ric offered 😥
I cannot think about how miserable her life has been.

I am amazed Lolita has survived so long and hasn't succumbed to pneumonia or gone psychotic. The conditions she's been kept in are just horrific. Not to mention she had another orca in there with her for years too :0

She won't be released, it just won't happen. Even if the seaquarium did eventually agree to it it wouldn't work anyway. She was too young when captured, she won't have proper hunting or survival instincts. Pods won't accept her, she would be very vulnerable.

The best thing the seaquarium could do for her is to retire her in a seapen when she's looked after (however $$$$ and doubt they could afford it) or move her to a "better" facility that doesn't have many other whales. Not sure there are many options on that fron though...

I always think it's a shame the Oregon cost aquarium tank wasn't kept as a rehab tank for captive cetaceans.

I know. :( she has a couple of dolphins in with her does she?
Such an emotionally intelligent animal. She must be such a strong character to have not succumbed to her situation, I agree.
Humans are a disgusting species/.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I used to go to Seaworld all the time when I lived in the States. I’ve since realised what a terrible cruel place it is and will never go back. Hope all Lolita gets to love her remaining days free from her prison