50 years ago over 100 Southern Resident orcas were herded into Penn Cove off Whidbey Island, Washington. Seven of the young whales were netted and delivered to marine parks around the world. All but one had died by 1987.
Originally named Tokitae, they now call her Lolita and she has been held captive at the Miami Seaquarium since 1970. This event is in memory of the nearly 40 Southern Resident orcas captured in Washington State and the 13 orcas killed during the captures, and in honor of Tokitae, the sole survivor, who is now named Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, after a Native village in Penn Cove near her capture site.
We’ll explore her long ordeal as a captive live animal act, and how she copes with the solitude, the repetitive routines, and the sheer boredom. We'll remember her and promise to bring her home in waterside ceremonies at various locations including Penn Cove, Miami, San Juan Islands, and at Lummi. We'll look back at 25 years of the Lolita campaign including beautiful songs and fascinating videos and photographs. We'll look ahead to the players who are ready to bring her home, including Lummi elders and the Earth Law Center with an update on legal efforts and the plan for her retirement in the Salish Sea, as well as an opportunity for Q and A.