#CaptivityKills

Part 1

I was swimming with my pod when they caught us. It's hard to think about. I still remember the terror that I felt that day.

We were driven into Penn Cove by a group of humans who wanted to capture and sell us. My mother tried to protect me but they were too strong and cunning. They drove us into nets. I was scared. I remember I was screaming for my mother and she was screaming for me but we were ripped apart and my friends and family were drowning. Calves died but their deaths were kept a secret until their carcasses washed up on a beach filled with rocks and slit open. I didn't know humans could be that cruel.

I am the only whale still alive who was captured. My mother is out there somewhere and if I was set free I could find her and hopefully resume my life. But I can't. I'm here at the Miami Seaquarium, made to perform show after show after show. I am too old now but I'm scared. If I don't do the tricks my food will be delayed.

I need to go home. You can help me. Please?

This is the story of how Lolita (or Tokitae) was captured and taken away from her mother. She was taken to the Miami Seaquarium and is the oldest whale in captivity and is in the smallest tank in the U.S. She could be released if we all try together. Help Lolita get home and have her well earned retirement. We know it's wrong. A whale shouldn't be in a bathtub.

Lolita hasn't seen another orca since her companion, Hugo, rammed into a wall and died in 1980. Wouldn't you go crazy? I would. Help her.

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Hi! I love whales and dolphins and I am a campaigner for the freedom of orcas in captivity! I thought I would tell you about a few orcas who are in captivity at places like SeaWorld. Tomorrow I will be posting about a whale called Tilikum. His story is heartbreaking but needs to be told. Keep reading -Catherine xx