Lolita, a Southern Resident killer whale that’s been in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium for 44 years, has been declared eligible for endangered species status.
Lolita, a Southern Resident killer whale that’s been in captivity at the Miami Seaquarium for 44 years, has been declared eligible for endangered species status.
The whale’s Miami home has long been controversial, as her environment is small, shallow, and without a companion.
Her new status may lead to her relocation to a nicer habitat and possibly even a release back into the wild.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced their decision on Wednesday, February 4th, following a lengthy period of review.
Due to her captive status Lolita wasn’t previously considered covered under the Endangered Species declaration that gave protection to members of her original pod.
As a result of a petition submitted by PETA, the Orca Network, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and others the restriction in the origin
