MIAMI SEAQUARIUM DISCOUNTS ORCA NEED TO RETIRE - SAVE LOLITA! » Lolita

Are Seaquarium Animals Harmed by Excessive Partying?

Shelby — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:39:21 +0000

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2011/12/are_seaquarium_animals_in_dang.php

Are Seaquarium Animals Harmed by Excessive Partying?

By Gus Garcia-Roberts Wed., Dec. 7 2011 at 9:00 AM

After two dolphins died at a Swiss marine park following a “techno party” across the street, Miami Seaquarium is taking a good, reasoned look at whether hosting late-night parties is putting its animals in danger.Just kidding! But putting a stop to such parties is the new rallying cry of animal activists who have protested the Key Biscayne marine-life sadertainment park for years.

In October, Switzerland’s Conny Land held a 16-hour “rave”– which sounds like hell for humans too — just a little more than 50 yards from the marine park, despite warnings from animal conservationists that dolphins are highly sensitive and easily distressed by loud noise.

Two of Conny Land’s dolphins died within a month of the party.

Seaquarium — the controversial home to killer whale Lolita and several dolphins — regularly hosts late-night parties. For Halloween, there was the Monster Splash Nightime Bash. And on November 25 — just a couple of weeks after the second Swiss dolphin died — Seaquarium hosted to the massive White Party.

Animal activists petitioned to stop the bash, collecting more than 1,400 signatures. Seaquarium reacted the same way it has to all animal welfare petitions: by ignoring it.

A glance at Seaquarium’s upcoming schedule shows a few more questionable events in the near future. There are the nightime hours of the holiday season – “complete with nightly snowfall, carnival rides, a Kids Winterfest, extended park hours,” ow, my blowhole is stinging already — and the Valentine’s Day Dine With the Dolphins event that will include late-night swimming with the dolphins and, we’re assuming, Kenny G blasted at Swedish House Mafia volumes.

Word of Seaquarium’s “raves” — unless glowsticks and Dennis Rodman were present, this word is probably being used a bit loosely — has traveled the globe. An Australian woman named Jewel Rainbow (really) recently emailed us:

Animal welfare advocates around the world are concerned that Miami Seaquarium is hosting late-night rave parties. These parties, which feature amplified music and fireworks exploding in the sky overhead, are simply not appropriate for a facility that is designed to provide a safe habitat for marine mammals, who need their rest after performing for the public during daylight hours. Come on, Miami, we know you’re a party town but do the right and let the sea creatures at Seaquarium get their sleep – find another venue for your raves.

We called the Seaquarium this morning for comment. We’ll let you know when we hear back.

Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.

Law Suit says Seaquarium “Harms and Harasses” Endangered Southern Resident Orca, Lolita

Shelby — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:25:43 +0000

http://www.aldf.org/article.php?id=1867

Federal Government Sued Over Orca Lolita’s Illegal Exemption From Endangered Species Act

November 17th, 2011

Animal Legal Defense Fund, PETA Cite Government’s Improper Conduct in Allowing Seaquarium to “Harm and Harass” Lone Orca for Profit

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Lisa Franzetta, Animal Legal Defense Fund
Delcianna Winders, PETA

Miami — The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), PETA, and three individuals filed a lawsuit this morning against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for violating the Administrative Procedure Act by excluding Lolita, a solitary orca who has been confined to a tiny concrete tank at the Miami Seaquarium for more than 40 years, from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA provides members of the wild Southern Resident orca population and other endangered animals with a host of protections, including protection against being harmed or harassed. Yet, despite being a member of the Southern Residents, Lolita has been denied all of these protections without any explanation by NMFS. The plaintiffs argue that NMFS’ regulatory exclusion from ESA listing of captive Southern Resident orcas is illegal. In the filing, the plaintiffs set out specific provisions of the ESA that expressly forbid such an exclusion.

“Lolita was torn from her family, has been exploited for every dollar Seaquarium can squeeze out of her, and finally betrayed by the government agency charged with protecting her, which simply ignored the law,” says PETA’s general counsel Jeffrey S. Kerr. “This regulatory ‘gift’ to an industry notorious for making orcas’ lives miserable is not only incredibly cruel but blatantly illegal.”

“The government’s failure to provide Lolita with the protections enjoyed by the wild members of her pod has enabled the Miami Seaquarium to keep her in conditions that violate the Endangered Species Act,” explains ALDF’s director of litigation Carter Dillard. “Lolita must be granted the protections under federal law which she is rightfully due and which best ensure her survival and well-being, which—depending on her condition–could include transferring her to a sea pen in her home waters and releasing her back to her family pod.”

PETA and ALDF explain that NMFS listed Southern Resident orcas, who range off the coast of Washington State, as endangered in part because their capture for public display had depressed their numbers to dangerous levels. The ESA clearly prohibits the wholesale exemption of all captive members of a listed species. And even where valid exemptions exist, they apply only where the holding of such animals “was not in the course of a commercial activity.” The plaintiffs estimate that Seaquarium has made tens of millions of dollars by forcing Lolita to perform tricks over the past four decades.

In the wild, orcas live in tight family units with bonds that may last a lifetime. At Seaquarium, Lolita swims endless circles in a small, barren tank that does not comply with USDA regulations. This highly intelligent and social animal has been without an orca companion since 1980.

White Party May Harm Seaquarium Animals

Shelby — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:47:30 +0000

Mark Baker Productions is throwing essentially a rave right next to the SQ, and within the last week two dolphins have died at a swiss dolphinarium after a “techo party” was thrown across the street. http://whiteparty.org/events/the-white-party

http://www.thelocal.ch/national/20111110_1730.html

The Local – Dolphin dies after Swiss techno party

www.thelocal.ch

A dolphin has died at a Swiss amusement park just weeks after conservationists warned that loud noises could cause extreme distress to the cetaceans at a dolphinarium in the eastern town of Lipperswil.

http://worldradio.ch/wrs/news/wrsnews/second-dolphin-dies-at-conny-land.shtml?27545

WRS | Second dolphin dies at Conny-Land (after techno party)

www.worldradio.ch

Animal rights groups have called for three remaining dolphins to be seized from the Conny-Land amusement park in canton Thurgau following the death of the second dolphin there in under a week.

loud noises for prolonged periods of time can cause elevated levels of stress which can lower cetaceans immune system response and essentially lead to sickness and/or death.

Who to contact:

The White Party: http://whiteparty.org/contact

MIAMI-DADE OFFICE: 3510 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 Tel: 305-576-1234 Fax: 305-571-2020

BROWARD OFFICE: 871 West Oakland Park Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311 Tel: 954-567-7141 Fax: 954-565-5624

Politely tell the entertainment that playing this show may harm animals:

DJ Joe Gauthreaux: http://www.facebook.com/DJJoeG

DJ Pagano: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dj-Pagano/104939349545326

JES: http://www.myspace.com/planetjes

Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce

88 West McIntyre Street, Suite 100

Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Phone. 305.361.5207

Fax. 305.361.9411

info@keybiscaynechamber.org

USDA APHIS Animal Care: ace@aphis.usda.gov USDA/APHIS/AC 4700 River Road, Unit 84 Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Ph: 301-734-7833 Fax: 301-734-4978

Animal Welfare Information Center: awic@nal.usda.gov 10301 Baltimore Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 Ph: 301-504-6212 Fax: 301-504-7125

Key Biscayne Police/Public Safety Direct Non-Emergency Line: (305) 365-5555

I would like to remind you we cannot “attack” this White Party, just nicely try our best to inform them on the perils that can arise from throwing this party at the SQ. What they do for HIV/Aids awareness is great, but they don’t need to harm the SQ animals in the process. Kindly urge people who would like to support the cause to send in donations, but don’t attend the party.

Mark Baker Events:

wonderworld@markbakerevents.com

Care Resources:

Administrative Office 3510 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33137 TEL: 305-576-1234 – FAX: 305-571-2020

A informative demonstation will be held all night during the event, you can get more info and sign up to attend here:

http://www.facebook.com/events/175908975836793/?notif_t=event_invite

Minimum and maximum distances of White Party stage to animal enclosures, according to Google Earth: Lolita’s Tank-min 683ft max 894ft, Top Deck Dolphin Tank-min 484ft max 638ft, Sealion/Seal Dome- min 250ft max 478ft, Manatee Pool-min 611ft max 852ft, Rear Medical Pools-min 116ft max 380ft. All enclosures listed are within a distance of disturbance which COULD lead to elevated stress levels and immune system suppression of animals.

Monthly Demo for Lolita’s Retirement, October 29th

Shelby — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:35:12 +0000

Get ready Miami, it is time to show the Seaquarium that WE are not letting up until they acknowledge that Lolita is being kept in an illegal tank, according to APHIS standards, and she deserves to be retired in her native waters where she could interact with her family. Come show your support at the October installment of our “last Saturday of the month” demos from 12-2PM in front of the entrance to the Miami Seaquarium. To attend sign up at the facebook event page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=242067539175420

Always remember to NOT pay to park in the Miami Seaquarium lot and to spread the word to those who may be interested!

Miami, FL IMADA Screening, Keiko, The Untold Story

Shelby — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:12:11 +0000

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207161599347553

Time	Wednesday, September 21 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location	O Cinema 90 NW 29th Street Miami, FL

Created By	Samantha Whitcraft, Krystin Leonhardt, Theresa Demarest

More Info	Earthrace Conservation – Miami presents: “Keiko, The Untold Story” Join us for the first Florida screening of the award-winning film that tells the story of, Keiko, the whale that got away. Through first-hand accounts by the marine mammal experts charged with his care, the film follows Keiko, the orca star of 1993’s ‘Free Willy’ from his life in captivity to his legacy of hope, the lessons learned…AND the untold story of his extraordinary years of freedom in Iceland and Norway. Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release realized! ~ VIP Guests ~ Theresa Demarest, Producer/Director Pete Bethune, ‘Whale Warrior’ RECEPTION: No-host beer/wine bar & snacks, silent auction… and signed book, sound-track and T-shirt sales. Tickets: $20 at the door or via EventBrite 6 pm screening: http://keikofilmmiamisix.eventbrite.com/ 8 pm screening: http://keikofilmmiamieight.eventbrite.com/ If you can’t attend but wish to support the cause of cetacean freedom, please sign and share this petition: http://apps.facebook.com/petitions/1/IMATA-Improve-Your-Code-of-Ethics-to-Protect-Dolphins/ THANK YOU! *Profits support ocean conservation and education outreach.

Third Annual Walk for Lolita, August 8th

Shelby — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:30:10 +0000

Monday, August 8 · 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Join us for the THIRD Annual Walk for Lolita which will take place on the day of her capture back in 1970, since then she has spent her life living in the United States’ oldest and smallest orca tank, which is illegal by USDA/APHIS minimum standards. As an added twist this year the walk will last longer than normal with a start at 12PM meeting at the first parking lot after the bride on Rickenbacker Causeway, and then embark on a walk for about a mile to the entrance to the Miami Seaquarium where a protest will be held. If you don’t want to or can’t do the actual walk feel free to park at the lot next to the Seaquarium and meet the others for the protest. The protest will then last until Lolita’s last “show” is preformed that day, so feel free to join in when you have time.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169223919816132

International IMATA/IMADA Rally Against Marine Mammal Captivity Everywhere

Shelby — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:00:40 +0000

WHY:

September 23rd is the day Lolita, the lonely orca, was ripped away fromher family, sold into captivity, and shipped from her home in the wild to arrive at the Miami Seaquarium on Sept 24th. It is also the last day of the International Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) Conference in Miami, hosted by the Miami Seaquarium.

Lolita has been living in an illegal-sized tank at the Miami Seaquarium for the last 40 years at a facility that is widely considered one of the most dilapidated in the U.S. and has no AAZA Accreditation, the minimum industry standard. And yet, the Miami Seaquarium now also houses a ‘Swim-with-Dolphins’ program.

We support the 3 R’s of Responsible Captivity: Rescue, Rehab, and Release only!

We invite Miami residents, activists from everywhere, and the media to come out and support this cause.

And we are, once again, seeking CITY CAPTAINS around the world to host simultaneous events. All events will be listed at www.SaveLolita.com and fliers/posters will be provided electronically. JOIN US!

Portland, OR:
Sat, Sept. 24 noon-2 pm
Waterfront Park/Market Entrance
City Captain, Rae Benson
[https://www.facebook.com/raemarie.wilson]

San Francisco, CA:
Sun, Sept. 18 noon- 3 pm
Union Square
City Captain, Wendy Brunot
[https://www.facebook.com/Withoutmethereisnoyou]
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=1669246833665?07

San Diego, CA:
Sat, Sept. 24 10 am – 2 pm
Sea World
City Captain, James Madison
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2136752019950?34

ECOTERRA Intl. and ECOP-marine
Maria Delgado
September 23rd
South Africa
africanode@ecoterra.net (for details)

Pat Rasmussen
Olympia, WA USA
Park on Water Street, across the street from Traditions Café
10 AM to 2 PM
Contact: patr@crcwnet.com
Cell phone: 509-669-1549

Diane McNally
Victoria, BC, Canada
Intersection of Government and View Street (by Irish Times)
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=victoria%2Bbc&spn=.563567,1.292885&hl=en
September 24th, 12 – 2pm
Will provide flyers to hand out
freecaptiveorcas@gmail.com

Andrea Gauzza-Langlie
Baltimore, Maryland
Saturday, September 24th from 11AM-1PM
On the plaza in front of the Baltimore (National) Aquarium. Make and bring a poster if you like. Fliers are not allowed to be handed out. I will be painting a picture of Orcas.
(cancelled in the event of rain)
andrea@langlie.com
Cell number# 301-641-4606

Kyrstyn Proie (my little sister)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Saturday September 24th 12-2PM
Point State Park, meet at the fountain
saveouroceansnow@gmail.com

Shelby Proie
Seattle, Washington
September 24th 12-2PM

Victor Steinbrueck Park (next to Pike Place Market)

Shelby@savelolita.com

Gina Gaft
Key West, Florida
Saturday September 24th 6-8pm
Mallory Square for sunset
ginagaft@gmail.com
Contact Krystin@earthrace.net to become a City Captain in your area!

Gina Gaft
Key West, Florida
Saturday September 24th 6-8pm
Mallory Square for sunset
(Gina Gaft on Facebook for more info)

GOALS:
END ENTERTAINMENT CAPTIVITY EVERYWHERE -
We support the 3R’s of Responsible Marine Mammal Captivity: Rescue, Rehab, and Release only!

LOLITA’S RETIREMENT -
In collaboration with Orca Network (www.orcanetwork.org), We strive to see Lolita retired to a sea pen in her native Pacific North West waters where she will be taken care of for the rest of her life unless she chooses to rejoin her pod still residing in her natal waters.

AMEND IMATA ‘CODE OF ETHICS’ FOR TRANSPARENCY
In collaboration with Earthrace Conservation and The Selkie Society, we also seek to have IMATA amend their own ‘Code of Ethics’ to include transparency as to the source of the animals their members work with. Please sign the petition to be delivered to IMATA’s President: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/IMATA-Improve-Your-Code-of-Ethics-to-Protect-Dolphins/

WHAT TO BRING:
Printed fliers, banners, T-shirts, costumes, musical instruments, friends, family and a positive attitude.

PARKING:
Please do not park in the Miami Seaquarium parking lot (or the parking lot of any facility that holds marine mammals captive for entertainment); there is usually parking within walking distance of the protest.

National Marine Life Freedom Day, July 3rd

Shelby — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:55:55 +0000

Protest against marine life captivity to coincide with protests across the country at marine parks and aquariums. Independence day garb and flags should be worn and carried proud, signs proclaiming Captivity Kills, Thanks but No Tanks, Were Fighting for Their Freedom, Make the USA Cetacean Captivity Free, etc. Events are being held at captive marine mammal parks across the country including SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio, and The Georgia Aquarium.

Come out and speak for our girl Lolita (Toki). Lets make some noise!!

	Sunday, July 3 · 1:00pm – 4:00pm

-Please make sure not to pay the Seaquarium to park in their lots which funds the slavery of all animals kept there. Turn right at the light labeled “Mast Academy” and park at the FREE public parking at the beach.

Questions and/or comments contact this demos administrator at the facebook event page here:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=108734335881535

Mass Gathering for Lolita April 3rd

Shelby — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:51:52 +0000

IT’S TIME FOR A MASS GATHERING!!

11am to 1pm Protest at Miami Seaqaurium!

ALL FOR AWARENESS ABOUT WORLDWIDE CAPTIVITY!!!!!
We Need To END IT NOW!!

RIC O’BARRY WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE TOO!

CAPTIVITY HAS TO STOP WITH LOLITA!!

LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL! LET US KNOW YOUR EVENT DETAILS!

_________________________________________

WORLDWIDE EVENTS APRIL 3rd

MAIN MASS GATHERING LOCATION
Miami – FL – USA
Contact Bob Timmons
ArtistfortheOcean@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160505420671014

COME AND JOIN US! SUNDAY APRIL 3RD – 11 AM ! FOR LOLITA and All the Animals that reside in the walls of the Seaquarium!!

11am to 1pm Protest
1pm to 3pm Beach Vigil
4pm to Late Evening (below)

4 Bands Will Play For Us:
Sand Bar and Grill in Coconut Grove
3064 Grand Avenue
Miami, FL 33133

Bob Timmons
ArtistfortheOcean@gmail.com

BRING YOUR FLAG!! Country, State, Province!
Show HERTZ THE WORLD IS WATCHING!!

_______________________
Other Locations:

Melbourne, Australia
Contact: Gwen Williams
Email: asuka.12@hotmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170951436290697

Seattle, WA
Contact Audra Beavers
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201434309886408

Toronto – Canada
Contact : Sarah Elizabeth, Brenda LaFleshe
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169881803061713

Yerba Buena Island – The Bay Bridge
Contact: Lorrie Barton Morris
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=205916432756945

San Francisco, CA
Contact Robin Leigh Adams
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199231783434401

San Diego, CA
Contact: James Madison, Alison Banks
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197589253607242
______________________________________

MIAMI SQ. NEEDS TO SEE INTERNATIONAL GRASSROOTS ACTION IN FRONT OF THEIR BUSINESS!

BRING SIGNS! BRING NOISE! BRING SPEAKERS! BRING A BAND! BRING HORNS! BRING LOUD YELLING VOICES! BRING FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

ITS TIME FOR A MASS GATHERING!!!

SPREAD THE WORD!!

LOLITA NEEDS TO TASTE THE OCEAN ONCE AGAIN BEFORE THE CAPTIVITY KILLS HER!!!

YOU CANNOT COME THEN:
- HAVE YOUR OWN
- Facebook Event Link definitely so everyone can find you!

SeaWorld will likely push Judge for Closed Hearing vs OSHA

Shelby — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 19:28:49 +0000

for the full story please visit: http://theorcaproject.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/seaworld-presses-judge-to-have-closed-hearings/

-Thank you, The Orca Project for this information:
It is anticipated that Federal Judge Ben Welch will be asked to to sign a “Protective Order” for the Sea World vs OSHA hearing, effectively sealing off this case forever. This has been the typical protocol for SeaWorld in past cases regarding employee injuries, and it’s expected to follow the same route in this investigation into the tragic death of Dawn Brancheau nearly one year ago. The proceedings before Judge Welch in Orlando, FL, originally scheduled to begin this Monday, February 14, 2011 have been rescheduled to April 25, 2011, in Orlando, FL.

If an order is issued by the Judge, it could bar the public from participating in the hearing, and seal all content, including expert witness testimony from both sides, and documentation describing the suboptimal conditions associated with orca captivity. Expert witnesses who participate in this trial (if an attempt to seal is successful) would not be allowed to discuss or write anything about it, publicly. It will also prevent content from being used for future litigation or investigation, essentially closing it, akin to the John Sillick tragedy of November of 1987.

To take action:

You can contact, United States Department of Labor, which apparently will also link you to Secretary Hilda Solis FaceBook page. Solis is at the top of OSHA’s chain of command. http://www.facebook.com/departmentoflabor?ref=ts

You can also write on Secretary Hilda Solis’s wall. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1712614173462&id=1175597100#!/hildasolis

sign the petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/seaworld-stop-pressuring-osha-to-have-closed-hearings

Or write:

Most Honorable Secretary of Labor

Hilda L. Solis

U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20210

(202) 693-6000

Re: OSHA vs. SeaWorld Order

We respectfully request that you allow the public to hear the outcome of this tragedy and not have the public be banned from hearing about the case.

According to a reliable source, federal Judge Ben Welch is preparing to sign a “Proposed Protective Order” for the Sea World vs OSHA hearing scheduled to begin 25 April 2011, in Orlando, FL, effectively sealing off this case forever.

This order will bar the public from participating in this hearing, and seal all content, including expert witness testimony, and documentation describing the suboptimal conditions associated with orca captivity. Expert witnesses who participate in this trial (if this attempt to seal is successful) will not be allowed to discuss or write anything about it, publicly. The family of the victims should be vindicated and we respectfully submit a request that YOU DO NOT APPROVE THIS ORDER.

It will also prevent content from being used for future litigation or investigation, essentially closing it, akin to the John Sillick tragedy of November of 1987.

Respectfully submitted,

[Your name]

-This hearing could determine the future of keeping orcas in captivity for entertainment purposes, so it directly affects Lolita and the Miami Seaquarium. The Seaquarium has much less resources and money than SeaWorld does so please take the time to send the above letter and help play a part in a revolution that has been brewing for many years!