MIAMI, Florida – A captive Puget Sound orca will get a thorough examination that many hope could be a step toward bringing her home.
Q-13 reports the the new owners of Miami’s Seaquarium will allow an independent group of veterinarians to examine Lolita, who is known as Tokitae by the Lummi Nation and other northwest indigenous people.
She was captured 52 years ago and was a main attraction at the Seaquarium for decades.
She no longer performs shows and many hope she is healthy enough to be returned to the Northwest.
The Lummi Nation has demanded her return for years and members delivered a hand carved totem to Seaquarium in 2018 to highlight her continued captivity.