The oldest orca held in captivity has been granted her release more than 50 years after she was captured in the waters off the Pacific northwest. The Miami Seaquarium has finally agreed to begin the process of returning the orca to Puget Sound after years of pressure from animal rights and indigenous activists. Tokitae, who was called Lolita during her performing years, is living in the smallest orca enclosure in North America. Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, is credited with making a generous contribution that finally ensured her release. Orca whales are an endangered species and are held in high regard by the Lummi people of the Northwest.
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