Art Letter Campaign for Tokitae/Lolita/Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut
Calling all friends (of all ages) of Tokitae / Lolita / Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut :
Let your artistic (and “non-artist”) side flow with a message to Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company, new owner of Miami Seaquarium.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Introduction
2. “Art Letter Parties”
3. Mailing Instructions
4. Talking Points
5. Background and updates
6. Download & print “Art Letter Parties” poster for your own event.
7. + July/August 2022 Action for Tokitae/Lolita / Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut in response to Salazar and DelBene Request Update on Welfare of Miami Orca, Lolita and suppporting the SWIMS Act
8. Operational Plan (sea sanctuary)
1. Introduction:
Watch & share our 2 minute video
on YouTube: “Art letters campaign for Lolita, lone female Orca at Miami Seaquarium”
on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3wi7G7C
on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbSdPuygx-m
Personalized letters sent by mail are the most powerful form of communication to convince decision-makers.
“10 Reasons You Should Send More Handwritten Letters”
Are you a school teacher or have a friend who would like to help by encouraging schools to participate? We would love to have your students empowered in creating and sending their messages for Tokitae/Lolita/Sk’ali’s return home.
Lummi Elders (who refer to Tokitae/Lolita as Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut) have asked in making "...wishes clear but be courteous, treat them well to ensure the best possible consideration of your message. Include any artwork or information that might be helpful, but make it mean something to them, and please don't be mean or it will likely be disregarded.”
When creating your message of love for Tokitae/Lolita/Ska’li to Mr. Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company (TDC) please include your signature and return mail address at least in the city, state, and country.
As of June 16, 2022 over 2,200 “Art Letters for Lolita” have been forwarded to Mr. Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company politely asking him to release Tokitae so she can go to a sea sanctuary in her home waters. As we wait for a public announcement, help us reach a goal of over 2,500 letters by hosting “Art Letters Parties”
Please share our Google Doc with friends & family far and wide. Let’s make a polite heartfelt impression on Mr. Albor to allow Tokitae/Lolita/Ska’li to return to a sea sanctuary in her home waters. https://bit.ly/3pioqr2
2. “Art Letter Parties”: Invite friends & family to create / write art letters for Tokitae/Lolita. Download and print poster to create an event announcement.
If you are looking for or hosting an art letter party open to the public (such as below) please post on our FaceBook event page: https://bit.ly/3y2hMbZ
On YouTube HOW TO DRAW A KILLER WHALE (orca) - how to draw a whale kawaii easy step by step
Free color-in art cards may be downloaded from Sharktopia.org at www.sharktopia.org/downloads
3. Mailing Instructions
Must be received by midnight August 6, 2022
- Please include a photo of you and/or whomever created your “Art Letter For Lolita” with terms of use.
For groups overseas concerned about on-time delivery, please email Peggy Oki about options via contact page at www.peggyoki.com/contact
Peggy Oki
PO Box 864
Carpinteria, CA 93014
USA
Thank you for being a voice for Tokitae/Lolita!
*Find additional actions on Peggy Oki’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/PeggyOki
Peggy Oki, Origami Whales Project Founder & Director
More information about Tokitae/Lolita: www.origamiwhalesproject.org/lolita
Join our group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/origamiwhalesproject
Follow Peggy Oki
Instagram: @peggy_oki
Twitter: @_PeggyOki
Peggy Oki contact page at www.peggyoki.com/contact
4. TALKING POINTS to Mr. Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company
NOTE: Mr. Albor’s primary language is Spanish. If inclined to write a message in Spanish, here is Google Translate as a tool: https://translate.google.com
• The Dolphin Company will soon determine the future of “Lolita” (more respectfully called Tokitae), lone female Orca who has lived for nearly 52 years in the smallest concrete tank in N. America at the Miami Seaquarium.
• US government officially recognized Endangered Species Act status to Tokitae/Lolita as a Southern Resident Orca.
• On August 8, 1970, the historic Penn Cove Massacre, five Orcas drowned as Tokitae/Lolita was taken from her family. (6)
• Recent news of animal welfare violations in USDA reports (1) and Tokitae/Lolita suffering from poor care and possibly pneumonia. Miami Seaquarium has always refused to allow an independent team of veterinarians to assess her current condition. [sources (2), (3), (4)] With gratitude that The Dolphin Company has allowed “3rd party vet” assessment (announced June 2, 2022) please do everything you can to ensure her good health continuing with regular independent medical assessments.
• Marine mammal experts have proposed a very sound and well-supported retirement plan to a sea sanctuary. (5)
• Cutting edge CGI / virtual reality encounters technology has already been implemented as an incredibly powerful immersive technology offers an attractive alternative in the face of controversy and growing public opinion against keeping Orcas in captivity. (7)
• The Dolphin Company is a multinational corporation that boasts “the #1 Dolphin Family in the world and the largest Park operator in Latin America. 32 Parks and Dolphin Habitats, located in 8 countries and 2 continents”.
• The Dolphin Company doesn’t need Tokitae/Lolita. And she needs to return to her mother Ocean Sun who is still alive in her home waters.
• Mr. Albor is a father himself. We hope as a parent he would empathize with how it would feel for Tokitae’s mother Ocean Sun to see her again.
• The Dolphin Company could adopt a “win-win” decision by allowing Tokitae/Lolita. to be rehabilitated and released into her native waters. Such a decision would bring tremendous positive publicity.
sources:
1) “Lolita’s Capture” https://bit.ly/34frq05
2) “One Dolphin’s Story - Hugo”: https://bit.ly/3IJfp1H
3) Operational Plan sacredsea.org/xwlemi-tokw
4) World’s First VR Zoo https://bit.ly/34Q2cFM
5) 7D Laser Animal Show now implemented at Dubai Mall. http://bit.ly/1QfWSZ5
5. Background and updates
Watch for our petition updates:
Please sign our petition adding your personal polite comment to Eduardo Albor (CEO of The Dolphin Company).
https://www.change.org/p/raise-your-voice-for-tokitae-lolita-letter-to-mr-conni-jonsson-chairperson-eqt-partners-ab/u/30300424
Brief BACKGROUND with UPDATE on Tokitae/Lolita/Ska'li:
Violently captured on August 8, 1970, Tokitae ("Lolita") has been in the smallest tank in N. America, at Miami Seaquarium (MSQ) for nearly 52 years. Since the death of her tank mate Hugo, she has been in literal isolation for over 42 years. Hugo died of a brain aneurysm after repeatedly ramming his head into the wall of the tank they shared for 10 years. Her presumed mother Ocean Sun is still alive in her home waters in the Salish Sea.
September 2021: a scathing USDA inspection report (from inspection in June 2021) on MSQ was released revealing numerous egregious violations of APHIS (animal welfare) standards. Since mid-August 2021 the Whale Stadium where Tokitae has been kept for over 51.5 years, was closed to the public for "renovations". However, the aerial video footage taken in mid-August, then in February 2022 shows no improvements whatsoever.
February 6, 2022: PETA posted a press release that an anonymous employee within Miami Seaquarium stated Tokitae has been suffering from pneumonia. Despite many requests from organizations, individuals, and county government, Miami Seaquarium (MSQ) refused to allow an independent team of veterinarians, Orca experts to assess her condition. Also since the change of ownership, her condition still remains unconfirmed.
March 3, 2022: USDA grants The Dolphin Company license to operate Miami Seaquarium under restriction: “Lolita” and the dolphin “Li” will not be performing, and the Whale Stadium will remain closed to the public. NOTE: Next step is to urge TDC to allow an independent veterinary team to assess Tokitae/Lolita’s health.
March 23, 2022: It was publicly announced that The Dolphin Company will allow “a third party vet” to assess Tokitae's condition. After over 51 years, there is much more hope for Tokitae’s freedom. We urge you to send your message to the CEO of The Dolphin Company (new owners) to allow for her return to her home waters.
* June 2, 2022: The long-awaited “3rd party vet” visit and report Independent Veterinarians Complete Their First Assessment of Tokitae (Lolita) at Miami Seaquarium by Friends of Lolita and Whale Sanctuary Project posted.
As of June 16, 2022 over 2,200 “Art Letters for Lolita” have been forwarded to Mr. Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company politely asking him to release Tokitae to the care of Friends of Lolita. As no response or public statement has yet been posted, we continue to invite everyone to contribute your message to bring Tokitae home.
- Would you like to send a thank you art message or thank you card to Friends of Lolita, Commissioner Regalado, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava?
Go to Miami-Dade County 2022 Art Letter Campaign for Tokitae/Lolita/Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut Google Doc: https://bit.ly/3x8ZBCi
SOURCES:
1) NPR article on USDA inspection report: For 51 years this killer whale has lived in a tiny tank. Now her health is at risk (October 30 2021): https://n.pr/3ppJEnu
2) PETA press release (02/06/2022) “Breaking: Lolita Deathly Sick at Miami Seaquarium, Reports Whistleblowers”: https://bit.ly/3rw0LVp
3) Palm Beach Post “Miami Seaquarium acknowledges killer whale Lolita has been ill”: https://bit.ly/3rJ9rbh
4) Miami Seaquarium’s famed orca Lolita in declining health, ex-employee tells Local 10: https://bit.ly/3tcT46n
5) SacredSea.org (Lummi) have worked closely with the Whale Sanctuary Project to create a plan “that sees to Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs as well as her physical needs. The Whale Sanctuary Project’s experienced field team collaborated with marine mammal veterinarians, scientists, field researchers, and other experts in drafting the Operational Plan. “ https://sacredsea.org/xwlemi-tokw
6) About the Penn Cove Massacre “The Penn Cove Captures—Why Southern Resident Orcas Need Us”: https://on.nrdc.org/3JVYg5b
7) The World’s ‘First’ VR Zoo Opens in China https://bit.ly/34Q2cFM
To read the back story of Tokitae/Lolita’s 51-year confinement and inhumane treatment:
• “A perfect storm and silver lining.” (December 24, 2021 updated Jan. 22, 2022)
https://www.peggyoki.com/blog/archive/a-perfect-storm-and-silver-lining.htm
• “A picture can say a thousand words.” (October 26, 2021)
https://www.peggyoki.com/blog/archive/a-picture-can-say-a-thousand-words.htm
6. Download & print “Art Letter Parties” poster for your own event.
7. + July/August 2022 Action for Tokitae/Lolita / Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut in response to Salazar and DelBene Request Update on Welfare of Miami Orca, Lolita and SWIMS Act
This is an important action to contact USDA and send messages of gratitude and support to lawmakers. Please go to Google Doc: July/August 2022 Action for Tokitae/Lolita / Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut
8. Operational Plan (sea sanctuary)
. . . [Information below not affiliated with, but in solidarity.] . . .
Operational retirement plan for Tokitae/Lolita/Ska’li to a sea sanctuary.
Bringing Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut to her Xwlemi Tokw
“It is our Xa xalh Xechnging (sacred obligation) to bring our relation, the orca known as Tokitae or Lolita but whom we know as Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, out of captivity at the Miami Seaquarium and back home to the Salish Sea. We are extending an open hand to the Miami Seaquarium and its parent companies in an invitation to work with us. Together we can right the wrong of Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s capture, and safely and responsibly bring her home to the Salish Sea.
Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut is family to us, and as such, we must care for her as we do our own. We have worked closely with the Whale Sanctuary Project to create a plan that sees to Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs as well as her physical needs. Ceremony will be wed to science in our care for her.
The Whale Sanctuary Project’s experienced field team collaborated with marine mammal veterinarians, scientists, field researchers, and other experts in drafting the Operational Plan.” https://sacredsea.org/xwlemi-tokw
Statement from the Lummi / SacredSea.org:
“If we can show the USDA, other government agencies, and the Dolphin Company, that we have a great home for her in the Salish Sea, as well as a robust plan for her ongoing care, they may see the wisdom and beauty of saying “Yes!” to our call for her release.”
Phase 1: completed. We commissioned Whale Sanctuary Project and their network of experts to draft a comprehensive plan on how to safely and responsibly bring Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut home. The plan, which was paid for by online donations from our generous supporters, details all aspects of her return, her Salish Sea home, and her ongoing care.
Phase 2: NOW. We are fundraising to secure a site for Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut’s home in the Salish Sea. We are in search of a safe, protected area in the San Juan Islands. In this phase of work, we will assess prospective sites and then secure the best available site. Leases, permits, negotiations and outreach are part of this process. We are hopeful that The Dolphin Company (the new owners of Miami Seaquarium) and involved governmental agencies will see that there is a real, better, and immediately actionable alternative to her concrete tank.
Phase 3: 2022. Once we have secured a site, we will begin accepting pledges for putting the entire plan into action. If and when she is released from the Seaquarium, those pledges will be called in and she will come home.
Donations may be made at: gofundme.com/f/tokitae