Orca's release is 'sacred obligation' for Lummi Nation

摘要

Groups that want to see the killer whale Lolita released from the Miami Seaquarium don't have any plans to back down. Now their number includes the Lummi Nation. The traditional territory of the tribe, which lives in Washington state, included the Salish Sea, which was Lolita's original home. The tribe is calling it a "sacred obligation" to secure Lolita's release. During a gathering yesterday to discuss future steps for releasing Lolita into a sea pen in the San Juan Islands in Washington, Kurt Russo, the tribe's political strategist for its business council, said he thinks the Lummi Nation can secure the necessary funds. He did not say who would contribute to the $3.6 million. The Seaquarium has not supported the retirement plan so far. The plan includes teaching Lolita to swim into a sling, driving her to a military transport aircraft, putting her in the sea pen and eventually releasing her back into the wild.