Save the date: ‘Awareness-raising’ orca film ‘Lolita’ screening at The Admiral

Mark your calendar for a free movie at the historic Admiral Theater – Thursday, December 5th. This isn’t a fundraiser, but rather an awareness-raiser. We learned about it from Dawn Clark, who says her high-school-senior daughter Keely and friend Angelica are so concerned about the captive killer whale known as Lolita – the last surviving Puget Sound-captured orca – that they are renting space at The Admiral to show a documentary made about her, “Lolita: Slave to Entertainment.” Here’s the trailer:

Activists around the world have been campaigning for Lolita to be set free. The awareness campaign even succeeded in getting a ferry being built right now at Vigor Shipyard on Harbor Island to carry her previous name, Tokitae. You can support the students’ efforts by coming to the movie on December 5th; doors open at 6:30 pm, movie at 7 pm. It’s not a movie for young children, so they’re promoting it for teens and adults; if you need an incentive besides free admission, they’re offering free desserts. “We’re not raising money, only awareness for her,” says the announcement Dawn shared. “Her story will touch your heart. There is a sanctuary waiting for her in the San Juan Islands. Help us get the word out.” (You can read about the proposed retirement sanctuary on the Orca Network‘s website.)

19 Replies to "Save the date: 'Awareness-raising' orca film 'Lolita' screening at The Admiral"

  • WSDiva November 17, 2013 (11:10 am)

    This is a wonderful thing you are doing, Keely and Angelica. I say put out some jars for donations to help fund your cause on awareness and the release of Lolita. Good luck and keep up the great work!

  • enviromaven November 17, 2013 (11:48 am)

    Bravo and big thanks to Keely, Angelica, their families, and the Admiral for supporting this cause!

  • Cheryl November 17, 2013 (12:31 pm)

    Wonderful! I hope everyone who has ever been to a marine park/aquarium (and still somehow thinks they’re a good idea) will go see this (and/or “Blackfish” as well, which is now available on iTunes for download). We really need to raise awareness about Cetaceans in captivity, and these films definitely help!

  • cbof November 17, 2013 (12:34 pm)

    I agree you should put out donation jars, or something. This is a very inspiring thing you’re doing, especially by having it not be a fund raiser. But I bet people will be inspired to give, and I also bet Keely and Angelica would find a worthy way to use some donations. Really cool idea, and great to see young people heading a beautiful cause.

  • Moji November 17, 2013 (3:58 pm)

    Well done, ladies!!
    I agree, you might want to reconsider accepting donations. West Seattlites have big hearts and I bet a collection jar or two would be full in no time!

  • Mike November 17, 2013 (10:42 pm)

    Keeping wild animals in captivity for entertainment is not good. No question about that. However, setting a wild animal back into the wild after not having to hunt for its own food is certain death for that animal. Capturing the Orca was the first wrong step, setting it free is a death sentence. There is no good ending to this story. Just stupid people on both ends.

  • Chris W November 18, 2013 (6:22 am)

    Mike, isn’t her mother still here in the Sound?

  • enviromaven November 18, 2013 (11:24 am)

    Lolita’s history, family, and potential release have been well-researched and documented. Her SRW family is still in the area, and there are no plans to turn her “back into the wild after not having to hunt…” Orca Network is a great resource for further information:
    http://www.orcanetwork.org/Main/index.php?categories_file=Lolita

    • WSB November 18, 2013 (11:31 am)

      Also please follow the link my copy provides to the detailed plan, which is on the Orca Network site (remember, all blue words/phrases in WSB stories/listings are links, and they are hand-chosen and coded for relevance to the story) … TR

  • seaopgal November 18, 2013 (11:48 am)

    Keely and Angelica, have you considered inviting someone from Orca Network to come and introduce the movie or answer questions. The co-directors are Howard Garrett and Susan Berta; they can be reached at info@orcanetwork.org.

    Mike, take a look at the Orca Network plan on their website. It is well developed, thoughtful, and doable. Your concerns about hunting are valid, and it may turn out that Lolita cannot be released fully into the wild. But it is certainly possible and desirable to retire her from performance and move her to a monitored baypen in Puget Sound where she can reunite with her family (which is well known) and she can live a more normal life. That in itself will be a happy ending.

  • Sisse November 18, 2013 (12:04 pm)

    will the documentary come online, so we all can Watch it?? I´m Danish, but also very concerned about Lolita!!

  • RLS November 18, 2013 (4:30 pm)

    It amazes me that humans have the audacity to question 50-60 million years of evolution in these whales. Free Lolita, our sentient sister. She will be fine…with her family.

  • Melissa November 18, 2013 (10:05 pm)

    I will be there! I saw the movie Blackfish and it appalled me to the core. I hate to admit that I even swam with dolphins in Mexico years ago, then I saw the Cove. If I had seen that before my vacation, I would definitely have not given them my money. I think raising awareness in humans is the best way to set them free (at least in a sanctuary).

  • Jade November 19, 2013 (11:21 pm)

    HI this is a wonderful thing that your doing and after watching the documentary Blackfish was appalled, shocked and disgusted. Can you not roll out the documentary more national rather than just local. for your cause. I.m in the united kingdom. I feel that the more you show this film it keeps the awareness going, i know many people who have seen Blackfish, are happy to get angry and comment about it but then leave it their. Jade. xxxx

  • Dawn- keelys mom November 23, 2013 (2:13 pm)

    Mike-
    Enviro man is correct.
    They have a sanctuary for Lolita.
    They wouldn’t just release her.
    Also, she was at least 4 yrs old upon capture.
    She had time in the wild….her mom is believed to still be alive.
    It is quite possible for a happy ending. We just need Miami SQto retire her.
    Wouldn’t a safe sea pen be better then performing tricks every day be better?
    Howard Garrett will be there for Q and A after!!
    No donations- please bring a friend and come!
    Just send emails for Lolita.

  • Dawn- keelys mom November 23, 2013 (2:17 pm)

    Sisse-
    I believe the documentary may be online .
    We bought it on Amazon.

  • Dawn- keelys mom November 23, 2013 (2:22 pm)

    Hi Jade,
    If you are in the UK you could purchase the DVD and host a showing in your area.(?)
    At a coffee house or tea room?

  • Traci Wilson November 23, 2013 (6:08 pm)

    Keely Angelica and Dawn! What an absolutely fabulous thing youre doing!!! Im relatively new to Seattle and went on a whale watch where for some reason one of the naturalists pulled me aside and told me the whole story of Lolita. I have been OBSESSED ever since with her story and release. Took husband and friends to see Blackfish when it played here. I grew up LOVING Seaworld and going at least once a year my whole life…never “connecting” what was really going on until a couple of years ago…what was I thinking?? Like I said…now all Ive been thinking is “How can I help get Lolita released?” So for starters my husband (a musician) and I (a writer) are writing a song together for her. We will be there on the 5th and hopefully will meet you and you can let me know if theres anything I can do to help with your awareness campaign (til now I just post about her constantly on FB…got a LOT of friends to watch Blackfish and they are outraged and will no longer go to Seaworld…YAY). Im so proud of you!!! Traci Wilson <3

  • Lisa Cunningham November 23, 2013 (6:29 pm)

    So glad to see more interest in Lolita building. It is past time for her to be retired and reunitedwith her family. I wish I lived up there because I’d come! I urge everyone to attend.

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