53 years ago this week, a little orca, just 4 years old, was captured by humans in Puget Sound, off the coast of Washington State and transferred to Miami Seaquarium.

For the past 5 decades the orca, known as Tokitae, formally known as her stage name Lolita, has lived in a tiny tank and forced to perform for the public 3 times a day for almost 45 years. She was retired from these shows in March last year after suffering from some health issues.

After years of protesters calling for her release, it seems those dreams may be coming true as soon as next year.

In this episode of The Quicky we find out how a billionaire, a group of friends and a new owner are working to free one of the oldest captive orcas into open water and how she may still have the chance to reunite with her family.

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CREDITS

Host: Claire Murphy

With thanks to:

Charles Vinick - Executive Director of the Whale Sanctuary Project and the cofounder of Friends of Toki

Producer: Claire Murphy

Executive Producer: Kally Borg

Audio Producer: Thom Lion

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50 Years In A Tiny Tank, The Mission To Free A Killer Whale

The Quicky