Lolita: Slave to Entertainment is a powerful documentary that sheds light on the harsh realities of captivity for orcas in marine parks. In 1970, an unspeakably cruel hunt saw five orcas killed and six young orcas sold into captivity. For three decades, this group of orcas suffered the indignities of life in captivity, with only one surviving until today; Lolita, Miami’s biggest performing orca.
Lolita has been held captive at Miami Seaquarium since 1970 and is believed to be the oldest living orca in captivity at around 48 years old. Over the past four decades, Lolita has been forced to perform tricks and entertain the visitors of Miami Seaquarium as part of its corporate entertainment business. Unfortunately, her story is not unique — many other marine mammals have been taken from their families, sold into captivity and forced to perform tricks that are unnatural for them.
This documentary explores the ethical issues surrounding Lolita’s plight and its negative effects on her mental health from societal isolation. It also examines more broadly the effects of keeping marine mammals in captivity with heartbreaking tales from various individuals affected by these practices.
Through beautiful cinematography, Lolita: Slave to Entertainment seeks to expose the truth behind these captivities and raise awareness about animal rights. It also encourages viewers to reassess their relationship with nature and reconsider supporting such venues through attendance or more active involvement.
It is our responsibility as stewards of this planet to take action when we witness such injustice being done to animals like Lolita who cannot speak up for themselves. This film serves as a reminder that we must do better for these creatures who need our help now more than ever before. We urge you to watch this documentary so that you can understand first-hand how critical it is that we take steps towards protecting these majestic animals from future suffering and exploitation.
