Body Painted PETA Supporters Arrested During 'Free Lolita' Protest At Miami Int'l Airport
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Two PETA supporters body painted to look like orcas were arrested at Miami International Airport on Thursday as they protested for the release of Miami Seaquarium's killer whale.
The demonstrators – wearing little more than chains and the black-and-white body paint – climbed atop a baggage carousel holding signs that read "Lolita Suffers At Miami Seaquarium."
"Our protesters drew visitors' attention to the suffering that animals endure at the Miami Seaquarium, where a lonely orca swims endless circles in a tiny concrete tank," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "PETA is calling on visitors to Miami and the Seaquarium to join us in demanding Lolita's release to a coastal sanctuary."
Several people were huddle around the baggage belt as Miami-Dade police arrested the duo.
The plea comes on behalf of the 7,000 pound whale that has spent more than three decades alone in what PETA claims is the smallest orca tank in North America.
Lolita was caught on August 8, 1970 in Penn Cove, Puget Sound in Seattle, WA when she was about 4 years old. She was later sold to the Miami Seaquarium.
Animal rights groups want Lolita moved to "a protected cove sea pen" where she can be transitioned to the ocean.