Ocean park prepares to return captive orca Lolita to native waters after decades in captivity

Caregivers at a South Florida ocean park are preparing Lolita, an orca whale, for a possible return to her home waters in Puget Sound.
Veterinarians and trainers are working with Lolita to ensure she is strong enough to survive the journey and acclimate to her new home.
Animal welfare activists have been fighting for years to have Lolita freed from her tank at the Miami Seaquarium.
The move is not yet approved and could take months or years to be approved by federal and state regulators.
The Dolphin Company and the nonprofit Friends of Toki announced a plan in March to possibly move Lolita to a natural sea pen with the financial backing of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.