I think they all should.

Orca are the most intelligent dolphins in the world. They are thought to be the most social, close-knit species in the world (they have an amazingly complex family structure, males will stay with their mother their entire life) and only death (and capture) will seperate them (ofcourse, captive dolphin facilities would NEVER tell you this). Lolita is a sad case because humans have taken advantage of her gentle nature, intelligence, loneliness and reliance on humans for food. It is possible she could be rehabilitated. Some members of her family are still alive. She was captured when she was older than Keiko so would have had more experience out in the real world. If she is smart enough to learn pathetic, 'make people feel good' tricks, she is smart enough to slowly begin to think for herself...which is what every intelligent animal is entitled to. Even if she is not released back to the wild directly, she should be taken to a seapen like Keiko was AWAY from prying eyes and the stress of daily shows, thumping music and gawking tourists. She is a WILD animal and always will be. These facilities proclaim they are all about 'education'. However, what Miamiseaquarium won't tell you is that the other Orca, Hugo (now dead) used to be with Lolita but they were later seperated (and would call to each other). Hugo would self-harm by constantly bashing his head on the side of the concrete wall. He ended up breaking his nose and the observation glass. Lolita has been on anti-depressants in the past. At present, it is unconfirmed. I highly doubt, however that the vets would want this ever leaked out again. This most social, family-orientated animal has been by herself for over 20 years (except for a few Pacific-white sided dolphins that are now in that tiny (illegal by govt. standards) tank with her...bear in mind that the Orca species are the ocean's top predators...they are well documented attacking and eating smaller dolphins, large whales, sharks, seals, seabirds, fish etc). They would also never tell you that during the capture, 5 Orca died in the process because it is so stressful and invasive. As for the dead bodies, they slit them open, filled them with heavy rocks, put anchors on the tails then sunk them out at sea. The bodies later washed up. This is all very well documented. Yes indeed, they clearly are all about educating the public to respect marine life. It is 'selected education'...tell you what you want to hear, make sure people leave on a 'happy' note even though they have to tell a few 'white lies' to keep the pressure off themselves. Sea World, the biggest captive dolphin facility chain breeds many captive dolphins, yes. But even captive dolphins have instincts and are still wild animals. They only breed them so they can continue their business with NO intention of releasing them back to the wild. And isn't that Sea World's message? Rescue and Rehabilitation? Clearly not when it comes to dolphins. They boast the biggest Orca tanks...but they also have the most Orcas per tank, as well. I doubt they would ever tell you that captive dolphins frequently attack people and in the USA, swimming with captive dolphins has no rules or regulations so any accidents are kept 'hush hush'. Perfect for them, isn't it. If you want real education, get out books and DVD's. They will tell you the truth about Orcas and other dolphins. As for 'education', many facilities give no commentary during the show, just loud music and the dolphins performing. It sure is highly educational to see dolphins confined to a pool, being fed after every trick and being completely controlled by selfish human beings, isn't it? :S WILD animals are just that...WILD. I am aware there are still many people who are pro-captivity who would disagree with all this (which is fair enough...as I am anti-captivity, I disagree with pro-captivity arguments) but there are also many people who wouldn't care because they simply view dolphins as cheap entertainment...which is sad but unfortunetly, the reality of our society. But I think that people who are 'on the fence' on this issue might be shocked at what dirty lies surround this industry. It is definetly an issue that people need to research and then make up their own minds on. Go to www.slavetoentertainment.com (The DVD about Lolita's case).

I be leave that all captive whale should be released. But the fact is no matter what or how long a whale was captive they will never be able to live in the wild. Look at Keiko they tryed to help him and it did'nt work like people wanted it to. I have read the book about his life and you would be surprised about the real things they did to him in Norway.