Miami Beach mayor, South Florida leaders call for orca's release from Miami Seaquarium

MIAMI – The mayor of Miami Beach and other South Florida leaders are joining the opposition to an orca's decades-long captivity at the Miami Seaquarium.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other groups have sued in Miami federal court, saying the orca named Lolita should ultimately be removed to a sea pen under a retirement plan that would more closely mimic her natural Pacific Ocean environment.

Lolita was captured in 1970 off the Washington state coast.

Seaquarium officials say Lolita is healthy and removing her would be cruel and traumatic. Their critics plan to protest Sunday outside the Miami attraction.

In a statement, Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine called for Lolita's release, along with developer Jorge Perez, the Miami Heat's official DJ, chef Ingrid Hoffman and other local business leaders and celebrities.