Elton John is the latest in star-studded cast
Lolita, the captive killer whale, is gaining more high-profile show-biz support.
The whale, a member of the endangered southern residents, was captured in 1970 and lives in a small pool at Miami Seaquarium.
Lolita and Corky, a member of the threatened northern residents, are the only survivors out of the more than 60 orcas captured in the waters around Vancouver Island during that era.
campaign.
In a letter posted on the site, explaining his feelings about Lolita, the singer wrote: "I have been deeply moved by efforts to free Lolita and wish to add my name to the campaign to return her to home waters, where she can hopefully reunite with her family."
"She has spent most of her life performing daily in a small tank and I wish to add my voice to those others who are attempting to see her either freed or fully cared for in retirement in a sea-pen within the waters where she was captured almost 30 years ago."
Julia-Levy said the response from celebrities around the world has been breathtaking.
The Free Corky campaign is being led by Paul Spong of OrcaLab on Hanson Island.
However, spokesmen for both Miami Seaquarium and SeaWorld San Diego, where Corky lives, have said they will not release the whales as they would not survive out of their familiar aquarium surroundings.
