Shall we watch humans jump through hoops instead?
Travel agent Expedia has banned the use of adverts for holidays involving captive whales and dolphins performing for human entertainment.
The use of marine life in performances is widely considered immoral and yet it continues throughout much of the world because people still continue to book tickets.
Thankfully, Expedia has done their share and banned holidays which include these highly controversial attractions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRn0Vl-HHT0
Taking to Twitter on Friday (November 5), Expedia explained: “We recently adjusted our animal welfare policy.
“As a result, attractions and activities that involve performances by or interactions with dolphins and other cetaceans will no longer be available on our sites.”
A spokesperson also told the Mail on Sunday: “Seaside sanctuaries that provide captive animals with a permanent seaside living environment are allowed if they are accredited and do not feature interactions or performances.”
The ban will kick in from early 2022.
“This is amazing news and something we have been campaigning for since 2019,” Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection UK Katheryn Wise told the Sun.
“Over 350,000 supporters joined us in signing petitions, raising awareness online and hitting the streets to ask Expedia Group to make this change and we are so pleased that they have listened.
“Through sales and promotion, travel companies play a huge role in driving captive dolphin entertainment and as one of the largest travel companies in the world we are delighted that Expedia Group are making a stand.
‼️ Big news! ‼️ WDC is thrilled to hear that online travel company @Expedia updated their animal welfare policy to no longer sell activities for facilities that have interactions with or performances by captive whales and dolphins!! 👏👏 #EndCaptivity pic.twitter.com/YO3W9GQGz9
— Whale & Dolphin Conservation (WDC) (@whales_org) November 7, 2021
“It’s time for other travel giants like TUI to do the right thing and follow suit.”
The internet is – for once – fairly unified in its belief that this is a good thing.
#savethewhales ❤️ a step forward https://t.co/aGi10NXM3q
— Gretchen of the Cosmic Jungle (@ursus88) November 8, 2021
“Brilliant. It’s time people became aware of the cruelty behind captive dolphin venues,” wrote one Twitter user.
Animal campaigner Morvah wrote: “Expedia’s decision to stop sales to captive dolphin venues is a huge step in
@MoveTheWorld’s fight to end the cruel captive dolphin industry. We’ll ensure @ExpediaGroup implements this ASAP. Our supporters & volunteers have been persistent: this win is theirs #NoTanksExpedia.”
Related links:
- Ricky Gervais lobbies for ban on all animal experiments in the UK
- Notorious tiger poacher has been caught after 20-year hunt
- Animals to be formally recognised as ‘sentient beings’ in UK law
