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.
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 stated at a press conference held by prominent news agencies “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.
Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection UK Katheryn Wise stated to another news agency later on. “This is amazing news and something we have been campaigning for since 2019, 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. 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.
“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
