VIRGIN Holidays has announced that it will no longer be selling tickets to tourist attractions that feature whales and dolphins in captivity.
This includes major parks such as SeaWorld and Discovery Cove in Orlando.
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In a statement, the holiday company said that the decision will “come into effect as soon as possible” and will be fully implemented from July 31 this year.
Joe Thompson, Virgin Holidays’ managing director said: “Virgin Holidays has decided to stop selling and promoting captive cetacean (whale and dolphin) experiences, as we look to focus on offering customers more natural, at-distance encounters with these animals.
“This decision means that we will be ending our long term partnerships with the likes of SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and other similar facilities.”
The holiday firm said that the decision to stop promoting captive wild life builds on a pledge they made in 2014, when they said they would only work with facilities that committed to not taking animals from the world.
Mr Thomson added: “In our recent survey, 92 per cent of UK holidaymakers said they prefer to see animals in their natural habitat.
“We want to actively support this direction by encouraging more responsible wild watching, which puts animal welfare at the heart of things, meaning our customers get to experience these amazing animals with peace of mind and future generations can enjoy these wonderful experiences too.”
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He also said that the company will continue to support the development of sanctuaries for whales and dolphins currently in captivity.
But Virgin’s decision has received mixed reaction.
Peta has praised the holiday company.
The charity’s director Elisa Allen said: “Hats off to Virgin Holidays, which has made a big splash by scrapping all tours that go anywhere near captive whales and dolphins.”
She added: “
“In these parks, orcas – who belong in the ocean, where they swim up to 140 miles a day – are forced to spend their entire lives in cramped tanks, swimming in their own waste, deeply distressed, and robbed of a real life.
“Dolphins are forced to perform painful circus-style tricks for food until they die in captivity, far short of their natural life expectancy.”
But non-profit organisations in the US, including American Humane and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), have come out in support of SeaWorld.
Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA, said: “The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is very disappointed Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Holidays singled out AZA-accredited members in their announcement. AZA’s accreditation standards are regarded as the “gold standard” among zoological facilities, and include specific standards related to dolphins and whales.
“The quality of care provided by AZA member facilities is affirmed through our rigorous accreditation process, which assures the well-being of the animals in their care always comes first based on the highest levels of scientific evidence and data.
“That means assuring each animal’s health, welfare, and safety is the top priority of any program offered to guests.
“We are also proud that each of our member facilities has earned recognition for excellence as a result of rigorous and comprehensive program assessment, including strict animal care, education, and conservation guidelines.”
A spokesperson for SeaWorld told Sun Online Travel: “It is disappointing to see Virgin Holidays succumb to pressure from animal activists who mislead and manipulate marine mammal science to advance their agendas.
“Virgin’s own corporate mission is having a measurable purpose that positively impacts communities and the environment. SeaWorld is the epitome of that mission.
“With more than 35,000 animal rescues and decades of meaningful scientific contributions, we are proud to be a recognised global leader in marine mammal science, education and, in particular, providing preeminent care to all of our marine mammals.
“With rising threats to our oceans and their inhabitants, supporting independently accredited zoological facilities is more important than ever. No company does more to protect marine mammals and advance cetacean research, rescue and conservation than SeaWorld.”
SeaWorld also said that their three parks in Florida, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Busch Garden, all received a 100 per cent pass in an independent audit carried out in accordance with the ABTA animal welfare guidelines for animals in tourism.
Last year, Thomas Cook cancelled all trips to SeaWorld and Loro Parque over complaints about the horrible conditions for killer whales.
It came after the tour operator gave SeaWorld a three-month deadline to improve after the Florida park failed animal welfare checks.
Earlier this year, SeaWorld Orlando’s whale, Fredi, died after “persistent health problems”.
