Why are These Travel Companies Still Selling Dolphin Shows?

UPDATED 7/26/24: This morning, our team received a response from Thomas Cook stating: “We are currently investigating the issue you have brought to our attention regarding the sale of admissions to attractions that use captive marine mammals for entertainment. This appears to be a technical error that we are working to rectify immediately.” Hours later, many of the captive cetacean attractions that were bookable yesterday were no longer visible. We are glad that Thomas Cook has taken action, and hope that all the remaining dolphinariums will also be removed in the near future.

—————————————-

The travel industry plays a massive role in perpetuating the exploitation of captive dolphins and whales. The good news is some, such as Virgin Holidays, have committed to end ticket sales to aquariums and marine parks that display captive cetaceans. However, we have recently noticed that a few companies that announced similar commitments – namely Thomas Cook and Viator – still list bookings for captive dolphin and whale experiences.

In July 2023, Thomas Cook made the announcement that they would stop selling tickets to captive dolphin and whale facilities, but their site currently still lists tickets. A search for “dolphin” on the experiences page of their website pulls up a long list of bookable captive dolphin experiences. Our team reached out to Thomas Cook asking why these are still listed, but has not received a response.

Screenshot taken on July 25, 2024 of the “experiences” page on Thomas Cook’s website listing numerous bookable captive dolphin and whale experiences.

In 2019, Trip Advisor announced that they, along with their subsidiary Viator, would stop selling tickets to attractions with captive dolphins and whales. Thankfully they have largely remained committed to this, but there are a small handful of captive dolphin experiences that are bookable – namely one listed as “Swimming with dolphins in Sharm El Shaikh“ on Viator. The visitor photos clearly show this is a captive facility. Our team also reached out Viator about this but has not received a response.

TAKE ACTION

Help us ask these companies to commit to their promise! Below is a sample letter and contact information.

Thomas Cook customerservice@thomascook.com

Viator CSEU@Viator.com

SAMPLE MESSAGE

(Feel free to share you own views and experiences)

Dear [Company],

I have used your website/been a loyal customer to your brand for many years, but I was saddened to learn that you are still selling admissions to attractions that use captive marine mammals for entertainment. As you may be aware, dolphins and whales are incredibly intelligent and social animals, who cannot thrive in a captive environment. As we learn more about these mammals and their diminished well-being for the sake of entertainment and profit, we as a society must acknowledge that change is needed, and make a commitment to modify our behaviors. Therefore, I regret to say that I will no longer use your service until your company fully commits to not selling or promoting captive dolphin and whale experiences. I urge you to consider a policy change within your corporation, and look forward to rejoining your customer base at that time.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

OTHER TRAVEL COMPANIES

NOTE: There are also many other travel companies that have not yet made a commitment to stop promoting dolphin and whale captivity. See the full list of travel companies and their contact information here.

Featured image: Captive dolphins bear the full weight of a trainer during a dolphin show at SeaWorld San Diego, one of the facilities still bookable on Thomas Cook’s website. Credit: DolphinProject.com