SINGAPORE, 3 October 2019: TripAdvisor will no longer sell tickets for attractions that continue to contribute to the captivity of future generations of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The company statement confirmed that commercial facilities that either breeds or imports cetaceans for public display will be banned from sale on TripAdvisor and Viator. TripAdvisor all vouched that it would not generate revenue from the attractions either.
Products currently on sale and found to breach the new rules will be removed over the next few months, with the policy in full force by the end of 2019.
However, the new policy will not apply to seaside sanctuaries that provide care to cetaceans already in captivity.
The decision follows an extensive consultation process with experts, including marine biologists, zoologists and conservationists, and considered the scientific evidence and arguments presented from all sides.
It continues TripAdvisor’s commitment to improving the welfare of animals globally, particularly animals in tourism.
“The extensive evidence presented to us by the experts was compelling. Whales and dolphins do not thrive in limited captive environments, and we hope to see a future where they live as they should – free and in the wild,” commented TripAdvisor president experiences and rentals Dermot Halpin.
“We believe the current generation of whales and dolphins in captivity should be the last, and we look forward to seeing this position adopted more widely throughout the travel industry.”
Conservation groups and animal welfare experts welcomed the move as an important step forward.
TripAdvisor’s policy extension also takes into account that while it is possible to prevent future generations of cetaceans from a life of captivity, for those already in captivity, the situation is different.
For most of the current population of cetaceans, release into the wild is not a realistic option. Therefore, the policy includes several stipulations aimed at protecting the needs, safety and health of cetaceans currently in captivity, too.
“Our aim is not only to prevent future generations of whales and dolphins from being raised in captivity but also to encourage the industry to move towards alternative models, like seaside sanctuaries, that will better provide for the needs of the current captive population,” added Halpin.
Today’s announcement represents the latest extension of TripAdvisor’s industry-leading animal welfare policy, which first launched in 2016.
The policy already commits TripAdvisor and its subsidiary brand Viator to no longer sell tickets to experiences where travellers come into physical contact with captive wild animals, such as elephant ride and tiger petting experiences.
It was further enhanced in 2018, at which point TripAdvisor also banned demeaning animal shows and performances from the sale.
A seaside sanctuary environment is defined as a natural body of coastal water, such as a bay or a cove, that houses cetaceans in as close to a natural environment as possible while providing protection and oversight from qualified husbandry and veterinary staff. Seaside sanctuaries must adhere to a strict no- breeding policy, must not train their animals to perform in any shows or performances for public display, and must prohibit all forms of physical interaction between guests and the animals, including any in- water guest experiences.
Accreditation must be provided by a member association of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
